The blue whale

STATUS:

Endangered

DESCRIPTION:

The blue whale is the largest animal ever to inhabit the Earth. This gentle giant has grayish-blue skin with light spots. It has about 300 to 400 baleen plates instead of teeth which it uses to strain food from the ocean water.

SIZE:

Measuring 70 to 80 feet in length (the longest recorded length was 106 feet), blue whales can weigh as much as 90 to 150 tons. The female is larger than the male.

POPULATION:

1,300 to 2,000, the population of blue whales is dangerously low.

LIFESPAN:

The lifespan of a blue whale is estimated to be 80 years.

HABITAT:

Blue whales are found throughout the world's oceans.

FOOD:

A blue whale can eat up to 7,715 pounds of krill (small shrimp-like organisms) per day!

BEHAVIOR:

Blue whales swim 14 miles per hour (with bursts as fast as 30 mph) and feed at depths of less than 330 feet (but can dive as deep as 1,640 feet). Dives last from 10 to 20 minutes. Usually they travel alone or in small groups of two to four, although off the coast of California some groups as large as 60 have been seen.

OFFSPRING:

Sexual maturity is reached between 5 to 10 years. Females give birth every two to three years to one calf. Gestation is 10 to 12 months; average calf is 23 feet long and weighs 4,440 pounds. A calf is fed by its mother for seven to eight months.

HISTORY:

Blue whales once were considered too difficult to hunt because of their speed and size. With the introduction of factory ships and the harpoon gun in the 1920s, blue whales were hunted intensively. By the 1960s they were nearly extinct.

THREATS:

Blue whales face threats from entanglement in fishing nets, pollution, and illegal whaling.

Choosing the Correct Puppy or Dag - Part 02

This is second part of Choosing the Correct Puppy or Dag - Part 01 if you are no read first part it better you read it. To read it please click Here.

Breeds by Group and Characteristics

 There are many breeds that will fit any and all needs and wants your family may have. Characteristics of the breeds are just generalizations, and mixed breed dogs would be expected to possess characteristics of all  breeds contributing to their genetic makeup. Individual dogs within the breeds may not have the typical characteristics, or may display them to differing degrees. The following are different classifications of breeds, characteristics, and examples of the breeds grouped as defined by the AKC. .

Herding

 Examples: Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Welsh Corgi (Pembroke, Cardigan), Collie, German  Shepherd Dog, Old English Sheepdog, and Shetland Sheepdog 

Characteristics: The Herding group was broken off from the Working group in 1983. They are intelligent, train easily, and make excellent  companions. They can be very protective of their families and their property.

Hound

  

Examples: Afghan Hound, Basset Hound, Beagle, Coon Hound, Bloodhound, Dachshund (short hair, long hair, wire hair), Foxhound, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, and Rhodesian Ridge back.

Characteristics: Hounds are known for their excellent hunting skills; they can either be sight or scent hunters. They are very active and can be very loud barkers and howlers. Hounds are devoted to tasks, can be distracted easily, and may be more sensitive to anesthetics.

Miscellaneous

  

Examples: Neapolitan Mastiff, Jack Russell Terrier, Beauceron, Black Russian Terrier, Plott, and Redbone Coonhound 

Characteristics: The miscellaneous group consists of purebreds that are not necessarily AKC registered.  They still can be show dogs, and have a variety of personalities and uses. They are recognized by the AKC as new breeds, but have not yet been categorized into one of the other groups.

Non-Sporting

Examples: American Eskimo Dog, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bulldog (American, English), Chinese Shar-pei, Chow Chow, Dalmation, Keeshound, Lhasa Apso, and Poodle

Characteristics: The most diverse group of fully recognized breeds, the non-sporting group is made of breeds that don’t clearly fit in any other group. Breeds come in a variety of sizes, coat colors, and  personalities. There are representatives in this group of breeds with a variety of uses (hunting, guarding, lap  dogs).

Sporting

Examples: Pointers, Retrievers (Golden, Labrador, Chesapeake Bay), Setters (English, Gordon, Irish), Spaniels (Brittney, Clumber, Cocker, Springer), and Weimaraner

Characteristics: High energy levels, high endurance, very alert, and moderate obedience levels characterize  the sporting breeds. These dogs require lots of exercise, and they are not the best dog for apartments, or for  people who are not active.

Terrier

Examples: Airedale Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier (Bull, American), Bull Terrier, Fox Terrier, Miniature  Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, Welsh Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier 

Characteristics: Terriers are  feisty and energetic and tend to have little tolerance of other animals. They were

originally bred and used to hunt vermin, so they are very intelligent and independent. Terriers need an active  owner who will understand their independent personalities.

