The History of the Paisley Breed of Dalmations

During the past century, there has always been a strong bond existent between British dog fanciers and the Dalmatian. It is said that these dogs have been known there for the past 200 years, and there has even been exploration of a theory that they are actually partially descended from the early English hunting hounds, the Talbot in particular, so similar are they to these dogs in type, character, and hunting ability.

Soccer Ball Dalmation by Michele Eve Photography

Dave and Sue MacMillan who are located at St. Paul, Minnesota own Paisley Dalmatians. When Paisley Preterit completed his finals in March of 1985, he became the 50th conformation winner owned or bred at Paisley. And through that same month, Paisley's QindaBritt became the 30th compliance Dalmatian to have earned a C.D. degree.

Quite possibly a century or two ago there was some Talbot blood infused into the European dogs who, by their striking appearance, caught the eyes of travelers from Great Britain, then gained their admiration by their intelligence, along with their strong guard dog tendencies, and thus were brought back to Britain with the tourists. There seems no disputing the fact that the Dalmatian has his roots in very ancient times, and that the evolutions in the breed have been numerous.

The Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog, averaging 22" to 24" tall at the shoulder and weighing approximately 50 - 65 pounds. He is most noted for his distinctively spotted coat, which occurs in two colors, black or a chocolate brown, properly termed as "liver". Either color is equally correct and, therefore, simply becomes a matter of personal preference.

Originally bred as a coach dog, he is an active dog, capable of great endurance. His heritage also includes a protectiveness that extends to all of his possessions, including his family.

The Dalmatian is an affectionate dog with a boisterous personality although this behavior is typically reserved for "his" people. With strangers, he presents a dignified and restrained manner until you have passed his inspection and been accepted into his fold. Some Dalmatians "smile" by baring their front teeth. The Dalmatian is easily known by its striking black-spotted pattern design. However, the origin of this interesting color pattern is still unknown.

Its name however, stems from Dalmatian, which is a region located in western Yugoslavia. This dog breed was recognized by the AKC back in the year 1888 and has remained popular ever since.

More Info
To learn more about the Paisley breed of Dalmations, there are many places you can turn online. Begin by keying in search terms like, “Paisley breed” and “paisley dalmations” into your favorite search engines like MSN, DogPile, Google or Yahoo. Check out popular websites, blogs, articles, videos and other links that appear in their listings.

You can also head to sites with all types of affordable products from books to CD / DVDs and more like Barnes and Noble, Amazon and the world’s largest auction house online, eBay. Again, search for your key phrases there and then sit back and relax while their individual engines bring up plenty of listings for you to review.

About the Author
Written by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - to visit the largest provider of dog car seat covers online, go to http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-car-seat-covers/

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Green Ringneck Parrots are the Happiest Birds in the World

We have a green ringneck parrot, and Mr. Stan is the happiest bird in the world. If you are feeling down, just walk into the bird room and Mr. Stan will immediately cheer you up.

Green Ringneck Parrot by Damien du Toit

There are lots of different parrots breeds, but I'd like to visit with you about the green ringneck parrots. There are actually two types of green ringneck parrots, the African Ringneck and the Indian Ringneck. The African Ringneck is the smaller of the two breeds, but they both have the happiest personalities of any parrot alive. The African Grey may talk better, the Cockatoo might be better at solving puzzles, the Amazons may be larger and more brightly colored, but no other parrot in the world is as happy as the little green ringneck parrot.

All you have to do to get Mr. Stan squawking and singing is just stick your head in the room. If he doesn't see you because he is playing, just whistle, and the concert begins. He will get all of the other parrots bouncing and squawking within seconds.

We went to Pakistan several years ago for a construction project, and found Mr. Stan in the local bird market. He was so friendly and enthusiastic that we brought him back to America when we came home. Don't try this yourself, the paperwork and expense of traveling with birds is not something that I recommend.

The Indian Ringneck is native to Pakistan and India, and it is common to see flocks in the hundreds. And the wild parrots are just as happy as Mr. Stan is.

At dusk, all of the birds would flock to the trees for the night, and there would be resounding chorus as all the different breeds of birds would start to bed down. But the loveliest chorus was the song from the little green ringnecks.

Parrot breeders have developed some color variations for the ringneck, and you can find them in blue and yellow. They have the same small body and the same enthusiastic personality, just a different color.

