About 57 years ago, my brother, Bud, the surgeon, was the inspiration for me to want to own a Whizzer motorbike, which I did, like him, about 3 years later--then again now (!), 54 years later. Here he is, reliving his youth whilst visiting brother Jim (me at Black Diamond Ranch--see the map below). Coincidentally, this video was made on January 8, 2008, our mother's 100th birthday, God rest her soul. We love ya, Mom). For anyone who cares, Bud is now retired, enjoying his passion--dogs, where he has bred Vizslas (a beautiful Hungarian golden-colored pointer) for most of his life. He enjoys status as an international dog show judge and is a judge and officer of the Westminster Kennel Club in NYC--often judging or officiating at the Westminster Dog Show virtually every year. See this URL: www.youtube.com Here is yet another URL that, if you are interested in dogs, especially Vizslas, brother, Bud, gives a little history: www.vcgny.com
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Hot Topics-Sadie - The View
The ladies welcome Sadie, Best In Show at the 2010 Westminster Dog Show. Watch full episodes of The View at theview.abc.go.com
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Celebrity Beagle Watch
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Goody Beagle here. I'm a beagle who likes to write. Books. Articles. Blogs. I love to share 'beagle info' with my human friends. Since humans like to follow the doings of celebrities, in this article I'll tell you about some famous beagles.
Being famous isn't quite as important to us dogs as it is to you humans. Don't get me wrong; we like attention, it's just that we just don't think everyone has to love us, as long as someone does. Don't you think that's more healthy?
For some reason, famous beagles abound in cartoons and comic strips. For instance, everyone knows Snoopy, from the comic strip Peanuts. Snoopy is so famous he is a whole industry all by himself - when he makes special appearances at theme parks, he actually bills himself as "The World's Most Famous Beagle." I like Snoopy's attitude. He knows he is cool.
Another cartoon Beagle is Odie, the nemesis of Garfield the Cat. Odie is supposedly stupid. Now I'm not saying there aren't stupid beagles, but they are rare, and I don't think Odie is stupid either. After all, Garfield never really gets the better of him.
Then there's Gromit from Wallace and Gromit, an educated Beagle with a degree from Dogwarts University. Gromit is so smart he doesn't even have to talk, and Wallace would be nowhere without him. Likewise, the beagle Mr. Peabody from the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show is educated and intelligent. He gets Sherman out of trouble on every single show.
In the 1960s and 70s, the television cartoon Underdog was a big hit, and Underdog was a Beagle. His voice was done by Wally Cox, a funny human who looked a little like a beagle himself. Then last year Underdog was made into a movie starring a real beagle. But did you know that this movie gave the beagle NO acting credit? His voice, done by Jason Lee, got it all. Even though it was the dog who had the wear the shirt and cape. I don't think this is right, do you?
Other real-life famous beagles include Him, Her, and Edgar, who lived in the White House from 1963 to 1968 with President Johnson, also known as LBJ. LBJ caused a scandal when he picked up Him (or Her, I forget which) by his ears, and a photographer took a picture of this sad event. It just goes to show that not even Presidents exercise good judgment all the time.
The most recent famous beagle is Uno, who took the 2008 Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. He was the first beagle to win this most coveted prize, and it's about time.
Maybe my book will sell millions of copies, and then I too will be famous! That will make my human happy. But I think I'd be just as happy if she would let me catch rabbits. Or eat a whole pot roast.
Kim Pearson is the voice of Goody Beagle and the author of five books, including Dog Park Diary, and a ghostwriter of more than thirty non-fiction books. Dog Park Diary is the first she has ghostwritten for a dog. For more about Kim's ghostwriting services, visit http://www.primary-sources.com
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Improve Your Dog Communication Skills by Understanding Your Dog's Breeding
Image : http://www.flickr.com
If you want to have a closer relationship with your dog, one of the best things you can do is to improve your dog communication skills. The better you understand your dog's communications and its dog nature, the better you will be able to nurture its dog personality and create a tighter bond.
Does your dog ever do something that leaves you scratching your head and wondering, "Why did he (or she) do that?" If so, you're not alone. Dogs tell us important things all the time, but sometimes we don't "get the message."
