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At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, native Hungarian dog breeds have shaped the daily lives of the native people for more than a thousand years. Nine Hungarian breeds fall into three primary types: guard dogs, hunting dogs, and sheepherding dogs. There are obvious differences in purpose, size, body type, and coat; for instance, the sleek and athletic vizsla stands in stark contrast to the mop-like, sheep-mimicking appearance of the Komondor and the puli....

Few reference books include answers to one of the most common questions asked by fish owners. How long should my fish live? The answer varies greatly depending on the species of fish. However, in general, smaller fish have a shorter lifespan than larger fish, and fish that lay eggs live longer than those that give birth to live young. The two most popular species of fish—bettas and goldfish—are at opposite ends of the spectrum....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Common Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy a Caique Where to Adopt or Buy a Caique If you want a bird that is beautiful, intelligent, active, and very entertaining, a caique (pronounced “kah-eek”) may be the bird for you. These lively little parrots pack a lot of personality into a tiny bundle of feathers, and they’re known to be the clowns of the bird world....

Characteristics Origin and Distribution Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research Convict Tangs (Acanthurus triostegus) might not be the most colorful saltwater fish you can find, but with their flashy stripes and charming personality, these surgeonfish can be wonderful additions to the right saltwater tank. The black stripes on this tang harken to an old-fashioned prison jumpsuit, hence the name Convict Tang. In the wild, Convict Tangs live in large schools and spend their days foraging for food, namely seaweed/marine algae....

Some say tall narrow aquariums are best, others say wider is better. Is it a personal preference, or is there actually a difference between the size and shape? Personal preference certainly is important, but in tanks of the same water volume, shorter wider tanks do have benefits. Here’s why. Surface Area The most important benefit of a wider tank is that it has a larger water surface area. Fish need oxygen just like we do....

Crate training with cats isn’t as common as with dogs, but it is worth the effort. Kittens learn more easily and quickly than adult cats, but even set-in-their-ways felines can accept training to the crate. Many cat owners say “hates the crate” is a top reason cats don’t visit the veterinarian as often as they should, and many felines only see the crate when it’s time to be taken to the veterinarian or groomer....

Baking soda is a great multi-purpose substance to have in your household. From cleaning to deodorizing, baking soda has many uses. However, it is always prudent to ensure that any substance you plan to use in your home around your cats is safe. Cats are not small humans and may be negatively affected by things that are otherwise safe for humans. Here, we discuss how to safely use baking soda around your cat....

What Are Luxating Patellas? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Patellar luxation is a common problem, especially in small dogs, that can cause issues like cartilage damage, inflammation, pain, and even ligament tears. Recognizing the signs of patellar luxation and seeking treatment can help prevent further damage to your dog’s knees and help it live a happy, active life. What Is Patellar Luxation? Patellar luxation refers to a condition in which a dog’s knee cap (patella) slips out of the groove it’s designed to stay in....

Walking into a tack store can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many choices. This can be good because you can choose exactly the equipment that’s right for you and your horse. But, too many choices can leave you wondering if you made the right decisions and if you’ve made a mistake when you leave with your purchase. The two major pieces of tack you’ll be choosing when you get your first horse are the saddle and bridle....

Is it OK to Own a Southern Flying Squirrel Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Exercise Grooming Training Purchasing Similar Pets & Breeds Flying squirrels make adorable pet rodents for the right person. Southern flying squirrels are the smallest of the tree squirrels, but their northern cousins (a larger species) are also kept as pets. Southern flying squirrels are primarily nocturnal, with large, round eyes that help them see at night....

Is your indoor cat itching to go outside? It’s normal as a cat parent to feel a bit guilty about keeping your cat indoors all of the time, especially if they show interest in going outside. Many cats ‘ask’ to go outside without really understanding what awaits them outdoors. Replicating the outdoor experience exactly can be challenging though many pet parents can create a stimulating indoor environment for their cats through the use of enrichment activities, plenty of windows and cat-friendly plants and some outdoor solutions we discuss below....

Cats can be finicky and territorial, which sometimes means that multiple cats in the same house will need multiple litter boxes. But if your cats are willing to share, there are litter boxes that combine easy cleaning, spacious dimensions, and thoughtful design features that can help keep the peace in a multi-cat household. We purchased and tested 20 different litter boxes in our New York lab, looking especially for litter boxes that provide more than 400 inches of potty space....

Urine specific gravity is a term used to describe urine concentration. When your pet has a urinalysis that is performed by a veterinarian, urine specific gravity is one of the many things measured for both cats and dogs. This test is also given to humans as a diagnostic tool. An animal’s urine specific gravity measurement is used in conjunction with other test results to evaluate a pet’s health. The measurement will help the veterinarian evaluate your pet’s renal function by assessing whether ingested water is being excreted or sustained in the body at appropriate levels....

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming With a history spanning centuries and an impressively powerful stature, the Ardennes Horse stands out in any stable. Though this breed is plenty powerful, it’s also docile and even-tempered, making it a pleasure to work with. The Ardennes is one of the heavier breeds that you’ll find, but it’s well-suited for navigating challenging hilly terrain, making it a fabulous working horse....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Berger Picard is a medium-size herding dog breed from France that has a medium-length, wiry coat that forms its trademark shaggy beard, eyebrows, and mustache. Its erect ears are notably large and taper from a broad base to a slightly rounded tip. And its tail has a slight curve at the end....

Imagine: You have picked out and purchased your new aquarium, set up and tested the equipment, started up the system, and if you are not cycling the tank with live rock, you are now ready to add some fish to get things going. You think to yourself, what am I going to put in it? You recall that you really liked that fish you saw in the store the other day, you know, the one that had all the bright colors....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions Mexican red-knee tarantulas are actually two different spider species that are native to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Brachypelma hamorii and Brachypelma smithi both have vibrant reddish-orange “knees”—i.e., the middle portion of their legs—that contrast with their black bodies. As pets, these spiders are favored for their beauty, generally docile temperament, and long lifespan. They often make good pets for first-time spider owners....

The beautiful, cobalt-blue hyacinth macaw is the largest of all parrots. It is a rare and threatened species that should be kept only by a very dedicated owner who can provide for needs that are as large as the bird itself. This is a bird that is more common in zoos than it is in private homes—and for good reason. It is a rare owner who has the time, patience, and financial resources to care for a unique and sensitive bird that is nearly as large as a bald eagle....

Your security and your control of the horse depend greatly on having a “good seat” while sitting in the saddle. Horseback riding is a lot like dancing, and good posture and position are essential. Learn how to correctly position your hands, body, and legs while horseback riding. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: Plan to spend at least 30 minutes working on the correct position of your body, hands, and legs. What You Need:...

If a horse did not buck before you owned it, you need to figure out what has changed since the horse has been ridden by you. Ask yourself what has changed about its environment, health, feed, its equipment, and how your riding may differ from the previous owner’s. What Is the Horse’s Environment? A change in the amount of time your horse spends in its pasture and stall can cause behavioral problems....