Lets explore the differences between a Bulldog and a Pitbull. Due to their similar physical appearance, American Bulldog and American Pitbull Terrier are often confused. But the truth is that these dogs vary in a number of aspects such as origin and history, behavior, and characteristics. American Bulldog belongs to mastiff group while American Pitbull Terrier belongs to terrier group. The present article will reflect on important aspects that differentiates these working breeds of dogs.

History and origin:

American Bulldog:  Originally bred for hunting and guarding, American Bulldogs are believed to evolve from English bulldogs. The breed was earlier used for bull baiting, and for guarding purpose. The American Bulldog, which we see today, is the result of efforts of Dr. John D. Johnson who saved them from extinction.

American Pitbull Terrier: American Pitbull Terrier, or simply known as Pitbull, was produced as a result of breeding of Old English Bulldogs and Old English Terriers which came from Ireland and England. Similar to American Bulldogs, Pitbull was also used in blood sports such as bull baiting or bear baiting etc before it was banned.

Temperament:

American Bulldog: Confident, fearless, courageous, and socially active are the traits that perfectly fit for

The City of Cape Town's 2010 Animal Bylaw became effective on 1 April 2012. It applies only to animals kept on premises within the jurisdiction of the City of Cape Town. The provisions apply with immediate effect but some exceptions are granted. These are discussed in point 5 below.

The City of Cape Town's 2010 Animal Bylaw prescribes:

1. MAXIMUM ALLOWED

The maximum number of dogs and cats that are allowed to be kept, depending on the size of the dwelling/property, are as follows:
Flat/Duplex - 2 Dogs / 4 Cats Dwelling House: Less than 600 m² erf - 3 Dogs / 4 Cats Large Dwelling House: More than 600 m² erf - 4 Dogs / 4 Cats Agricultural Property: Land zoned for Agricultural use - 6 Dogs / 6 Cats

2. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS WITH REGARD TO DOGS

REGISTRATION

2.1 All dogs must be registered with the Council. Visit the following website: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. more information.

2.2 The exact wording of the provision relating to registration of dogs is somewhat problematic. It requires as follows: "3(1) The owner of a property where one or more dogs are kept must register the dog or dogs with the Council." This appears, oddly, to

A wild dog grooms himself and maintains his claws, skin, teeth and coat in good condition. However, certain inherited characteristics in dogs, or an unnatural diet or unsuitable exercise regimen, can lead to a need for special attention.

GROOMING

Dogs with long coats require regular combing and brushing. Tangling or matting of the coat can lead to skin disease. The dog should enjoy this attention from the outset. If this proves difficult at home, seek help from a professional dog groomer. Some dogs benefit from clipping in early summer, to prevent overheating.

TOENAILS

A dog who has plenty of exercise, including on abrasive or hard surfaces, will usually keep his toenails healthy. But many dogs require some help in maintaining toenail length and condition. This can be a result of conformation (if the foot is flat. the toenails will grow longer before wearing on a surface) or because the exercise regimen is not ideal. A vet is usually very willing to help with clipping toenails, but it is also something that can be done at home. A good-quality set of toenail clippers is required. It is important that the dog should not be hurt by the procedure. Many dogs acquire

If your heart is set on acquiring a purebred cat, there are several advantages to buying from a private, small-volume breeder. If the breeder is local or near the town or city you live in, you can visit the cattery and see first-hand the environment in which the kitten was born and raised. You also can see what the dam (the mother), and sometimes the sire (the father), of your kitten looks like.

Usually, other cats from the same bloodline are present to give you a good idea of what your kitten's appearance and temperament will be like when grown. Also, when you buy from a small-volume breeder, you gain the opportunity to establish a relationship with someone who can share his or her experiences in raising and showing that particular breed.

