It is a fact of life that purebreds or pedigrees are on top of the list of pets to own and with good reasons. Their characteristcs are known, good or bad. That way, it is easy to determine how the dog would fit in the family. For mixed breeds, however, it is a completely different situation. Generally, mixed breeds are of unknown heritage. There are some cases wherein one parent is known and the other half of the mix is not. It is not wise to assume that the offspring will get the characteristics of the known parent. It certainly does not work that way. Not knowing the history and the heritage can pose some problems especially in the determination of the dog’s temperament.

This is one reason why would-be owners are put off by mixed breeds or mongrels. What needs to be realized is that mixed breed dogs can turn out to be great pets and can develop characteristics that would mesh well with the family, depending on the function it has to fulfill.

Truth be told, there are advantages to owning a mixed breed dog. Here are a few of them:

You can get mixed breed dogs cheap or even for free. If cost is an issue, one option is going to animal shelter and acquire a dog for less than $100. In most cases, the fee already includes vaccination and general check up. What Purebreds can do, Mixed Breeds can do too! (Maybe, even better). Purebreds are known and trained for the functions they fulfill and they get accolades for being great in what they do. For Mixed Breeds, this is also possible with propert dog training. In fact, owners can do the training themselves with a little help from books and online resources. For fast paced tranining, dog obedience school would be a great option. Mixed Breed dogs are not high maintenance. Now, many would argue that if you look at things across the board, the cost of dog upkeep will just be the same for mixed breed and purebreds. This is true. However, aside from getting the mixed breed dog for a fraction of the price of a purebred, there is no pressure to dress up the dogs and subject them to fancy accesories and toys that cost big money. In the end, you still end up with lower maintenance cost.

These are just some of the advantages of owning a mixed breed or a mongrel. There are more and you can learn more about them at the Happy Mongrels blog.

If you are in the market for a pet dog, you might want to consider a mixed breed. You will be pleasantly surprised at how fun these dogs can be.

Descended from ‘working cats’ that came to America on ships like the Mayflower to hunt rats, selective breeding resulted in today s Domestic Short Hair. The Domestic Short Hair cat was renamed the American Short Hair in 1966 to better reflect this breed s heritage. Today, the name ‘Domestic Short Hair’ is given to cats whose parentage is in question. Adult male Domestic Short Hairs will reach an average weight of 11 to 15 pounds, but females will only weigh 8 to 12 pounds. They are considered fully mature at 3 to 4 years of age and can live 15 to 20 years.

The American Short Hair coat can come in many colors in patterns. In fact, almost 80 different patterns of colors are recognized in this breed. It is an all weather coat that is dense but won t mat. It should be brushed regularly to remove the dead hairs if the cat will not groom itself.

There are also as many different personality characteristics in Domestic Short Hairs from the stereotypical aloofness to the surprisingly friendly and social. This is a fairly healthy breed (part of its working cat parentage), so it is a relatively low maintenance breed, requiring nothing more than routine health care. However, some Domestic Short Hairs are prone to overeating, so it is important to give them plenty of opportunity to exercise and play. Those that cannot (or will not) engage in exercise will need to have its diet monitored closely to avoid potential problems with obesity.

There is a website that has great information on Domestic Short Hair and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

You have decided you want a cat as a pet, now it is time to decide what kind of cat you want. Some people want to go to their shelter and choose a cat that they can rescue which is a wonderful thing to do. But if you are more interested in a certain breed of pedigree it is best you learn something about the different breeds. Cats can live for as long as 20 years so better make sure you choose one that you are prepared to have a long relationship with. In this article I will highlight some of the traits of some of the most popular breeds of cats.

Get Free: Cat Breed Tips

First,Persians are a very popular breed of cat. They were named for the country the came from. Some say they can be traced as far back as to 1600 B.C., but no on knows for sure their exact beginnings. Their coats are long and full and very luxurious. They have a flat face with very expressive eyes that make for a very popular breed. They have short heavy legs that support their short stocky bodies. They do not jump or climb a great deal and prefer to lounge on your favorite chair like royalty. If you choose a Persian keep in mind they are best kept inside your home because of their long coats. They can become tangled and matted out of doors. They are a high maintenance cat as they require daily grooming. It is necessary to brush them daily to keep them from getting hair balls. But in spite of all the work they have a wonderful temperament and make an ideal family pet.

How to Choose: A Cat Breed

Second, the Birman cat is believed to have its origins in Burma. They were sacred animals and owned by high priests. They began their popularity in the west around 1925. They are usually large long and stocky. They have long silk hair, but it does not matte easily. Their coat is usually light in color with a golden cast. The points on the face, legs and tail are usually darker. They are also known for their big blue eyes and broad faces. A distinctive trait is their white feet. People who own this breed of cat say they have a great disposition and therefore make a great family pet.