Toy

 Examples: Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier

Characteristics: Toys are good dogs for apartments, city life or people who are looking for lap dogs. They can be easier to maintain because of their smaller size, although some have high grooming needs. Toys should learn basic obedience like all other dogs, failure to do so may result in a pet with a bad attitude.

Working

 Examples: Akita, Alaskan Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dog, Boxer, Mastiff (Bull, French), Doberman  Pinscher, Schnauzer (Standard, Giant), Great Dane (Tawny, Brindle, Harlequin), Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, St. Bernard, and Siberian Husky

Characteristics: The largest group in number of breeds, working dogs are known for their herding skills, ability to pull sleds, and guard territory. They are quick to learn, intelligent, large, dominant, and strong, have  high endurance and are territorial. Good obedience training is a must because of the size and strength of the  working breeds. 

Choosing the Right Dog Within the Breed

There are many places to purchase a dog. Remember, the initial cost of the dog is only a part of the cost of  dog ownership. Reputable breeders may be harder to locate than pet stores. Genetic diseases may be more  prevalent, especially if the breeder is not discriminating. Animals at pet stores may not be in the best health  due to the stress of transportation of puppies, and the high traffic of people and other dogs. Additionally,  some pet stores do not know very much about the background of the dogs that are purchased there.  Shelters are an excellent source for a dog. Shelters have a large variety of dogs, both purebreds and mixed  breeds, and in addition to getting a good pet, you get the positive feeling of having “rescued” a dog. Be  cautious with newspaper ads. The advertised dogs are usually free or cheap, but the health and genetics of  the dog can be variable. Make sure you ask why the person is giving up the dog.

When buying a dog, take your time and look at many facilities and dogs. A good breeder will not be hasty to sell their dogs. They will be most interested in the dog’s well-being and will want to place the dog in the best home possible. The best breeders will even interview you to make sure you are prepared for a dog and  understand the responsibility. Many breeders will follow up after the purchase to check on the new member of your family. Puppies should not be sold earlier than six weeks, so do not buy one from a breeder if  offered. The breeder should have good records of the lineage, genetic tests, vaccinations, and health history  of both parents. If the parents are available, the breeder will let you see them along with their records. In  most cases, the mother, and information on the father, will be present. A good facility will have a separate  area for puppies, which is clean and sanitized. The puppies should be provided socialization opportunities  with the breeder and other animals. When handling the puppies, look for any abnormal appearance such as   unhealthy eyes, ears, or limbs.

When selecting a dog, you want to observe its behavior, and avoid extremes. Desirable characteristics  include curiosity, playfulness, and confidence. Undesirable characteristics include dominance, bullying,  apathy, excessive barking, biting, and submissive urinating. 

Two people should bring the puppy home, one to  hold the puppy in the car and the other to drive. If the new dog is an adult dog, it should be confined in a  crate when it is transported. Try to have the next few days free to let the new dog adapt to the family and  environment. Start calling the dog by its appointed name. Try not to leave it alone for more than 30 minutes  as it adjusts to its new life.

When choosing the puppy, several tests need to be done to make sure the best puppy of the litter is picked.  When choosing a dominant breed (i.e., territorial, aggressive,  controlling), ideal test outcomes should be a   little toward the submissive (i.e., shy, cautious, crouch with tail between legs). This is the opposite for  submissive breeds.

1. Hold the dog with the feet a few inches off the floor.

a. Normal (N): struggle a little and then settle down

b. Dominant (D): continue struggling, may bite and howl

c. Submissive (S): urinate or dangle

2. Hold the puppy on its back in your lap and stroke the belly while talking softly.

a. N: Struggle then settle down

b. D: Struggle, bite, and howl

c. S: Urinate, panic, totally succumb

3. Toss a ball.

a. N: Chase, play, bring it back, and let you take it away

b. D: Chase the ball, take it to a corner, growl when you try to take it away

c. S: Not react at all, or afraid

4. Crouch and call to it.

a. N: It will come over happily, confidently, and playfully

b. D: It will charge, jump, or ignore

c. S: It will hide, come cautiously, expose belly, urinate when touched

5. Test with people. When toys or other sounds are present you want the puppy to come to you even with distractions.

6. Test confidence. You want to do this test as long as the puppy is not 8-12 weeks of age because this is considered their fear period. For this test, throw an object that makes noise. A good reaction is to be  cautious, then curious. A bad reaction would be if the dog howls, bolts in fear, urinates or defecates. These dogs will tend to be fear aggressive and fearful when in unknown situations.