Research Information about Cats

Before you buy, first research the cat breed that interests you in order to learn about its temperament, genetics, and care. Some breeds, such as the Siamese and Abyssinian, are highly active and energetic, while others, such as the Persian, are noted for their quiet, passive personalities. Make sure the qualities inherent in a particular breed match your own personal preferences for a feline

Dangerous Foods for Dogs

Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table really hurt your dog?

Well, that depends on what it is and what's in it. A chip with guacamole can cause your dog some real problems.

In fact, there's a lot of "people food" your dog should never eat. And, it's not just because of weight.

Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs -- and some of these common foods may surprise you.

Avocado

No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin.

It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs.

If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.

Alcohol

Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it's good for your dog.

That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans.

But it takes far less to do its damage. Just

Dangerous Foods?

Because they're such picky eaters, we sometimes think cats know what’s best for them when it's time to eat.

But the fact that they'll walk away from a piece of bad meat doesn't mean they'll bypass an open can of tuna.

And that can of tuna can be just as dangerous. In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat.

Tuna

Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans.

Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt.

But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs.

And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach."

Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation.

Onions, Garlic, Chives

Onion in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can break down a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia.

That's true even for the onion powder that's found in some baby foods. An occasional small dose probably

1. Border Collie: A workaholic, this breed is the world's premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct, and working ability.

2. Poodle: Exceptionally smart and active. Bred to retrieve things from the water. The miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting.

3. German Shepherd: The world's leading police, guard, and military dog -- and a loving family companion and herder.

4. Golden Retriever: Intelligent and eager to please. Bred as a hunting companion; ideal as a guide and as assistance with search-and-rescue operations.

5. Doberman Pinscher: Known for its stamina and speed. Bred to be a guardian and in demand as a police and war dog.

6. Shetland Sheepdog: The "Sheltie" is essentially a miniature working Collie. A rough-coated, longhaired working breed that is keenly intelligent. Excels in herding.

7. Labrador Retriever: An ideal sporting and family dog. Gentle and intelligent.

8. Papillion: A happy, alert breed that isn't shy or aggressive. Known as Dwarf Spaniels in the 16th and 17th centuries, they reach 8-11 inches high.

9. Rottweiler: Robust and powerful, the breed is happiest with a job. Suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog,

Dog owners can download a mobile app for Android and iOS that helps them look for veues within South Africa that are pet-friendly.

DoggyDo, which is a free app on both Android and iOS platform lists “dog-friendly” restaurants, accommodation, dog-related businesses. It also helps dog owners find nearby vets.

Get more information: http://www.doggydo.co.za

“Venues get listed by signing up and filling out a simple form which gives me all the info I need,” app developer Shani Judes told Fin24.

The app requires significant user data permissions upon installation, including identity, location, phone, camera, device ID and Wi-Fi information.

“The geo-located function helps users find what’s around them, which is great for visiting new places and in emergencies when one needs a vet,” said Judes who calls herself a “doggy parent”.

The application was inspired by her pet Bennett a Welsh Terrier, and Judes said that there were no immediate plans to expand the platform to other pets.

“I’m very dog orientated, and there aren’t really other pets you can take places. I do have another app in mind but it’s confidential for now.”

Source: www.fin24.com/Tech/Mobile/sa-dog-friendly-app-launches-20160122?isapp=true

We all love taking our furry friends to the beach during summer. And since sandy paws equal happy dogs, we’ve sniffed out the most popular beaches in South Africa where dogs can run, swim, and frolic in the sand.

Although most beaches are open to dogs, they have varying policies. It is always a good idea to contact the local municipality or tourism office if you are new to the area. Signage are put up at most beaches, detailing the rules of each beach and if dogs are allowed or not.
In most provinces, only leashed dogs are allowed. Also make sure you take enough water with you, as well as sufficient plastic bags for doggie doo.

We have put together a list of dog-friendly beaches in South Africa.
These might change in future - always look at the sign posts at the beach to make sure.