A dog's actions often speak louder than words. The trick is to figure out what the actions mean. It can be obvious. For example, when your dog sits and begs while you're eating a piece of steak, there's no mystery in the message. But most dog communications are much more subtle than that. Sometimes you can "break the code" by paying careful attention to your dog's breeding.
Retrievers like to retrieve. Herders like to herd. Hunters like to hunt. So if you want to understand your dog's body language behavior, it's a good idea to understand what it was bred to do.
If you've ever watched the Westminster Dog Show, you've heard the announcer read those wonderful descriptions of the different breeds. You can find those descriptions at the AKC's (American Kennel Club) web site: http://www.akc.org/breeds/complete_breed_list.cfm. Example: "The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also makes him an ideal guide, assistance and search and rescue dog."
My Golden Retriever, Jamie, used to stop in the middle of our morning jog. She had different reasons for stopping, but one of them was to make a polite request, "May I please pick up this pine cone and carry it the rest of the way home?"
One morning, my wife and I were jogging home, with Jamie, and I was carrying several rolled up newspapers. Jamie kept looking back at me. At first, we couldn't figure out what she was trying to say. My wife said, "She wants you to pay attention to her." So I stopped and gave her a friendly ear scratch. But she kept looking back at me.
Finally, my wife said, "Maybe she wants to carry the newspapers." I gave Jamie the papers, and that was it. She held her head up high and carried the newspapers the rest of the way home. But of course, she's a retriever.
If your dog does something you don't understand, consider its breeding. It may be telling you, "Hey, I just want to do the things I was bred to do."
Fred M. Haney, author of "My Doggie Says... Messages from Jamie" and host of the "My Doggie Says" radio talk show on KFNX, in Phoenix, AZ. Learn how to understand the important messages your dog is sending you. Visit the "My Doggie Says..." blog and podcast. Listen to recorded interviews from the "My Doggie Says" show and learn how expert authors and trainers think about dog communication, dog intelligence, and building a stronger relationship with your dog. http://www.mydoggiesays.com The "My Doggie Says" interviews are also available on iTunes as a podcast.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Kingfriend Miss Mafia at Championship Show
Bailey at The French Bulldog Club Of England Championship Show 18/04/2010. No win this time & I have loads of excuses, but today she was just not herself.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Delightful Toy and Miniature Breeds of Dogs That Will Bring Your Family Great Pleasure
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Like many of us, you may wonder what miniature and toy dog breeds are available to bring home to be your family pet. There may be more than you're aware of! Most the miniature and toy breeds are merely small counterparts of the same, but larger, breeds.
You may find it interesting to learn that dog breeds considered miniature or toys are actually both modern and ancient. They often are descended from breeds of dogs that have been around for literally centuries, so, in a sense, they are ancient, however some of them have come from purposefully breeding two or more breeds or inbreeding producing the miniature and toy dog breeds we have today, such as the Miniature Pinscher.
Another example would be the Italian Greyhound, which appears to be a small version of the Greyhound as it has the same talents as its larger breed.
You will want to choose carefully from the large selection of miniature and toy breeds of dogs, considering the pros and cons of each to be sure you get a dog that will suit your family and the lifestyle you lead. Something specific to consider about a toy breed of dog is that their extremely small size makes it quite difficult for a vet to treat them, since they don't have any extra weight and can dehydrate quite easily. Toy breeds also can have a predisposition to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
Here are some breeds of small dogs that people have found to make the best pets:
Chihuahua
The world's smallest breed of dog is the Chihuahua (6" to 11"). A Chihuahua has rather prominent, bulging eyes and ears that are erect, but soft. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Chihuahuas can get aggressive when provoked, but are typically very devoted and loving.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a German breed that comes in the small size of 11 inches and with a weight of less than 5 pounds. They have a bit of a mischievous streak and sport a mustached muzzle with a coat that is rather rough. They are generally very playful but can be somewhat obstinate occasionally.