Preparing the House

Dogs, especially puppies and adolescent dogs, love to chew. This is an instinctive behavior and impossible to eliminate, so make sure anything that you do not want chewed is put away. Buy toys and bones to minimize chewing of your personal items. You will also need a leash, collar, bowls, food, bones, toys, beds, and  grooming supplies to prepare for the arrival of a dog. You should set up an appointment with your  veterinarian before taking the new dog home especially if you have other pets. 

Summary

As demonstrated in this paper, there is a lot to consider, and many options when adding a dog to your  family. Careful thought and selection is well worth the effort when  you bring home a dog that fits the purpose you intended, and you and the dog develop a strong and effective relationship.

Checklists
The following checklists can be used to help you select a dog, and prepare your home for the new dog.

Place of Purchase. Rate each dog visited on a scale of 1-5.
Cleanliness of facility

Dogs and puppies well socialized?

Healthy dogs and puppies?

Lineage

Papers

Parents and/or siblings seen

Breeder attitude

Personality Tests
1. Dog held with feet off floor:           N D S
2. Dog on back while stroking belly: N D S
3. Toss a ball:                                       N D S
4. Crouch and call dog:                       N D S
5, Test with people:                            N D S
6. Test confidence:                             N D S

Prepare Home 

Remove chewable

Food and Treats

Toys and Bones

Grooming supplies

Bowls and Bedding

Leash/Collar/ID tags

Veterinarian appt

source - http://www.akc.org

How to Make Natural Homemade Dog Food.

You may be surprised just how easy it is to adapt your dog’s diet by introducing him or her to a homemade recipe. Not only can you control the ingredients much more closely by creating homemade dog food, but you may also be able to save money and your pet's longevity.

What ingredients to avoid when making homemade dog food

There are some ingredients you should never feed your dog, whether you’re making your own dog food or buying it at the store. These are some of the most troublesome ingredients for your dog’s health and should never be used in your homemade dog food recipe:

    Avocados
    Chocolate
    Macadamia nuts
    Onions
    Grapes
    Greasy foods
    Spicy foods
    Mushrooms
    Mustard seeds
    Moldy foods

Healthy ingredients for your homemade dog food recipe

Ensuring that you have all of the vital ingredients in your dog food is essential for keeping that spring in your pup’s step! Always check with a vet before making a change to an all natural homemade dog food regimen by showing him or her your recipe and analyzing it for nutritional completeness. In particular, you’ll want to make sure to have enough of the following components:

• Animal fats: Necessary for a variety of bodily functions, essential fatty acids (omega 3s and omega 6s for instance) are needed by dogs just like humans and should make up at least 5.5% of your dog’s food by weight (but don’t use too much - you don’t want an obese dog!). You can add olive oil, fish oil, or flax-seed oil to your homemade dog food to ensure enough of this ingredient.

• Carbohydrates: This is a bigger portion of a dog’s diet and will account for about 50% of your homemade dog food. Choose from things like cooked pasta, rice, potatoes, quick oats, and black-eyed peas.

• Minerals and vitamins: Dogs have very specific mineral needs, including calcium, chlorine, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc. They also require adequate quantities of vitamins C, B-comlex, A, D, E, and K. To get adequate amounts of these, you may consider adding a vitamin and mineral supplement or powder to your dog food recipe.

• Proteins and amino acids: Like most animals, dogs are not able to make their own essential amino acids (that’s why they’re essential), but unlike cats, dogs can be healthy with both animal and plant-based proteins in their diet. Your dog will need a minimum of 10% protein by weight in his or her diet. Just be sure they’re high-quality proteins such as whole meat, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, tofu, soybeans, or lentils.

• Water: Necessary for life, water is important for your dog’s overall health. Although there are no specific requirements for water content in your dog’s food, having some in your dog’s food is beneficial.

Vegan and vegetarian dog food recipes


Unlike cats who are obligate carnivores (they generally cannot live without animal protein), dogs are more adaptable to a vegetarian diet. Though you should always consult with your vet regarding a switch from a meat-based diet to a veggie-based diet, it is not nearly as complex as the same transition for cats. 

A homemade, healthy dog food recipe

Though there are many options for making your own dog food naturally, here’s one recipe that will give you an idea of just how simple homemade dog foods can be:

    1/2 cup each carrots, green peas, and pumpkin
    1/4 cup each squash, unsweetened berry juice and sweet potato
    1 tablespoon barley juice powder
    1 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
    3 tablespoons plain yogurt

Mix all of the ingredients together until well blended and almost creamy. Serve in a bowl or with cooked rice or pasta.