Dog Friendly Beaches in WESTERN CAPE

Beaches where dogs are allowed without a leash are:
Clifton 1st - Beta beach in Bakoven
Sunset in Sea Point - Froggy Pond
The middle section of Hout Bay beach - Long beach Kommetjie
Long beach Simon’s Town - Bachelors Cove
Dolphin - Doodles
Moses - Mackerel

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

At first the PBGV it looks like a Basset Hound with longer coat, but don’t confuse the two as they have some unique characteristics.

I came across this breed when doing some research, and immediately I loved the breed. When I started looking for available PBGV’s in South-Africa I could not find one source, one breeder or advert anywhere. I then contacted KUSA which also replied that they do not know of any breeders of this breed in South Africa. I was amazed as this is seems to be a popular breed in Europe.
I then contacted breeders in the UK and all responded that they also do not know of anyone that has a PBGV in South Africa, if you want to import a pup it will cost you a fare bit. The pup, transport and needed vaccinations you are looking at approximately R30 000.

If you do consider importing a PBGV I suggest you read the following feedback sent from a breeder in the UK:

“There is a DNA test just been released last week at Crufts to test for glaucoma and it will take a good few months before

A French farm dog, a miniature herder and a curly-haired truffle hunter have been added to the list of pure-bred canines maintained by the American Kennel Club, the New York-based organiation said on Monday.

By being added to the list, the trio of rare dog breeds will be eligible to compete in the annual Westminster Dog Show and other prestigious competitions around the country. Among the newcomers is the Berger Picard, a medium-sized, wiry-haired canine hailing from France. The Berger Picard, which belongs to the herding group, is known as an energetic and friendly farm dog, the American Kennel Club (AKC) said.

The Miniature American Shepherd, a small herding dog popular with equestrians and often seen at horse shows, was also added to the list. Like its Australian Shepherd relative, the miniature version can have either brown or blue eyes, or one of each. Also making the cut was the Italian Lagotto Romagnolo, a medium-sized sporting dog with thick curly hair that is bred to sniff out the valuable truffle mushrooms. The American Kennel Club currently recognises more than 180 dog breeds.

[http://www.news24.com/Green/News/3-new-dog-breeds-added-to-American-Kennel-Club-list-20150616]

Children and Kittens are irresistible, but they have to be taught how to handle each other properly. Not only can a child injure a fragile kitten, but an animal frightened or annoyed by a child’s unintentional roughness may defend itself and bite or scratch the child. To avoid such mishaps, teach your child that pets are not toys, and supervise all physical contactbetweensmall children and pets. If the child pull son the cat’s ear or tail, remove his hand and show him how to gently stroke the animals fur., explain to your child that loud screams and sudden movements may frighten the cat. Show your child where cats like to be stroked most-under the chin, behind the ears, and on the neck and back. Explainthat some cats do not like to be stroked on their stomachs and rumps, while others will tolerate it from people they know and trust. Teach your child how to properly pick up and hold a cat.

How to pick up a cat

The proper way to pick up a cat is to put one hand under the chest behind the forelegs and the rump to support the rear legs and body. Cradle that cat

He’s so fluffy, you could die! The latest addition to your family, a lovely, furry little thing that can literally turn you into that overexcited little girl in the movie “Despicable Me” – he’s so great for cuddling and nuzzling. All of you are likely to be blindly in love with the puppy for, at most, a week. After that, all members of the family will be pointing fingers at who should have the turn to take the cutie out for a tinkle or a poop session. You all love the puppy dearly but he will prove to be quite a handful and a big challenge for the family.

Training Puppies

One of your responsibilities as new pet owners is to housebreak your puppy. This way, before his natural temperament completely takes over and habits form, you can lead him to the right path of development that will not only benefit him but also your whole family. To housebreak the doggie and protect your home dynamics and relationship.

Do your homework.  Learn more about the specific breed of your puppy because their breed will determine their characteristics and developmental needs. Knowing these things will allow you to modify your

Get to know everything worth knowing about Chinchillas

Chinchillas are medium sized rodents native to the Andesmountains in South America. Chinchillas are named after the tribe that hunted the chinchillas for their dense fur, the Chinchas. A chinchilla is therefore a fairly rare animal in its natural habitat today.