So, if you are looking for a parrot to take home, I would encourage you to think about the little green ringneck parrot, the happiest bird in the world.

You can visit http://www.caringforparrot.com to learn more about the green ringneck parrot.

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Inside the Modern Horse's Mouth - Dental Wear

Fossil samples dating back as far as 55 million years ago can help us determine how long horses (on average) lived. 55 million years ago the average longevity of the hyracotherium was 5 years of age. 20 million years ago during the Miocene, analysis indicates longevity of up to 15 years. 10 million yeas ago during the Pliocene period Equus population was thought to live up to 25 years.

Horses are herbivores and their teeth are designed for breaking down the hard structures like cellulose found commonly in the horses' diet. They have what are known as hypsodont teeth, meaning continuous eruption of the reserve crown of the tooth. This matches the loss of tooth from the grinding down caused during mastication.

Horse Mouth by Monte Hershberger

Numbers of teeth
Horses have 24 deciduous teeth (non permanent) and 36 to 44 permanent. The numbers of permanent teeth can vary mainly depending on gender. Male horses normally have 4 canine teeth; mares are often seen without any. 4 wolf teeth can sometimes be seen in horses, although 2 on each arcade on the upper jaw are most common. Male and female horses alike can show wolf teeth.

Types of teeth
There are 5 different teeth that can be found within horses' mouths:

INCISORS
These are the teeth situated at the very front of the horses' mouth. They are used in a pincer like action for nipping biting and defence. There are 12 in total, 6 on the top jaw 6 on the lower jaw. Incisors are used to age horses. The occlusal surface of each tooth changes in appearance dependant on how old the horse is. Initially these teeth are more oval in shape but as the horse ages the shape of the incisors becomes triangular. The Galvaynes Groove is seen on the corner incisor teeth. This is a longitudinal line that appears also used when ageing horses.

CANINES
Canine teeth are situated caudally to the incisors. There can be 4 in total. They are curved in shape with most of the tooth still under the gum line. They can be up to 7cm in length. They are relatively simple teeth that the ancestors of today's horses' would have used for defence.

FIRST PREMOLAR (WOLF TOOTH)
The wolf tooth is a small simple brachydont tooth, (short crown) although it can range in size from 1-25cm. There can be 4 in total. The roots of this tooth can vary from being non existent to being up to 30mm in length. These teeth can sometimes be found to erupt in varying places throughout the horse's mouth although more commonly they are situated just in front on the first cheek tooth.

PREMOLARS AND MOLARS (CHEEK TEETH)
Cheek teeth form 4 rows of 6 teeth that are accommodated in the maxillary (top jaw) and mandibular (bottom jaw) bones. These teeth are more rectangular in shape when a cross section is taken (down the transverse plane). The teeth on the maxillary arcades (rows) are wider and squarer than teeth on the mandibular arcades which are narrower and more rectangular. Ridges are seen on the buccal (outside) edges of the maxillary arcades in particular. Many dental overgrowths are a common occurrence here.

Tooth growth is seen on average at 2-4mm per year. The occlusal surfaces of these teeth are ridged to increase the amount of surface area for breaking down food. These teeth are used to grind foodstuffs in a circular sideways action.

Mastication (the chewing cycle)
The horses head is Anisognathic, (a-nee-so-nay-thic). Basically the top jaw is wider than the lower jaw. Mastication begins using the lips and incisors to nip the e.g. grass. The horse whilst grinding the grass between its cheek teeth uses its muscular tongue and ridges on the upper pallet to gradually work the food to the back of its mouth in a circular (spiral) motion and then swallows. Horses can only chew on one side of their mouth at a time, changing from one side to the other would mean they would drop the food. A horse should be comfortable to eat on both sides of their mouth. A horse has a great amount of lateral excursion (sideways movement) within their jaw. When eating lush feeds there is a greater amount of movement than when the horse eats dry feeds.

The temporomandibular joint
This is the joint joining the lower jaw to the head. It enables the jaw to move and laterally has a great range of movement; up and down the movement is limited. Unlike carnivores horses have a transverse power stroke in a lingual direction (towards the tongue), associated with their mastication cycle. Joints should wear evenly. If horses' teeth wear unevenly, it can cause pain within this joint due to uneven pressures being placed on it.