Choosing the Correct Puppy or Dag - Part 01

Bringing a dog into the family is a big decision. Many factors need to be analyzed to ensure that the best dog is chosen for your situation. The number one reason dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is that they don’t match the needs or the lifestyle of their human families. The purpose of this article is to assist you in selecting a dog, and minimize potential problems.

Questions to Ask

What are your living arrangements?

How much room do you have for a dog? Do you live in an apartment or a house? Do you have a fenced-in yard? All dogs need some type of exercise, but there are considerable variations among breeds. Small breeds tend to adapt better than large breeds to the smaller space available in an apartment. However, some larger breeds are not as active as others and will adapt well to an apartment setting, just as some small breed dogs require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. Having a fenced-in yard will cut down on the time required to walk your dog for bathroom breaks and exercising. Any breed will work in this type of setting, but the more active breeds will require more exercising. Giving a dog sufficient exercise is paramount to having a good relationship with your  dog. Many undesirable behaviors, such as hyperactivity and destructive behaviors, can result from insufficient exercise.

Also, you need to be aware of any regulations in your area regarding dog ownership. Some landlords do not allow dogs in their rental units, and some neighborhoods have guidelines regarding the size and the number, or even the breed, of dog that can be owned in that neighborhood.

How much time do you have?

Do you work 8, 12, or 14 hours a day? Dogs require time, some more than others. If you work long hours everyday, then a dog may not be the best pet choice. A pet with less upkeep like a cat or fish may be a better fit for your lifestyle. Dogs are similar to humans in that they need to go to the bathroom in the morning, around noon, in the afternoon, in the evening, and before bed. This is especially true with puppies, which are not physically capable of waiting a long time between bathroom breaks. If you are away from home a lot, you may want to consider an  dult dog that is already housebroken instead of a small puppy.

Do you have children or other pets?

Young children may play with the dog roughly without understanding what they are doing, or what the potential consequences may be. Dogs joining a household with small children must be very tolerant of the children’s play. Dogs from the herding group have a natural instinct to herd livestock and may try to do so with your family. This instinct includes nipping at the ankles, so these dogs might not be the best choice. Any dog can bite given sufficient provocation, so no dog should be left unsupervised with young children.

Existing pets in the household must be considered when getting a new dog. The temperament of the new dog needs to be compatible with those of the existing pets to make sure no problems will arise with the new addition. Territorial problems should be expected. They usually clear up within a week or so. During this time, it is best to feed the dogs in separate locations, as food is a common cause of conflict.

What is your level of experience?

Have you owned dogs before? As mentioned previously, dogs require time and energy, and should be chosen with this in mind. Every dog needs obedience training, which can be done by you or by a professional. If you have never owned a dog before, an adult dog with some basic obedience training may be your best choice.

What are your finances?

There are a lot of expenses associated with dog ownership. The initial cost will vary depending on the breed and type of dog you select. Purebreds tend to cost more than mixed breed dogs, especially if they are purchased from a breeder or a pet store. However, purebreds from breed rescues can be less expensive. Purebreds are sometimes  available  through an animal shelter, although they will probably not have registration papers. It is best to be able to see and meet your potential dog’s parents. That will give you an idea of its mature size and temperament, and provide valuable information about how the dog has been cared for by the current owner.

There are many other costs associated with dog ownership beyond the initial purchase price. Before you purchase a dog, go to a local pet warehouse. Check the prices of dog food, collars, leashes, toys, food bowls, crates, and any other supplies you think you need for your dog. If you have friends or family members who own dogs, ask them you how much they spend annually. The dog should visit the veterinarian annually for a physical examination and vaccinations. You will need to budget for the cost of potential illness or injury. Pet insurance is an option in some places, and may be something you want to explore.

There are regulatory requirements that include fees you need to pay. In most states, it is required by law to vaccinate your dog for rabies. Your veterinarian can let you know how frequently the vaccine must be administered. You may also be required to license your dog. Your veterinarian can also tell you what the local requirements are and how  to get your dog licensed properly.

If you have answered all of the above questions and still think a dog is the right pet for your family, you can find a dog to fit your lifestyle and personality.

Purpose of dog?

The first thing you must determine to select the right dog is what purpose the dog will serve. Do you plan to breed,  show, or hunt with the dog? Is the dog needed for service or therapy, or strictly as a companion? Regardless of the purpose, the dog selected should be a healthy representative of the species. If breeding or showing, you need a dog that meets or exceeds the standards for the breed and has all the appropriate documentation of its lineage. Hunting requires a good scent- or sight-hunting dog. Many dogs are good for service or therapy, but they need to have good temperaments, low ability to be distracted, and a willingness to learn.