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
This is a toy breed from Britain well known for its playful personality. Yorkies have soft, downy coats and are typically about 9 inches tall and weigh around 5 or 6 pounds. They get along well with people, are quite intelligent, and tend to be rather bold. They are black with patches of tan.
Shi Tzu
This is a Chinese breed and is also known as the 'Chrysanthemum Dog'. It is characterized by a long billowing coat and high intelligence. Normally its height can go up to 11". Shi Tzu's are highly affectionate, sporty and courageous.
Other small breeds of dogs that are enjoyed by many are: Pug, Pomeranian, Pekingese, Papillion, Maltese Dog, Lhasa Apso, Havanese, French Bulldog, and Toy Poodle.
These are by no means all the dogs that are available in toy and miniature varieties, but indeed many have enjoyed welcoming them into their families and delighted them in the years following their adoptions. If you're a lover of small breeds of dogs, you will surely find one that will give you immense pleasure among all the varieties that are available to you.
My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at http://www.online4pets.com/ to discover more information about miniature and toy dog breeds.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Vizsla 9-12 months dog class at Pittsburgh Dog Show 2009
Glade Mill Like a Rock "Seger" is the featured dog. The handler is Kim Swendsen. The Pittsburgh Dog Show is hosted by the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association. This video was taken Saturday, March 28, 2009. www.glademill.com
Monday, January 10, 2011
Choosing the Right Dog Breed For Your Situation is Crucial
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Choosing the right dog breed for you and your family is very important before you go puppy shopping. This is because everyone loves puppies and they will melt your heart with their cute little faces, however, they will grow up to be dogs. Every dog breed has their own personality traits and requirements for their care and needs so it is important that you consider these things before you bring a puppy home.
One of the first things you should do is research the specific breed of dog that you are considering purchasing and find out what types of traits this breed has. For example if you are looking at a cocker spaniel you should know that this type of dog is a bit high strung and tends to nip. So even though they are adorable they may not do well with small children.
Another thing to consider is your environment. For example let's say that you are considering buying a German shepherd. They are beautiful loyal animals but you need to know what you are getting when you choose this breed. Generally speaking they do not do well with other household pets. So you may want to reconsider this breed of dog if you have other dogs or cats in the household.
You should also look at health problems that are associated with the breed you are considering. As the two example listed above also have their own set of problems that are commonly seen in their breeds. For example the cocker spaniels tend to have both eye and ear issues and the shepherds can have a very expensive and painful condition known as hip dysplasia. So make sure that you know what you could be getting into as far as health issues are concerned.
When choosing the right dog breed for your situation you also need to know how what your dog is going to need to keep it healthy. For example some dogs are going to need lots of room to run and play. So this type of breed is not going to be appropriate for apartment living or at a home with a small yard. There are plenty of smaller dog breeds that will do quite well in situations where they are walked a few times a day.
Care and maintenance of the dog should also be considered when choosing a dog. For example a cocker spaniel needs to be groomed regularly as their hair tends to knot and grows to long on their paws. You can do it yourself or you can take them to a groomer but either way it will cost you in time or money. A shepherd on the other hand will shed like crazy. This means that you are going to have to brush them often and it will cause more house work to keep the hair from accumulating. Adding a dog to your home can be very rewarding especially when you do your research for choosing the right dog breed for your home situation.
Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get information on dog toys [http://dogstoys.info] at [http://dogstoys.info]
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The American Bull Dog Rules
Image : http://www.flickr.com
If there is anything, that will extend your days on this planet it is by far - owning and caring for a dog. But, which one is right for you? Well, lets take a close look at a wonderful breed of animal that I know you will enjoy, the "American Bull Dog". The American bull dog is a very buff and strong looking dog. Its coat hairs are very short and velvety to the touch. This is a great dog to pet and boy - do they love the attention. The Johnson type American Bull dog is much larger than the other breeds of American bull dogs.
However, don't let their impressive appearance fool you. Mate, they have a tremendous amount of energy and best of all they love kids. So if you have young children this dog is very energetic and will run your kids ragged. However, if you are a couch potato this dog is not for you. The American Bull Dog with a shorter muzzle is considered the Scott American Bulldog. However, many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the both bloodlines. Furthermore, American Bulldogs are a heavy set bunch weighing in between 60 to 125 pounds and the average height is from 20 to 28 inches at the shoulder blades.