Photo Credit: Anneliez

Structure of equine teeth
ENAMEL
Enamel is the hardest and most dense substance in the body. It has a very high (96 - 98 %) mineral content making it almost translucent. Due to the absence of cellular inclusions (unlike dentine or cement) enamel can be regarded as dead tissue. It has no ability to repair itself once its ameloblasts die off. Enamel varies in thickness up to 3 times throughout areas of the tooth parallel to the long axis of the jaw but remains constant throughout the length of the tooth. Invaginated folds on the occlusal surface give strength to the tooth where the softer dentine becomes depressed.

DENTINE
The bulk of the tooth is made up of dentine; a cream coloured softer tissue comprising of approximately 70% minerals, 30% organic compounds and water. The type of tooth (shape and size) along with the compressibility and percentages of different organic components contributes to its overall strength.

The presence of dentine and cement dispersed between the hard enamel folds forms a very strong durable structure suitable for its purpose. Odontoblasts can synthesize dentine throughout their lives. This prevents the occlusal surface of the tooth from exposing the pulp during normal attrition.

There is a close working relationship between dentine and pulp with some of the structures of each working through each other. This sometimes leads to them acting as a single unit. Dentine is considered a sensitive living tissue.

Young tooth before eruption. Note the presence of cement and enamel covered by the dental sac and the large pulp chamber.

PULP
Pulp is soft tissue within the tooth that contains a connective tissue skeleton consisting of fibroblasts, thick collagen, connective tissue cells i.e. Odontoblasts, numerous blood vessels, allowing for continuous dentine deposition and nerves.

Pulp is found in large quantities in and around developing teeth. With age more secondary dentine is laid down as development of the tooth, requiring large quantities of pulp, ends. This makes them stronger and more solid.

Later in the tooth development the pulp chamber has formed two horns due to the laying down of dentine within the pulp chamber.

CEMENT
Cement / cementum are a cream coloured calcified dental tissue characteristically similar to bone. Its mineral and inorganic compound make up are similar to dentine and give it its flexibility. The extensive collagen fibres found within the inorganic component of cement are what attach the cement to the alveolar bone, stabilising the tooth. Cement is a living tissue nourished by the vasculature of the periodontal ligament (attaches cement on tooth to socket).

About the Author
Tammy Patterson is an avid horse rider who wishes to advertise the correct ways to be looking after horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in equine dentistry floats as well as carbide cutters in the UK. For more info, please visit, Anything Equine Dentistry.

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Freshwater Tropical Fish Guide - The Blue Gourami

The Blue Gourami, sometimes also called the 3 Spot Gourami, is a popular freshwater tropical fish for aquarium keeping. These fish are usually a light blue color and have three dark spots, one on the base of the tail, one in the middle of the body and the eye which looks like the third spot. The Gourami type of fish itself comes in several colors, the blue which you often see in pet stores, gold and opaline as well as a few other rear of varieties. These fish can grow very large and are best suited for larger aquariums.

Blue Gourami by Rafal Konkolewski 2004

The Blue Gourami is a fairly easy fish to keep and will exist fine on floating flake food that you probably feed to the majority of the other fish in your tank. However, like most creatures, these fish do need a little bit of variety and it's good to throw in some freeze dried blood worms or frozen brine shrimp every once in a while just to be sure they are getting all the vital nutrients that they need.

If you buy a Gourami fish that is very small, you might be able to start them off in a smaller aquarium but eventually you are going to have to get a 50 gallon or larger as the fish grows. This species can grow quite large and you want to be sure that you house them suitably. You also need to be sure that you have a good heater on the tank as these, like many other freshwater tropical fish, require the water temperature to be between 70 and 82°F. Other tank conditions include a PH of 6.0 to 8.8 and a hardness of 5-35 dGH.

Since these fish are used to thickly vegetated waters as found in their native tropical waters of the Far East, the Gourami will feel right at home if you have a lot of plants in your aquarium. They get along with other fish of their kind but you need to make sure that you have many Gouramis and preferably different types in the tank to keep them from ganging up on the other fish. It is best to have at least 4 Gouramis in the tank and even better if you can get a mix of the blue, gold and opaline varieties. Generally, you want to stick to having only one male in the tank as they can be territorial.

The Blue Gourami enjoys the company of the other varieties of Gourami. You could keep Gold, Blue and Opaline Gourami together peacefully in the same aquarium. Oddly enough, if your tank has only one variety of Gourami with other species of fish, the Gourami will gang up on the other fish. When you keep a mix of Gourami in the tank among other fish species, the Gourami tend to focus on their own type and leave the other fish alone. It is recommended that you have a minimum of four Gouramis in your tank, with a mix from the different varieties.