Chinchillas feed on nuts, seeds and berries. They can defend themselves by spraying urine and releasing their fur when they are under attack.

In more recent years people are beginning to keep chinchillas as pets. Chinchilla domestication occurred in the 1920s when an engineer in Chile took a group of chinchillas to California. Since then chinchillas are bred as pets and sold all around the world. When handling chinchillas, it is important to not pick them up from underneath like a rat or hamster, because they have a feature called "floating ribs". Their ribs are not fully attached to their spine and if pressure is applied upwards, the ribs could puncture vital organs and kill the chinchilla. Pet chinchillas require frequent attention as well as a supply of dust for "dust baths".

Animal Facts

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Rodentia

Family: Chinchillidae

Genus: Chinchilla

 Scientific Name:

Introduction Bettas

The Siamese fighting fish (Bettas), also sometimes colloquially known as the Betta (Betta splendens), is a species in the gourami family which is popular as an aquarium fish. This species is native to the Mekong basin of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, where it can be found in standing waters of canals, rice paddies, and floodplains. They are called pla-kad (biting fish) in Thai or trey krem in Khmer. They tend to be rather aggressive.

History of Bettas

The people of Siam and Malaya (now Thailand and Malaysia) are known to have collected these fish prior to the 19th century from the wild.
In the wild, Bettas spar for only a few minutes or before one fish backs off. Bred specifically for fighting, domesticated Betta matches can go on for much longer, with winners determined by a willingness to continue fighting. Once one fish retreats, the match is over.

Seeing the popularity of these fights, the king of Siam started licensing and collecting these fighting fish. In 1840, he gave some of his prized fish to a man who, in turn, gave them to Dr. Theodor Cantor, a medical scientist. Nine years later, Dr. Cantor

Those stiff hairs on your cat’s face and legs don’t just add to her cuteness -- they have real work to do. Whiskers are GPS and radar systems for your cat.

“They are a powerful and important part of how a cat senses the world,” says W. Mark Cousins, DVM, the founder of a veterinary clinic in New Orleans.

How They Work

Each thick whisker is filled with tiny, super-sensitive nerves that help your cat judge distance and space. It’s how she makes decisions like: Is this box too small to get inside? How far do I need to jump to reach that counter?

It’s also how she detects what’s around her. “Cats that are blind can navigate rooms very well by just walking around and letting their whiskers get a sense of where they are spatially,” Cousins says.

The follicles -- the sacs that hold the hairs -- are deep, with lots of nerve endings that send messages to the cat’s brain.

There’s also a sensory organ at the tip of each whisker. It picks up vibrations in the environment that help the cat sense where she is and what other creatures are around her.

Most whiskers are

Dangerous Foods for Dogs

Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table really hurt your dog?

Well, that depends on what it is and what's in it. A chip with guacamole can cause your dog some real problems.

In fact, there's a lot of "people food" your dog should never eat. And, it's not just because of weight.

Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs -- and some of these common foods may surprise you. 

Avocado 

No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin.

It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs.

If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.

Alcohol 

Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it's good for your dog.

That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans.

But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause

Your first pet

Owning a pet is great fun but a huge responsibility. All Animals need regular routine and lots of love and attention, but most importantly, pets need owners who are going to stay interested in them and committed to them all their lives.

Anyone who has ever enjoyed the company of a pet knows just how strong the bond can be. Children learn the meaning of loyalty, unselfishness and friendship by growing up with animals. elderly or lonely people often depend on a pet for company and it has been proven that animals can help in the prevention of and recovery from physical or mental illness.

The decision to bring a pet into your home should always be discussed and agreed by everyone in the family. bear in mind that parents are ultimately responsible for the health and well-being of the animal for the rest of its lifetime. If you are not prepared for the inevitable expense, time, patience and occasional frustration involve, then you much rather not have a pet.