The American Bull dog become very close to the family, and therefore, are very protective, but in a good sense. They are also very keen to sensing your mood and are extremely adept at reading your body language. Bottom line is, he can sense when to mind his manners and when to kick it around and just a have a good old time. These dogs are passionate friends and therefore needs a firm hand to know that you're in control. However, with training and socialization, starting early, you can bring them along just fine. I recommend that its best to bring him in as a puppy.
Good training, love and support will be a big advantage with this breed. Although, adoption is always a good choice for rescuing dogs it is important to spend some time with the American bull dog so you can get a good feel for his temperament, especially while he is feeding. To wrap things up, whether you have a new American bull dog puppy or just want to improve on your dogs training, I really recommend the video training series by Debbie Jeane. It's extremely convenient. You schedule the training at your own pace and I can't say enough about Debbie's training skills. Give it a try you will be glad you did. Most of all, enjoy your dog it will relax your mind and body and you will be a better person for it.
Want to learn more about the American Bull Dog - Visit My Web Site here ->
http://www.americanbullydog.com
Do you want to learn how to train your dog at your own pace - Visit my website today ->
http://www.americanbullydog.com
Friday, January 7, 2011
Westminster dogs revved for the ring
See the tricks handlers use to get their Westminster show dogs revved for a winning ring performance.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Leeds Castle, Kent - One of the Most Favourite Castles of Henry VIII
Image : http://www.flickr.com
A very long ago there was an old trading route near Leeds castle, subsequently the pilgrims, travelling to neighbouring Canterbury, were using it. The hundreds of years have gone. The new roads were laid instead of the old ones, and in place of the pilgrims appeared the tourists, flooding not only Canterbury but also Leeds castle - one of the most visited castles in the United Kingdom.
The history of Leeds castle
Leeds castle was built in the beginning of the 12th century on the site of Anglo-Saxon stronghold, and for its almost 900-year-old existence it had been subjected to different changes from the numerous owners, everyone of which made an effort to do one's bit to the appearance of the castle.
Since the 13th century Leeds castle had been in the hands of the Royal Family for about three hundred years, to be more precise, in the lovable little hands of its representatives of female gender. Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile became the first royal possessors of Leeds castle. Their love story is so fairytale like "and they lived happily ever after and died on the same day..." According to the accounts of contemporaries for 36 years of the matrimony the king and the queen lived at one and hardly ever parted from each other. Eleanor was accompanying her husband even during the military campaigns, and there is a sentimental story that when Edward I was injured by a poisoned weapon, Eleanor sucked out the venom from his wound. Well, though it seems that the royal couple lived happily for real, they didn't manage to die on the same day. Eleanor of Castile predeceased Edward I for 17 years. The king, having had lost his head because of the grief, was following the mourning procession to Westminster Abbey from Nottinghamshire, where his queen died, that makes about 150 miles! After 9 years had expired, Edward I remarried, and Leeds castle passed into the hands of youthful Margaret of France. The king had never forgot his Eleanor but it seems that his second marriage was lucky as well. Notwithstanding a 40-year-old age difference Edward and Margaret appeared to have a mutual understanding, the young queen even called their daughter in honour of her husband's first wife. After Eleanor and Margaret Leeds castle more than once became the favourite site of English queens and for that even was dubbed "Lady's castle".
Leeds castle walls saw plenty of joy and sorrow, rises and downfalls, intrigues and scandals. One of the most famous scandals is connected with the name of Catherine of Valois and her courtier, which was the keeper of the queen's wardrobe. Charming Catherine became widowed in the age of 20, her courtier Owen Tudor wasn't much older than her and reportedly was a handsome devil. In a short time the young Welsh was not only in charge of the queen's attires but also of her heart. It's been a moot point whether Catherine of Valois and Owen Tudor got married or not, but it didn't prevent them from the establishment of splendid dynasty of the Tudors. And one of their sons became the great grandfather of notorious Henry VIII.