The Gourami can get along in the tank with other fish of the same size and can live peacefully with Barbs, Clown Loaches, Bala Sharks, Danios, Rainbow Sharks, Red Tail Sharks and Rainbows.

If you take excellent care of your Gouramis and provide them with the proper tank conditions, they can live to be four years old and grow to be 4 inches in length.

About the Author
Lee Dobbins writes for Fish Tank Guide where you can learn more about setting up and maintaining a fish tank as well as find out about tropical fish for your aquarium.

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Songs About Cats (or Are They?)

Perhaps the most famous Cat Song is The Siamese Cat Song recorded by Peggy Lee. The song is from the Walt Disney 1955 classic "The Lady and The Tramp", an animated film about a classy Cocker Spaniel named Lady who falls for Tramp, a scamp of a mongrel. The song however is about two arrogant cats, Si and Am, who have given Siamese cats a bad name ever since.

The Siamese Cat Song was penned by Lee along with Sonny Burke and over the years has also been recorded by Freddie and The Dreamers, Mitch Miller, Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin, Haylie Duff, and Bobby McFerrin. "We are Siamese if you please, We are Siamese if you don't please."

The Rock Cats by Christina Hsu

Both The Turtles and Petula Clark stepped into recording studios to make very different versions of The Cat in the Window, a song that compares a cat trying to get out of a window with the singer wanting to fly away. "There's a cat in the window, and he's watching all the birds go passing by, he'd love to fly out the window, go where the wind goes, and so would I."

Who can forget the Muppets recording of The Cat Came Back, a song about a kitty that just kept finding its way back no matter how far it was taken from home. "But the cat came back, she wouldn't stay away, she was sitting on the porch the very next day."

In 1950 folks were flooding into record stores and asking for I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat. Mel Blanc recorded the song, written by Alan Livingston, Billy May and Warren Foster, about the cartoon cat and canary duo Sylvester and Tweety. "I tawt I taw a puddy tat a creeping up on me, I did I taw a puddy tat as plain as he could be."

The Rooftop Singers followed up their 1963 number one hit Walk Right In, with Tom Cat a ditty about 'Ringtail Tom' who liked to go "strutting round the town". "And when he steps out all the other cats in the neighborhood they begin to shout." Fast forward to 1981 and the Stray Cats record a musically different song but with a very similar theme, the rockabilly Stray Cat Strut. "Stray cat strut, I'm a ladies' cat, a feline Casanova, hey man, that's where it's at, get a shoe thrown at me from a mean old man, get my dinner from a garbage can."

Norma Tanega apparently owned a cat that she named 'Dog' and liked to take that cat for walks, hence her 1966 hit Walking My Cat Named Dog, which does seem to be about her real life experience of strolling around town with her pet feline.

Most songs though that include the word Cat in the tile, are not truly about cats at all. A great example is the fine song, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. No cats make an appearance in this song; instead the lyrics contain a very chilling message that every dad should pay heed to.

Cat in a Cradle by Megan Pru

Bent Fabric, real name Bent Fabricius-Bjerre, had a hit in 1962 with Alley Cat, but this was an instrumental recording so it's not a song about cats. Instrumental too was Aaron Copeland's The Cat and the Mouse.

Cat People (Putting Out Fire) by David Bowie was recorded for the 1982 remake of the film Cat People. Great dark and menacing feel to the song but the words have no relationship to cats.

The cat in The Cat Crept In, recorded by Mud was actually a girl, as was the cat featured in The Rolling Stones' Stray Cat Blues, this one with exceedingly sharp claws.

They Call Her the Cat, by Elton John is about, well it's not about cats! Neither is Honky Cat, another Elton tune, that one is about a country boy moving to live life in the city.

Three Cool Cats, is a song that was first recorded by the Coasters in 1958 and covered by The Beatles in 1962 (but not released until 1995.) Of course this song is not about cats, but about three teenage boys and three teenage girls. The Beatles also recorded Little Willie John's Leave My Kitten Alone, no surprise to find that the song is not about a kitten.

U2 recorded a song titled An Cat Dubh, which apparently means The Black Cat in Gaelic, no cat in the song though, black or otherwise.