Third, Burmese cats are known for their distinctive coloring. This is achieved by the breeding of them to Siamese cats.They come in a variety of colors and have a short silky coat, therefore they do not require much grooming. They are known for their round heads and large eyes. Burmese cats have a very distinctive personality. Some owners even compare their Burmese to a dog because they like to give and get affection and follow their owners.

Fourth, the British Short Hair is a very old breed of cat. Some trace their origins all the way back to Rome where it was used for hunting. It has a short plush coat that makes it easy to groom. These cats can be larger in size and like to stay on the ground rather than climb. They come in assorted colors. They are a loyal cat with a sweet personality and make a great family pet.

Lastly, whichever breed of cat you choose you will be in for a wonderful relationship with a smart independent animal that will become an integral family member.

The Tonkinese breed is widely considered a ‘newer’ breed, a cross between a Burmese and a Siamese, though some dispute this saying the breed existed in the 1800s. The first known Tonkinese was Wong Mau, a descendant of ancient Burmese. Wong Mau was bred with a Siamese and over time, the Tonkinese was bred into its own separate breed but it was not recognized as a distinct breed until 1984. This cat is a medium sized breed with males weighing eight to twelve pounds and females six to eight pounds.

Tonkinese (affectionately referred to as ‘Tonks’) have a short, thick coat that requires no more maintenance than once weekly brushing and come in three colors: pointed, mink and solid. The pointed coat is much like a Siamese and the solid is much like a Burmese. However, the mink is unique to the Tonkinese. It is a combination of a Siamese coat and a Burmese coat but not a blend. Usually, one half (legs only or the body) is one coat and suddenly, it becomes the other.

The Tonkinese personality is described as ‘the best of both worlds’. From their Siamese side, they take curiosity and intelligence. From their Burmese side, they take their easy-going personality. They are active and stubborn but not particularly high strung or stressed out. Tonkinese are social creatures. They enjoy their humans and get along well with other pets and children.

Tonkinese do not like being left alone and it is recommended that if they are going to be left alone for long periods of time, there should be two Tonkinese in the home. It is also useful to have a cat condo around for exercise and play, and to keep them out of trouble stemming from boredom. Tonkinese tend to have almost no genetic medical concerns though they are more prone to gingivitis than other breeds.

There is a website that has great information on Tonkinese and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Cats have long been one of man’s most constant companions. In the past cats where often kept in houses where they served an invaluable role in controlling household pests. In contemporary times, cats continue to be a favored house pet due to their intelligence, low maintenance, and warm personalities. There are many popular breeds of cats, but Siamese cats are among the most recognizable and popular.

Siamese cats originated in Southeast Asia, although the exact origins of the breed are unknown. It was not until the twentieth century that Siamese cats became popular in western cultures. Today, Siamese cats are among the most popular breeds of cats in the world, and it is no wonder.

The appeal of Siamese cats begins with their stately and unique appearance. Their streamlined shape, striking facial features, almond shaped eyes, and contrasting colors give Siamese cats a distinctive look that is different from any other breed. But Siamese cats are more than just a pretty face; they are renowned for their personalities as well.

Siamese cats are considered to be among the most social and extroverted of all breeds. They are warm and affectionate and often bond strongly to their owners. Consequently, Siamese cats are less independent that other cats and enjoy the confines of home with their owners. Siamese cats are also known for their distinctively loud, low pitched voice.

Despite their high intelligence, Siamese cats are not necessarily easy to train. While some cats may heed your instructions from the very beginning, others may have a more inquisitive nature that leads them into mischief. However, it is rare that Siamese cats scratch furniture, and it is likely that they will prefer a carpet or scratching post to your precious sofa. But it is equally likely that you’ll occasionally find your Siamese cat perched on top of your bookcases or even your refrigerator. You would be wise to keep any breakable items off the top shelf!

Siamese cats should always be purchased from a reputable breeder. Good breeders will ensure that your cat has pure bloodlines, proper inoculations, and have developed their physical and social abilities enough to make the adjustment to a new home and owner.

In the 1960s a Persian was crossed with a Domestic Shorthair in an attempt to create a Persian with only short hair. The result was today’s Exotic, a breed that looks strikingly similar to the Persian, but with less maintenance involved, hence the nickname, ‘the lazy man’s Persian.’ There are long- and shorthaired varieties of Exotic. The coat of a Longhaired is very similar to a Persian. It is very thick and dense, and requires daily grooming, along with regular bathing. The Shorthaired Exotic coat is, well, short. However, that does not mean it does not require some maintenance from the owner.