Fond for women and desperate for male heir Henry VIII had six wives, but only in the days of Catherine of Aragon Leeds castle went through significant changes due to the king's attention. Henry softened the castle's austere features of the fortress and introduced the royal luxury to it. Thanks to him the sumptuous Banqueting Hall, the Tudor stained glass windows and modified fireplaces appeared. The king also ordered to build on a whole floor for the quarters of his beloved at that time Catherine of Aragon.
Only in the 1552, few years after the death of Henry VIII, his so longed-for son Edward VI granted Leeds castle to Sir Anthony St Leger for the successfully accomplished mission as the governor-general of the king in Ireland. Incidentally in the same year the 14-year-old king "got rid of" another royal property, nearby Penshurst Place, by having conferred it on his teacher.
During the subsequent centuries Leeds castle repeatedly changed its possessors. The unusual sundial clocks by the castle remind about one of them. In the 18th century Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax, owned not only Leeds castle but also a quite sizeable piece of ground in Virginia (by the way, he engaged his distant relation George Washington for surveying his lands, a bright teenager and the future 1st President of the United States). So the sundial clocks show not the local time but that in the state of Virginia. By rumours there are the twin clocks in Fairfax, but no one has ever seen it yet.
In 1926 Leeds castle became the "Lady's castle" again as it was bought by wealthy heiress of the English aristocrat and the American socialite Olive Wilson Filmer, hereafter more well-known as Lady Baillie. She owned the castle longer than any other predecessors and during those 50 years she hadn't been sparing means for the renovation of Leeds castle and the surrounding park. The way it looks now is only due to this remarkable woman that also bequeathed the castle to the nation and instituted the charitable fund for keeping it safe.
10 things to do in and around Leeds castle
1. To make a tour of Leeds castle with its exquisitely furnished rooms, little cosy courtyard hidden in the depth of the building and wine cellar of the 12th century. The fact that only few decades ago the castle was inhabited removes any traces of oblivion that so often can be felt in ancient buildings. And calmly crackling flame in some fireplaces only increases the feeling that the owners only absented themselves for a while.
2. To introduce oneself to the world of flora. Leeds castle is not only enclosed by the lake but also by 500 acres of the parklands that contain the fairy glen of Wood Garden, laid out in Mediterranean style Lady Baillie Garden and snug cottage Culpeper Garden.
3. To have a snack on the impeccable lawn in the company of amusing waterfowl. The graceful black swans impart a special charm to the park. These snake-like good lookers were delivered for Lady Baillie from Australia and in time became a symbol of Leeds castle.
4. To go astray in the Leeds castle maze for which there were planted about 2500 yews. Some people even claim that the maze in Leeds castle is more impressive than the one in Hampton Court.
5. To wander around the underground grotto in the centre of the maze. The walls, covered by curved figures of mythological creatures and outlandish display lighting, all together create a mysterious atmosphere.
6. To visit Dog Collar Museum at Leeds castle and to find out how during the last 500 years has been modifying the dog fashion.
7. To take a photograph of the local star - an entrancing white peacock, which seems to get used to overall admiration, quite easily posing in front of the cameras.
8. To step inside the world of vibrant colours of the exotic birds in the Leeds castle aviary. Lady Baillie, having been keen on birds, started to accumulate them in the 1950th. Now the collection consists of about 100 different species that include weird looking spoonbills, hilarious toucans, noisy parrots, macaws and lorikeets.
9. To have an unforgettable ride in the hot air balloon and to go deep into contemplation of Leeds castle and the county Kent from bird's eye view.
10. To try something unusual by having a drive on segway, an electronic vehicle reminding of scooter, in the vicinity of Leeds castle.
Apart from the above-mentioned entertainments Leeds castle is also well known for its seasonal events, such as jousting festivals, autumn glory flower festivals, falconry shows as well as numerous concerts usually going along with multicoloured fireworks.
Take a plunge into the discovery of numerous entrancing spots throughout the South of England at http://thesouthofengland.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Dal Mar's Moment Like This - Havin fun with Jeff
Sophie Havin Fun with Jeff Wright at the Westminster Dog Show.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)