No cats are in Year of the Cat by Al Stewart, Cat Scratch Fever by Ted Nugent, The Lovecats by The Cure or in Cool for Cats by Squeeze. Who can say what The Cat's In the Well by Bob Dylan is about?

There must be countless other songs that have the words Cat, or Cats, in the title but are not actually about our feline friends. No doubt there are more songs that are about cats than those listed on this page, but those songs sadly seem few and far between.

But wait . . . wasn't there a stage musical all about cats. Cats, the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, was first shown in London, England in 1981. Based upon T. S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats the show features song after song about . . . Old Gumbie, Grizabella, Mungojerrie And Rumpelteazer, Skimbleshanks, Old Deuteronomy, Gus, Macavity, and Mr. Mistoffelees. All of these characters are, of course, . . . Cats.

About the Author Larry Chamberlain lives in London, England, and has had a lifelong fascination with domestic cats. His web site http://www.best-cat-art.com provides information about all that is best in cat art. Also pages about cat and kitten care and information on cat breeds and types.

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Origin and History of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

A recognizable ancestor of Rhodesian Ridgebacks was portrayed more than 6,000 years ago in Egypt. A hound with floppy ears and a ridge on its back was painted onto the mural of a tomb in 4000 BC. The original half-wild dog is believed to have been bred in Ethiopia and Sudan and to have spread to southern Africa, where the Hottentots used it for hunting lions and cheetahs. A rock painting in Zimbabwe shows dogs with ridged backs present during the preparations for the burial of a chief.

Rhodesian Ridgeback by Ruben Edelman

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Dutch and German immigrants to southern Africa brought with them their great Danes, salukis, mastiffs, bloodhounds, and other breeds. In the early 18th century, immigration from Europe was prohibited and the colonists needed a hunting dog. They needed a dog brave enough to keep lions at bay while hunters killed them, able to withstand the rigors of the hunt, and intelligent enough to avoid snakes and alligators, with a good nose, tough feet for running over rough surfaces, and a short coat that would not harbor ticks.

In about 1905 Cornelius Van Rooyen of Rhodesia began breeding what would become the modern Rhodesian ridgeback. He probably started with two female Hottentot ridgebacks, which he crossed with pointers, then added Airedales and Collies to the mixture. Greyhounds and Irish terriers are also thought to have entered the family tree at some point. The colonists noticed that those puppies born with ridges were loyal and made good protectors and hunting companions, so puppies with ridges were sought after and bred.

In 1900 Charles Robert Edmonds, an English veterinarian, arrived in Bulawayo, Africa, and met Van Rooyen's dogs. In 1923 he published an article entitled, "A Valuable Hunting Dog of Unknown Origin: Strong Characteristics."

In 1922 a standard defining the breed was set down by Edmonds and B.W. Durham, and it is still in effect. The standard is based upon that of a large Dalmatian. In 1924 the Rhodesian ridgeback was recognized by the Kennel Union of South Africa.

The dog was taken to Europe and the United States during the 1930's. In 1955 the American Kennel Club recognized the Rhodesian ridgeback breed, and the AKC has adhered to Edmond and Durham's breed standard. The breed is included in the hound group. In 1959 two Rhodesian ridgeback clubs were combined to form the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States.

Today the Rhodesian ridgeback is still used for hunting lions and other prey in southern Africa. In the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Rhodesian ridgebacks are used for hunting several species of animals. The list includes bobcats, lynxes, mountain lions, bears, coyotes, deer, wild boar and raccoons. Some have been trained to point to game and retrieve fowl and other game, but this dog breed still excels mainly in holding larger animals at bay until human hunters can shoot them.

These dog breeds are also used for hunting purposes in Australia, where it is sometimes used for flushing out birds and other small animals. In Europe the Rhodesian ridgeback can be a house pet, guard dog, watchdog, or police tracking dog. This relatively young but sturdy dog breed will undoubtedly be with us for many more years to come.

About the Author
Camille Goldin talks about the history and origin of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. She writes for TrainPetDog.com, a website that gives information on different Dog Breeds.

Pet Chinchilla Facts

The Chinchilla is by far one of my favorite pets. I have two of them at home and love them to pieces. The Chinchilla originates from South America in the Andes mountain region near Chile. There they were valued for their soft, sleek fur, which is why they almost became extinct. It has a very soft texture which feels great on clothing and was used for both large coats to small hats.