Though Shorthaired Exotics tend to be able to keep themselves clean via regular grooming, the occasional brushing is recommended to lower the occurrence of fur balls. Both Long- and Shorthaired Exotics are seen in a wide array of colors and both will shed, though not nearly as much as a Persian. Both tend to be of an average size and weight and tend to live around twelve years, though they are not considered mature until approximately two years of age and enter puberty later than other breeds.

Exotics, though loving towards their human families, tend to be aloof. They do not demand much attention or interaction, but, from time to time, will want to enjoy their company. This is accomplished not by tricks or antics but by sitting and waiting patiently while staring to get their point across. This does not mean that Exotics are not playful. They do enjoy the occasional romp around the house and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. They do well with children and other pets but some children may not like their independent nature.

The Exotic does have some health concerns. Since it was bred with a Persian, Exotics have flat faces, making their tears prone to overflowing and staining the face. They can also suffer from constricted nostrils (causing them to breathe loudly), dental malocclusions, seborrhea oleosa (itchy, dry skin or hair loss), and polcystic kidney disease. Exotics are also prone to ringworm.

There is a website that has great information on Exotic and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Domestic cats make great pets for most homes because they are very easy to care for and generally bond easily with humans. Most of the societies and cultures around the world have made it a practice to adopt cats into their family structures. However, domestic cats do vary quite a bit in their physical design and personalities from one breed to the next. Choosing a cat breed that suits you and your family is not a task that should be taken lightly. Nor should choosing a cat breed that suits you seem like a difficult task.

The first consideration when choosing a cat breed is the size of your living area. You may always think of cats as being leisurely lounge lizards, but many breeds spend as much time playing as lounging. Playful cat breeds need plenty of room to play. Also, the larger the play area and the more there is to do, such as another cat to interact with, the less likely the cat is to go mad if it doesn’t see you much for a few days.

That leads to the second consideration when choosing a cat breed. You need to think about how much time your family is going to be able to spend with the cat. If your new little friend doesn’t at least get a couple of gentle touches and a cuddle every other day, it will go mad. Although how much attention is necessary has a lot to do with the breed. The other part of the time consideration is that some cats require more grooming maintenance such as bathing and brushing. A busy family should get a cat with short fur.

The third consideration when choosing a cat breed is allergies to cats. These allergies are not uncommon, but there is much variance in the degree in which they manifest themselves. Someone with a very heavy cat allergy probably should not own a cat. Someone with a light allergy that results in a few sneezes or coughs a day can have a cat, but should be careful in choosing a cat breed that will minimize allergen exposure. For example, you will want to choose a cat breed that has short fur and rarely sheds its fur to reduce your exposure.

The fourth, and probably most often forgotten, consideration when choosing a cat breed is the cost of taking care of that breed. Some breeds are hardier than others. Many breeds have common ailments, such as deafness or fur balls, that may get costly in veterinarian visits. Also, a cat that weighs half as much and has a lazy temperament will eat less than half as much as the cat that weighs twice as much and is packed full of energy.

The fifth, and final, consideration when choosing a cat breed is how the personality of the kitty matches up with the other personalities of your family. Cats come in different temperaments. There are lap, child-friendly, indoors, independent hunter, and jealous, one-person cats.

The name ‘Oriental’ does not refer to a specific breed of cat, but a group of cats originating from Southeast Asia. Siamese is the most familiar (specifically, a Siamese without points), but Oriental can also refer to Japanese Bobtail, Burmese, and Balinese to name a few. Oriental cats are either longhaired or shorthaired and come in nearly 300 varieties of colors and markings. Longhairs do not require much brushing of the coat and it does not tend to mat making it one of the lower maintenance longhaired breeds. However, longhair varies are known to have problems with fleas so it is important to introduce baths early on in case a flea bath becomes necessary. Shorthairs have a coat that lies close to the skin and is described as silky.

Other than occasional brushings, it is a low maintenance coat. Orientals are small and lean cats (some can be three feet long), living approximately fifteen years. Mature males will weigh between nine and twelve pounds and females, four to eight pounds. They are described as loud and talkative, as well as curious and intelligent.

Orientals are playful, and have been known to use almost anything include breakables and valuables as toys. They enjoy heights and jumping so they would enjoy a cat condo, but do not enjoy the outdoors. They make an excellent family pet and are good with children, provided the children play gently. Orientals are ‘people cats’ and need lots of love and attention from them. Failure to provide adequate attention will result in boredom, which will result in trouble.

Because Orientals have a large gene pool, they are less likely to suffer from genetic problems, but since many of them have Siamese in them, Orientals are more likely to have issues with nystagmus (crossed eyes) which is not serious and will not medically affect the cat. Some Orientals are also prone to heart defects and some have issues with obesity if they do not get adequate exercise.

There is a website that has great information on Oriental Cats and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.