PET AT HOME

Dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish and small animals are the numerous
types of pets at home. In case of these, some contemplation has to be
done regarding their names, breeds, health, training, rescue and sale.
For example, a dog breed selector is useful to determine if a pet is
suitable for children, the exercises and grooming needs and other
health topics.

Dogs

The American Kennel Club recognizes more than 400 distinct dog breeds.
These breeds are further classified as per their functions. A natural
guard dog is the best for personal protection. A guard dog is further
classified into alarm dog, sentry dog and attack dog. The Giant
Schnauzer is best suited to the role of a guard dog. Doberman pinchers
have a very strong instinct as protection dogs. Mastiffs are generally
used as sentry dogs in Europe. German shepherds are alert, loyal and
perfect as protection dogs. The Belgian Malinois has a tremendous
capacity as an all-purpose working dog. Great Dane is impressive if it
just stands and barks.

Cats

There are several breeds like Maine Coon, American Bobtail, Norwegian
Forest Cat, American Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair, Bengal, Ragdoll
Cat, Bombay, Scottish Fold, Burmese, Siamese, Chartreux, Snowshoe,
Cornish Rex, Tonkinese, Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Abyssinian,
Manx, American Curl, Ocicat, American Wirehair, Persian, Birman,
Russian Blue, British Shorthair, Siberian, Burmilla, Singapura,
Cymric, Somali, Devon Rex, Turkish Angora, Himalayan and Korat. The
American Shorthair are very robust, athletic, working cats. It is also
very sociable, affectionate and adaptable cat. It has a short, glossy
and dense coat. The American Wirehair has a rounded head, high
cheekbones, medium-sized and round-tipped ears as well as large, round
and widely-spaced eyes.

Birds

There are several bird species in North America like Greater
Yellowlegs, American Bittern, Great Horned Owl, American Redstart,
House Finch, American Coot, Hummingbirds, American Robin, Laughing
Gull, American Woodcock, Long-eared Owl, Barred Owl, Northern Goshawk,
Blackpoll Warbler, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Boreal Owl, Osprey,
Black-and-White Warbler, Pygmy Owl, Blue Jay, Red-shouldered Hawk,
Brewer's Blackbird, Ruffed Grouse, Brown Thrasher, Tufted Titmouse,
Cedar Waxwing, White-breasted Nuthatch, Common Flicker, Willet etc.
These are classified as per their length, wingspan, habitat and range.
For example, the American Wigeon has a length of 17-23 inches and a
wingspan of 33 inches. It is found in lakes, marshes, bays and fields.
It is abundant and widespread in the West and farther North regions of
the United States.

Horses

The different varieties of breeds available in the United States are
American Miniature Horse, American Paint Horse, American Quarter
Horse, American Saddlebred, Andalusian Horse, Appaloosa Horse, Arabian
Horse, Belgian Draft Horse, Friesian Horse, Hanoverian, Icelandic
Horse, Lipizzan, Lusitano, Missouri Fox Trotter, Mustang Horse,
Percheron, Tennessee Walking Horse, Thoroughbred and Trakehner. The
pony breeds are American Shetland Pony, American Walking Pony and
Australian Pony.

Fish

The fish must be able to swim effortlessly or minimum maintain a
steady position in the water. There must not be a very thin
cross-section or a hollow belly. As compared to the other tankmates,
these must not have extremely large or small size. A folded-down,
split or frayed fins must be absent. There must be absence of pimples,
wounds, spots or other body damages. These pets must not be
quarantined or bought from any doubtful source.

Small animals

These comprise rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils,
mice and chinchillas. Rats are loving and very intelligent. These
spend 2/5th of their time in cleaning. Mice are intelligent, friendly
and in need of less maintenance. They are sociable and occur in pairs
or groups. However, aggressive males may have to be kept singly.
Rabbits are affectionate, playful, loyal and mischievous.