Chinchilla by Andreas Färdder

During the late 16th century they became a hot item in the fur trade industry in South America but as their popularity grew the Chinchilla became scarce and almost to the point of extinction. In the late 1800's, an American from California harassed the Chilean government enough to allow him to take some Chinchillas over the border into the United States and keep them as pets. When the Chilean government finally agreed, he started breeding them and eventually started the first Chinchilla farm. This was not a farm for the fur trade industry but rather a farm for raising Chinchillas as pets. This allowed the population to grow again and eventually take Chinchillas off of the endangered species list.

Chinchillas make greats pets but you have to know what you're getting yourself into before you become a pet owner. First of all, Chinchillas are nocturnal which means they do most of their daily activity at night. This could mean exercising, eating, or trying to communicate with the outside world which results in loud noises. If given the proper space and proper cages Chinchillas can keep themselves pretty busy throughout the night that they don't result to just making noises. However that means you need to have a cage big enough and access to an exercise wheel so that they can tire themselves out or keep themselves active enough so they're not chirping all the time.

The average life span of a Chinchilla can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years depending on the health of the Chinchilla. This is why it's important to make sure they get enough exercise and a good diet. They love to eat green plants, but also enjoy dried fruits. The best dietary source of food for them is loose hay.

The only other concern you may have with Chinchillas is fear of them developing fungus on their skin. This is due to the fact that Chinchillas don't sweat very well and if they are quite active and it's hot where you live then they are going to have a hard time cooling off which can also lead to heat stroke. It's very important to give your Chinchilla dust baths on a regular basis. The dist bath will soak up any oil and dirt from their fur keeping it clean, soft and thick. The Chinchillas enjoy this because they get to roll around in their dust bath and it feels good on their skin so do it regularly but if you notice that their skin is getting too dry then back off the dust baths for a while.

About the Author
Written by Tracy Morrison
If you want healthy, happy Chinchillas as pets then you need to take proper care of them. They're a great pet to own and can be very rewarding for you. Make sure you get all the information you can on Chinchillas so that your time with them is valued and not wasted.

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Parrots of the World

Many parrots of the world have become popular as house pets. To some new owners, their particular parrot is the most beautiful. To other new owners, all the parrots of the world are gorgeous, with flashing colors of red, blue, green, and yellow.

Most of the parrots of the world come from warm climates such as West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Australasia, South and Central America.

Parrots in Flight by Erik Schepers

Parrot Families
All parrots of the world belong to the order Psittaciformes. In that order there are two different families: Cacatuidas and Psittacidae. Cockatoos belong in the first family, while the second includes all the true parrots of the world.

Each family of parrots has subfamilies within it, and subspecies within that. Macaws, for example, belong to the Psittacidae family. Macaws are a subfamily group. Among macaws, there are at least 17 members:

• Hyacinth
• Glaucous Macaw
• Lear's Macaw
• Spix's Macaw
• Blue and Yellow Macaw, or Blue and Gold Macaw
• Caninde Macaw
• Military Macaw
• Buffon's Macaw
• Scarlet Macaw
• Green-winged Macaw
• Red-fronted Macaw
• Yellow-collared Macaw
• Chestnut-fronted Macaw, or Severe Macaw
• Red-bellied Macaw
• Illiger's Macaw
• Blue-headed Macaw
• Red-shouldered Macaw

Most Popular
People differ in their opinions of which parrots are more well-liked. Some look at the trendy parrots. Others consider the most prevalent in the pet stores. Some speak of which is more popular in this country or that, but of all the parrots of the world, the 5 most often dubbed popular are these.

1. Parakeets:

The common Parakeet, Budgerigar to be more precise, is from Australia, and is often chosen as a pet for children or those who are beginners at bird care, partly due to its low price. Colorful little “Budgies” are hardy, require little space, and are much lower maintenance than larger birds. They are very intelligent, and although content to whistle or sing quietly, some do learn a few words. The name “Budgerigar” comes from the Australian Aboriginal name for the parrot. It means “good eating” but most “Budgie” owners would be horrified to hear you say so. Among the many parrots of the world, this is probably the least expensive in both initial and upkeep costs.

2. Cockatiels:

Another Australian species, these medium sized parrots are known for sophisticated whistling and singing. While they can be taught to speak, many people find that the birds would rather whistle, and mimic random sounds, such as a ringing cell phone. A disadvantage to the cockatiel is that it uses a powdery substance to keep its wings water-proof, so owners often find their fingers dusty after handling the bird.

