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Showing posts with label Fun and Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fun and Random. Show all posts
Have you ever watched the Westminster Dog Show and realized just how many dog breeds you're NOT familiar with? Personally, it seems like I am learning about new breeds all the time. Here are some of the most unique and unusual that I've encountered.
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| Photo credit: dogfamily.org |
Komondor
You may recognize the Komondor from the cover of Beck's 1996 album Odelay. The Komondor has a unique corded coat, basically the equivalent of dreadlocks! Komondor puppies are fuzzy and soft, and it takes about 2 years for the undercoat and outer coat to lock up into the characteristic cords. The breed is a highly effective livestock guardian, and the corded coat is thought to protect against bites from prey animals like wolves.
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| Photo credit: pets-puppies.blogspot.com |
Chinese Crested
Is it just me, or does this breed look like it belongs in an 80's glam rock band? The Chinese Crested is a mix of hairless and long-haired, with a naked body and tufts of fur on the feet, tail and head. Having 2 types of coat means double the grooming needs. The naked skin needs to be treated like a human's, and can be prone to the same sorts of problems like acne and sunburn. The furry parts can matt easily, and as such need to be brushed and combed frequently. The amount of fur varies from dog to dog, and some dogs in a litter of Chinese Crested may be born with a full, long coat and almost no hairlessness whatsoever!
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| Photo credit: nicholasspyer.com |
Peruvian Hairless
The Peruvian Hairless dog is a very old breed indeed, documented by the Spanish in the 1500's and exhisting well before that time. The dog is considered a hairless dog, though it can have small amounts of hair on its body (particularly on the head and tail.) Many of the dogs sport a rather fashionable mohawk! The skin can come in any color from pink to black, and mottled with any color in between. Peruvian Hairless Dogs (or Peruvian Inca Orchids as they're sometimes known) in America tend to all look rather similar, as they are bred from a small breeding pool of imported dogs. However, the breed tends to be more variable in its native South America. It is a fairly small dog, ranging from about 25-50 pounds (though sometimes smaller.) Extra care needs to be given to the skin to slough off dead skin cells, and the skin should be protected by sunscreen when the dog is in the sun.
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| Photo credit: woofahs.com Klee Kai |
At first glance of a photo, it is hard to see anything unusual about the Klee Kai. It looks just like a regular Husky, right? Well, yes AND no. Though the Klee Kai may look like a common sled dog, it is actually a miniature version of the Husky! The Klee Kai looks more-or-less like a Husky puppy that never grew up. The adult height is between 13-17 inches (for comparison, that's about the size of an average Beagle.) The Klee Kai retains the same personality and active lifestyle as other sled dogs, but it's all packed into a tiny little package. The breed was released to the public in 1988 and is a member of the American Rare Breed Association and United Kennel Club.
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| Photo credit: breederretriever.com Basenji |
The Basenji is a unique breed not because of what you see, but what you hear...or rather, what you don't hear. Considered by many to be the most silent breed of domestic dog, the Basenji simply doesn't bark! It is nicknamed the "Barkless Dog" for this reason. Though it may be considered "barkless", it's not entirely silent. It has a characteristic yodel and makes other unusual noises. Some theorize that the unusual vocalizations come from a selective breeding of sorts. The dog originates from Central Africa, and it is possible that louder dogs with a more traditional bark were killed to keep human villages safe and less visible to rival neighboring tribes. Whether or not this is true, the unusual sounds are biologically caused by an unusually shaped larynx.
From MTV:
MTV's award-winning documentary series True Life is looking to tell the stories of young pet owners whose lives are being disrupted due to a certain pet that they love. Is the problem with the animal… or the human? Who is being affected? What needs to happen moving forward? If you appear to be 15-28 years old and have an issue with the pet in your home, MTV wants to hear your story!!! Please email us at pet@mtvn.com and include your name, phone number, location, a recent photo and a brief explanation about how your pet is affecting your life and those around you in a negative manner.
There are various possibilities for photo printing, and since the digital age it's become increasingly simple and cheap to decorate both home and office space with photos that mean something to you.
There is something about animal pictures that warm our hearts and make us smile, whether it’s your own pet or a random photo of a cat with a funny caption! You needn't be a specialist photographer to take quality pictures of your four-legged friends either. Follow these straightforward tips and anyone can achieve great results.
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| Photo Credit: macwallpapers.eu |
Even if you are looking for an everyday casual photo of your pet, you should still take the time to carry out some simple grooming. Brushing by itself makes a huge improvement to the way an animal looks. Your pet will appreciate the attention too! Don't be surprised if the photos you take show a more relaxed side to Fido or Fluffy!
Contrary to what many people believe, it's not tough to get your pet to stay still for a photo shoot. I've developed a proven method through the years. It works like nobody’s business for me and can work for you too!
Once the grooming is out of the way, feed your pet. Most animals are ready to nap after filling their bellies. If it isn't meal time or your pet isn't hungry, spend some time having active fun with your pet instead. The whole purpose here is to promote relaxation. When your pet is all wound down, give a gentle massage from head to tail. Trust me on this one. How do you feel right after a good workout and massage? Relaxed and tired? Exactly!
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| Photo credit: pet-portraitartist.com |
And finally, when your pet becomes uninterested and drifts off to sleep, carry on and get some final shots. There is something very adorable about a pet slumbering away comfortably with one leg covered over their favorite toy or their nose nuzzled into a soft blanket!
You're going to be so happy with the results using these tips that you'll most likely take the opportunity to shoot more quality portrait photographs whenever the chance arises!
Whether sitting in special frames on your desk or enlarged into attention-grabbing wall posters, your pet photos are going to drag smiles out of everyone. And the best thing is there are so many options for printing you'll never run out of new ideas!
Mary Dean is an animal lover who has developed various photography skills since marrying her professional photographer husband Gary 6 years ago.
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| DJ Cat busting out some dope tunes |
Cat Scratch DJ is available for purchase from ThinkGeek for $34.99.
Also check out SUCK UK's foldable cat play houses.
Looking for something fun to do on this gloomy Tuesday? Here is a list of fun quizzes related to pets and animal quizzes I've come across over the years. These aren't scientific, of course...just fun. Enjoy!
*Animal Planet Dog Breed Selector- Use the search tool to find the best breed for you!
*Animal Planet Cat Breed Selector- Use the search tool to find the best cat for you!
*Animal Planet: Quiz Central- A whole slew of different animal quizzes
*How well do you know your dog?- A quiz about basic canine behavior
*Test Your Knowledge of Cats- Some challenging cat questions
*What totem animal are you?- Find out which Native American totem animal suits you.
*Rabbit Care Quiz- A quiz about rabbit care and health.
*African Pygmy Hedgehog Quiz- Do you know hedgies?
*Chinchilla Lovers Quiz- Easy for experts, difficult for noobz.
*Ratty Corner Rat Quiz- Test your knowledge of the domestic rat.
*Guinea Pig Quiz- Basic cavy care and knowledge test.
*Animal Planet Pet Picker- Which type of pet is best for your family?
Feel free to comment with your favorite pet and animal quizzes!