Being responsible for a pet will completely change your life, but if you make the decision to go ahead, think about offering a home to one of

Excessive Weight in Cats

Obesity is a nutritional disease which is defined by an excess of body fat. Cats that are over nourished, lack the ability to exercise, or that have a tendency to retain weight are at risk for becoming obese. Obesity can result in serious adverse health effects, such as reducing the lifespan of an affected cat, even if the cat is only moderately obese. Multiple areas of the body are affected by excess body fat, including the bones and joints, the digestive organs, and the organs responsible for breathing capacity.

Obesity usually occurs in middle-aged cats, and generally in those that are between the ages of 5 and 10. Neutered and indoor cats are at the highest risk of becoming obese, due to lack of physical activity, or changes in metabolism.

If you would like to read how obesity affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

Symptoms

• Weight gain
• Excess body fat
• The inability (or unwillingness) to exercise
• An above-ideal score in a body condition assessment

Causes

There are several causes of obesity. The most common cause is an imbalance between the energy intake and

Excessive Weight in Dogs

Obesity is a nutritional disease which is defined by an excess of body fat. Dogs that are over nourished, lack the ability to exercise, or that have a tendency to retain weight are the most at risk for becoming obese. Obesity can result in serious adverse health effects, such as reducing the lifespan, even if your dog is only moderately obese. Multiple areas of the body are affected by excess body fat, including the bones and joints, the digestive organs, and the organs responsible for breathing capacity.

Obesity is common in dogs of all ages, but it usually occurs in middle-aged dogs, and generally in those that are between the ages of 5 and 10. Neutered and indoor dogs also tend to have a higher risk of becoming obese.

If you would like to read how obesity affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

Symptoms

• Weight gain
• Excess body fat
• The inability (or unwillingness) to exercise
• An above-ideal score in a body condition assessment

Causes

There are several causes of obesity. It is mosty commonly caused by an imbalance between the energy intake and

Vacations are great: time for rest, relaxation and recharging. However, some pet owners, including myself, feel guilty leaving our furry friends behind while exploring other parts of the country. I’ve discussed hiring pet sitters and boarding facilities before, but there is another option. Consider it the road less travelled.
What about taking your pets with you? Air travel can be expensive and sometimes dangerous for short-nosed dog breeds. What about a good old-fashioned road trip? After you read this, you might reconsider that boarding facility or pet sitter, but for those instances where you really want to share the road with your four-legged best friend, this post will be your go-to resource for planning the perfect road trip.

Travelling with dogs

There are 5 main steps to preparing for your long-distance road trip:

1. Get the all-clear from your vet. Schedule a well-pet visit for any of the pets that you’ll be taking on the road with you. 

2. Plan your route carefully. Pet friendly hotels are more and more common, but you’re going to need to plan ahead. Don’t just rely on a hotel’s information online, make sure to call ahead and get confirmation that your pets

Kennels Some dogs view the kennel experience like summer camp. They love the social factor, the freedom to do just as they please, and, believe it or not, the permeating smell of all things K-9. These adventurous dog types acclimate to the daily routine shortly after their arrival. Most kennels offer playtimes with staff and other dogs, and many will accommodate special diets. Ask around for a good kennel and check it out. Is the staff welcoming? Do the runs look clean and the resident dogs well cared for? Book your spot!

Not all dogs view the kennel so fondly, however. We once left our rescue-shepherd Balderdash at a "doggie spa" overnight, and I'm convinced he thought we'd abandoned him. He didn't eat or drink during his stay and had a weeklong bout of stress incontinence. My rugs never recovered. Generally speaking, protective/territorial breeds, and dogs that cringe from social experiences will stress in any place that separates him from the safety and predictability of home and family. 

Vacation and Pets

Home Boarding Some individuals offer boarding in their home for a small number of dogs, and often group the dogs to allow off leash socialization throughout the day.