3. Sun Conures:

Among the parrots of the world, Sun Conures are one of the brightest. Their plumage is red, orange, yellow, blue, and green. Sun Conures have been known to talk well, but beware! These parrots often screech and scream rather than talk. Their 12 inch length means they will require a smaller cage than larger parrots, but you and your family may require earplugs. If you train your Sunnie to lower its voice, you will enjoy its antics, as these parrots tend to be playful.

4. Parrotlets:

Parrotlets, especially Pacific Parrotlets, are one of the smallest known parrots of the world – about 4 inches in length! They are also one of the most pernicious and spunky of all the parrots of the world. These tiny parrots learn to talk in a voice that sounds like that of a robot. This tiny voice, their size, and the fact that they do not scream, make them ideal for those who need a quiet companion.

5. African Greys:

African Grey Parrots are probably the most intelligent of the parrots of the world, and indeed, of all birds. These parrots are not as colorful as some. They are mainly grey, as the name implies. They do have a bright red or maroon tail, though, depending on the subspecies. African Greys excel at mimicry, sometimes learning as many as 1-2000 words. They learn other sounds, too, and may quickly learn to imitate a jet engine if you walk through an airport with them. Among the many parrots of the world, these may be the most demanding. Just like your toddler, these birds get bored and want their owners to provide entertainment. If you are looking for an intellectual, loyal, and affectionate parrot, the African Grey is probably a good choice.

How Many Different Parrots Are There?
All told, parrots of the world number more than 350 different species and subspecies! Due to loss of habitat, climate changes, hunting, and the trade in live birds as pets, some parrots have become extinct. Others are listed as threatened, or are on the “endangered species” list.

Life Expectancy
People who purchase a parrot, purchase a commitment that is likely to continue throughout their lives and beyond. Most parrot owners are already 20 years old or more, and parrots themselves often have a life expectancy of more than 50 years. Some live to be nearly 100 years old. Added to that long life expectancy, many parrots of the world tend to bond with a single person. If that person breaks the bond in some way, the parrot may die.

Before you ask a parrot to be your companion, think it through carefully. The bird may outlive you.

Photo Credits: Derbyan Parakeet by Dave Young, Cockatiel by Shiny Things, Sun Conure by Christoph Diewald, Parrotlett by Eric Hacke, African Grey Parrot by Deylon Duthie

About the Author
© 2007, Anna Hart. An avid reader and researcher, Anna explores parrot information and offers her gleanings at http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com. If you want to read more about pet parrots of the world, you won’t want to miss Anna’s articles.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=133637&ca=Pets

Dogs are Enjoying the Good Life

My wife, Malathi, loves dogs. She calls them "Sweetie." She also calls me "Sweetie." I don't know whether to smile or wag my tail.

It's really confusing. The other day, Malathi said, "Dinner is ready, Sweetie." I rushed to the kitchen, along with the dogs. "Silly dogs," I thought. "You're not getting any of my dinner." The meal looked delicious, and I would have complimented my wife, had she not placed it on the floor.

Doggone Fun by Larry Tomlinson

The two dogs got to the food before I could. Their heads, unfortunately, are closer to the floor. That allows them to quickly slurp food and anything else that looks remotely like food, such as dirty socks or tofu. If you own a dog, you may not need a vacuum cleaner.

Within a minute, the dogs -- a Labrador and Golden Retriever -- had licked their bowls clean and were looking up at us with expressions that said, "Come on, folks. When are you going to feed us?" Even if they've just eaten a big meal, they want to keep eating. They're a lot like me. Except that I'm too proud to beg. When the dogs are wolfing their food, I try not to sit in front of them and drool. Unfortunately, they never extend the same courtesy to me. I can't eat anything without enduring their sad-eyed expressions that say, "Oh please, we haven't eaten any food since last summer, when we ate all your tennis balls. If you don't feed us, we'll fill your entire home with drool."

The dogs aren't ours. We're just dog-sitting, until their owners return from vacation. Dog-sitting is a lot like baby-sitting, except for three major differences: (1) babies have trouble catching food with their mouths; (2) babies are usually uglier; and (3) babies are nicer to trees.

Most dogs in America are so lucky. They're fed and treated better than many children around the world. And they never have to do the dishes. You can't even get them to take the trash out. They must have a powerful union.

