10 Least Popular Dog Breeds

 

Being “least popular” doesn’t mean these dogs aren’t great companions. What is your favorite breed?

1. The Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund has several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog, including six toes on each foot, ears that fold closed, forward, and backward at will, and the ability to tip their head backwards until it touches their back bone, says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson.

These physical traits all helped the breed perform its original job as a Puffin hunter. When the bird became a protected species in the 1800s, the breed numbers dwindled. They were saved from near-extinction after World War II in Norway, Peterson shares, but their numbers today remain limited. Their even temperament, small size and charming personality makes them a wonderful, easy-to-live-with pet.

2. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Originally bred to hunt otters and badgers, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier makes an excellent housedog, In addition to their hunting qualities, they’re intelligent, enjoy children and make excellent guard dogs. They do, however, have a will of their own and will sometimes obey commands reluctantly, requiring a strong hand in training. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier also has an interesting appearance, Peterson explains, with a fluffy head of hair, long and low body and tail curved like a sword.

3. Otterhound

Developed in England to hunt otter that preyed on fish in the country’s rivers and streams, the Otterhound is a large, strong dog with a rough double coat and substantially webbed feet. The breed became less popular in England when otter hunting was banned and never ended up gaining wide popularity in the United States. Recognizable by their striking, shaggy coat, Otterhounds are also amiable, even-tempered and unfailingly devoted to their families.

4. Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee) or Xolo is one of the world’s oldest and most rare breeds. Having originated in Mexico, the Xolo is known as the first dog of the Americas. The breed was first AKC-registered from 1887 to 1959 as the Mexican Hairless, but efforts to establish the breed was met with little success because no large-scale breeding programs existed to promote good quality in the breed. Today’s Xolo re-entered the AKC in 2011 and comes in three sizes-toy, miniature and standard and can be hairless or coated. The breed also has a unique and unusual history. “With a reputation as a healer, the breed and its warm skin is often put to use in remote Mexican and Central American villages to ward off and cure ailments like rheumatism, asthma, toothaches and insomnia,” Peterson shares.

Read more at the source.

10 Signs Your Cat Actually Loves You

St. Patrick’s Day Pups

Did you know? Dog breeds that originate in Ireland are the Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, and the Kerry Blue Terrier. Check out this article for more photos of cute St. Patrick’s Day pups sporting green.

Strange Facts about Cats

Dental / Teeth Cleaning for Dogs and Cats

 

Can you imagine what your teeth would look like if you never brushed them? It’s no different for cats and dogs, though many pet owners don’t pay very much attention to their pet’s dental health. Bad breath and dirty teeth are unappealing, but many pet owners aren’t aware that these may be indicators of gum disease that can spread to the kidney, heart, and liver. The gums are a boundary to the bloodstream, so unless you are regularly providing dental care for your pet, you are neglecting an important factor in their overall health and putting them at a higher risk for serious illness.

85% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease, so chances are your pet could use a dental exam. Even if your pet doesn’t have stained teeth, bacteria can still be present below the gum line, so it’s important to have your pet’s oral cavity examined by a professional. In fact, if your pet has bad breath, they have a form of dental disease.

Without proper care, plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar. These areas spread as long as they are untreated and result in gum disease, tooth loss, and pain. Remember, your pet feels the pain of a toothache just like you do, and worst of all they can’t tell you they’re in pain. You wouldn’t go weeks or months without dealing with a toothache, would you? If your pet doesn’t receive routine dental care, they could be experiencing pain in their gums and jaw.

The best thing you can do to prevent dental disease is to call TriCity Veterinary Hospital to schedule an appointment for your pet. You have to do your part at home with brushing and special dental chews, but your veterinarian plays a vital role in your pet’s dental health as well. Annual dental exams are a necessary part of your pet’s overall health, so call us at (510) 796-8387 or come by in person to talk about your pet’s dental health today.