Long hair vs. short hair?

Long haired breeds require more regular grooming than short haired dogs. Long haired dogs have a lot more hair to shed as well. Extensive grooming can be either time intensive, or expensive, depending on whether you prefer to do the  grooming yourself, or if you have the dog groomed professionally.

Size of dog?

Dogs can be generally divided into three size categories based on their weight at maturity. Small breeds are generally up to 20 pounds, medium breeds are from 20-50 pounds, and large dogs are greater than 50 pounds. Smaller dogs  generally do not require as much space as larger dogs; however, caution should be taken with small  breeds due to their small and fragile bodies. Small dogs can be easily injured by rough play, either with people, or with larger dogs. Large breeds can unintentionally cause harm to small children when playing. Large breeds tend to live anywhere from 8-12 years with 10 being the average. Small breeds can live to be 15 or 16 with an average of 14 years.

Temperament?

Do you want an active or non-active dog? You want a dog’s temperament to match that of your lifestyle. If you have children, look for dogs with a low tendency to bite and a high tolerance for handling. If it is a guard dog, you want it to be obedient but still able to effectively guard the territory. Dogs that are overtly aggressive should be
avoided always.

Age?

Do you want a puppy, an adult, or a senior dog? Puppies require a lot of attention and training, which may be difficult to accomplish with a busy schedule. A young adult will not need to be let out as often as a puppy, but it will need a lot of exercise and training. Older dogs may be less active, but costs may increase due the higher need for veterinary care as age increases. A popular myth is that older dogs will not bond to their new owners. This is not true. If you invest the time and effort into developing a good relationship with your dog, bonding will happen, regardless of age.

Gender?

Either gender is fine to choose, but there are differences. Males are generally larger than females within a breed, and they may have a tendency to be more aggressive and dominant. Intact males also are more likely to mark their territory with urine, and they mount more often. If you have a male dog already, the addition of a female dog will cause less fighting and competing than the addition of another male. Un-spayed females go through estrus (heat) twice a year. All dogs bark as a form of communication. It is a breed characteristic and a trait of each individual  dog.

Purebred or Mix Breeds?

If you are looking for a companion dog, either a mixed breed or purebred dog can be an excellent companion. If you are interested in breeding dogs, a purebred is required. American Kennel Club (AKC) shows require a purebred dog, but many other show opportunities are available for mix breeds (i.e., agility). Purebred dogs’ lineage can be traced back easily and they tend to be more expensive than mixed breed dogs. Their genetics are more predictable in regard to size, temperament, and appearance. Some breeds are predisposed to certain genetic diseases. If you are looking at purebred dogs, it is important to know what genetic diseases the breed you are interested in can have, so you can beware of animals with that disease. Mixed breeds tend to have hybrid vigor and characteristics of the breeds from which they originated. They have fewer genetic diseases, but the prediction of mature size and temperament is more difficult. On average, mixed breed dogs are easier to find and less expensive to buy than purebred dogs.

Part 02 will post soon.....

Create a Aquarium

A Community Aquarium is a fish tank made up of different species of fish and live aquarium plants to form a well-balanced thriving community, which can co-exist with each other. Rather than one single type of fish, having different species interacting with each other in a small ecosystem and living in harmony is much more fun and entertaining. One main criteria towards setting up a successful community aquarium is that, all the fish must be compatible with each other and able to tolerate the same living condition without exhibiting aggressive behavior towards another species.


The most important prerequisite towards creating community aquarium is that one must have large aquariums to start with. Usually aquarium tank measuring 30-50 gallon is the most ideal size to begin with and all the aquarium equipments such as filter, heater, must be put in place and have the capacity to treat huge volumes of water. This will ensure easy maintenance and therefore more attention can be focused towards other aspects of maintaining the community aquarium such as careful observation for fish compatibility issues and monitoring for early signs of fish disease which is very common in large aquarium community. Be forewarned that since all of them live together, outbreak of disease is very detrimental and it could bring disastrous effect.

Maintenance Fish Tank

Once established, regular maintenance of your fish tank is essential to continue to provide a healthy environment for your fish. Routine tasks to keep your aquarium and fish looking their best include:

Water exchange  

Recommended routine maintenance is advised as being a 20-30% water exchange once weekly to fortnightly, whilst performing a gravel siphon. This can be done by purchasing a plastic gravel cleaner which works on a siphon principle, removing the organic waste in the tank whilst leaving the heavy gravel where it is.