My wife knows a lot about dogs. She's a veterinarian specializing in epidemiology. It took me three weeks to learn how to spell "epidemiology" and another three weeks to learn how to pronounce it. I still don't know what it means. All I know is that Malathi loves animals, especially dogs. She kisses them and pets them and talks to them, making me wish I had four legs.

I think she likes dogs partly because they're better listeners than men. When she's telling one of her long stories -- usually about something amazing she heard on NPR (National Public Radio) -- the dogs will just sit there and listen attentively. I know what they're thinking: "If we sit still and act interested, maybe she'll feed us." Dogs are smarter than they look.

I don't mind Malathi babying the dogs, but I wish it weren't so confusing. The other night, she said, "Are you coming to bed, Sweetie?" I rushed to the bedroom, along with the dogs. "Silly dogs," I thought. "You're not snuggling in bed with us. Not until you learn to use mouthwash."

The Labrador jumped on the bed before I could. I looked at my wife. She looked at me with a puzzled expression that said, "Did someone call YOU to bed?" Then she petted the dog.

"He's going to be with us for only a short time," she said.

"OK, Sweetie," I said. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she said.

"I was talking to the dog," I said.

About the Author
Melvin Durai is a writer and humorist, author of the humorous novel "Bala Takes the Plunge". To read more of his humor, go to http://www.MelvinDurai.com

The Amazing Leopard Gecko

Attractive to lizard devotees for their ease in care, leopard geckos already have come to be one of the most well-liked lizards on the planet. Beginner owners will quickly fall in love with just how easy they are to care for, and will soon become expert keepers who have found joy and excitement with these amazing pet animals.

One factor that makes the leopard gecko so popular with individuals interested in the world of lizards may be the considerable amount of exclusive and vibrant hues available to the consumer. Through decades of procreation, fantastic and exotic shades and patterns have been developed, creating a wonderful assortment of leopard gecko morphs throughout the years.

Leopard Gecko by Amy Loves Yah

Some of the more famous leopard gecko morphs include tangerine, carrot-tail, tremper albino, bell albino, las vegas (rainwater) albino, stripe, reverse stripe, red stripe, jungle, giant, APTOR, RAPTOR, mack snow, line bred snow, patternless, enigma, eclipse, and blizzards just to name a few.

Breeders have carefully bred these morphs together developing several variations. These wonderful animals all have such exclusive looks and markings it really is easy to understand why the leopard gecko is considered one of the most majestic types of lizard in captivity.

This breed of lizard originally started in the Middle East - Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan area. Adult geckos can develop to become lengths of 8 to 12 inches long and weigh 60 to over 100 grams in captivity. The baby leopards are around three inches and average 3 grams in weight. These lizards are a terrestrial animal which signifies they prefer to live from the ground.

They are also nocturnal creatures, meaning that they're most active at night. With proper care from their owners they can easily survive up to 20 or more years. In order for you to keep them happy and healthy, leopard gecko owners have to provide their lizards with a number of important things.

These geckos shed their skin regularly. Because of this they require a humid environment that assists in them becoming able to properly shed their skin. Owners can help their lizards by providing a humid hide box. A humid hide box is fundamentally a hide box with damp sphagnum moss. This aids the leopard gecko within in the shedding process.

The leopard also requires a healthful diet plan. They store the additional weight inside their tails. This gives them a source of nutrition whenever there is a shortage. A leopard gecko which has a fat tail is really a healthy gecko.

They should also be supplied with a light and a heat source. It is essential to offer a hot and cold temperature gradient for the animal. A temperature gradient is basically having a warm end along with a cooler end of the enclosure, which will permit your pet to regulate its personal internal system and warmth.

Much like many other reptiles these geckos are prospective carriers of infectious diseases like salmonella. Owners must continually wash both hands before and following dealing with their leopard gecko and/or the environment and the material in it, to aid in the prevention of potentially passing on one of these illnesses.
As time goes on leopard geckos are gaining in popularity and will continue to be a singular example of probably the most favorite kept reptiles in the home. As their recognition grows, breeders will continue to breed more exclusive and fascinating morphs.

About the Author
Felix Silva is a leopard gecko enthusiast. He spends much of his time teaching others on how to properly care for their leopard geckos. If you would like to get some more leopard gecko information, please visit our site at http://www.leopardgeckoplanet.com and sign up for our free mini-course.