The Chinese crested and Mexican hairless are two dogs that have very little hair and have unusually wizened features and they are not what you would describe as attractive canines. Despite this, they are two of the breeds of dogs that are growing fastest in popularity in the UK.

The research identifies five of the ugliest dogs available and estimates that in the past decade the number of these types of dog being born has increased by more than three times.It is not just that the number of dogs is increasing overall, but the number of traditional breeds that are being kept is significantly decreasing.

The Yorkshire terrier has always been a very popular dog in the UK but since 2001 its numbers have decreased by over 30 percent. Another very popular dog is the German Shepherd which has declined by a similar amount. One of the most significant declines was seen by the Highland White Terrier which has seen a fall in numbers of over 50 percent since 2001.

Experts in the industry have said that people are generally looking for a pet that is a bit more unusual but there are also some practical elements involved. People with asthma are sometimes unable to have a dog with hair as it will aggravate their condition, so hairless pets, while not attractive, do provide a solution.

The Mexican hairless is certainly one of the most unusual looking dogs and it is believed they originate from South America. In ancient history it was believed by the Aztecs that this type of animal had special healing powers, the animal was not just used for this however and it was also often consumed.

It is believed they were brought back to the UK by colonialists after they thought the animals were ‘strange looking’ and that they would entertain people back home. Despite the early interest the first pair to enter the UK came in the 1950′s, and they were on display at the London Zoo. This animal requires more care than many other dogs because when they are in the sun it is necessary to apply suncream on them. Despite being ugly, the price of these dogs is certainly not cheap, with the average puppy costing around one thousand pounds.

Leslie Lockhart is from the Mexican Hairless Club and she said, “Despite their appearance they are wonderful pets and many people often ask about them. I like to think they are very similar to Marmite, you either love them or hate them. There is one thing that is certain, they do make an impression and if you take the time to get to know one of these animals you will find them to be a wonderful and loving pet.”

The Chinese crested, is another unusual dog which is very popular in the UK and it is continuing to grow in popularity. It is most noted for winning competitions in California, where the ugliest dogs in the world are rated as highly desirable.

New Dog Friendly Camping and Caravan Site Book launched

Dog owners can now choose where to go camping or caravanning and relax in the knowledge that their dogs are going to made as welcome as they are. Dogfriendly  is the largest database of dog friendly venues in theUK, and they have just released this years version of the Dog Friendly Camping and Caravan Site book.

This 2012 edition has over 600 pages of bang up to date information on which camping and caravan  sites in England and Wales are dog friendly. It’s great news for Dog owners that they can take their beloved pooches to any of the sites listed here knowing they will receive a very warm welcome.

Containing information such as how many dogs are allowed, extra charges for dogs and breed exclusions, it is an invaluable resource for dog owners who want to go on a camping or caravan holiday with their dog(s).

With “stay-cations” becoming more and more popular due to the squeeze on holiday budgets and the cost of leaving dogs in kennels, Dogfriendly’s Camping and Caravan Site book is a must for dog owners.

The Dogfriendly Camping and Caravan Site book is available online at www.dogfriendly.co.uk at £14.99 plus postage and packing.

After Janet received requests from dog owners who were worried about the fact their pooches went after sheep the minute they saw them, she approached Michael for help. The recent shooting of a dog near Ulverston that was worrying sheep shows that owners fears are justified, and they can end up losing their dog.

As the law currently stands, it is a criminal offence for a dog to chase and worry sheep or livestock even if not actually attacking them. Seen to be even worrying his stock,
a farmer can legally shoot your dog, safe in the knowledge that he is legally protected from prosecution.

“Michael’s attitude was very positive”, says Janet. “With public footpaths running across his land, he’s seen at first hand the problems an uncontrolled dog can create and
the damage it can occasionally cause to livestock”.

Working with a flock of Michael’s sheep, she retrains dogs using a variety of humane methods, which have proven to be both very effective and popular.

In one lesson, she can change the behaviour of nearly all “chasers”, regardless of age or breed. “Very occasionally however, and when all else has failed, I can use
an electric collar although this is only done at the owners’ request”, Janet says.

And if you own a puppy, Janet’s advice is simple – socialise your dog with livestock as early as possible.

For more information, contact Janet Ardley 01768 361057 or visit http://www.cumbria-dog-training.com

The latest episode in The Sims franchise is The Sims3 Pets. There is a fun and informative video to showcase this game further. There is a dog sitting on a settee talking to us and various other breeds scattered around the room, including a Dalmation drinking from a toilet. It then shows clips from the game where you see the various screen shots and the parts the animals will take in the game.

We are also told that playing this game will release our inner animal and you have the choice of having a pet or being a pet. You can play both ways, and either have a pet to love and take care of, or be that pet and get up to all the mischief around the house that pets are renowned for. This is a totally original idea and changing between being a pet owner and being the actual pet is hysterical.

There can’t be many who aren’t aware of The Sims and what you can actually do with it. It’s compelling, addictive and a whole lot of fun. From building your house to getting married and having children, the world of The Sims has become an escape for millions and this latest adventure just adds to it.  The tag line for The Sims 3 Pets is Play with Life, and that’s exactly what you can do with this latest member of The Sims family.

If you are considering making the huge commitment to rescue one of the thousands of dogs and cats that need re-homing, there are a few hints and tips on what to expect and how to care for an animal that has been rescued.

The first thing you must remember is that there is every likelihood that your cat or dog ill have a traumatic background, and you will never know to what extent t hey have suffered, both physically and emotionally. Don’t expect your pet to attach itself to you instantly and become your perfect pet, it will take a lot of patience over time to build up the trust between you, and there’s no way this will happen overnight.

Before you bring your rescue pet home, make sure that you have a ‘safety zone’ where they can go if feeling nervous or unsure. They will look for somewhere such as under a table or behind a couch where they feel safer and nobody can get to them. This place will be used less and less over time as the trust builds and they feel less vulnerable and begin to grasp that  you are not a threat to them.

If they have had any kind of favourite toy at the shelter bring that home with  you so they at least have something familiar around them. As hard as it may be, try not to fuss over your rescue cat or dog too much during the first few weeks. This is a major event for the animal, so let them be to observe those in the household and get used to your routines and their new surroundings. They will come to you when they are ready, you can’t force it.

Consider your new pet once they are in your home, and try not to make sudden movements or loud noises. Simple things just as raising your had or getting a sweeping brush could bring back painful memories, as delay their progress in accepting you. You obviously won’t know what the cat or dog is scared of so just be as considerate and thoughtful as you can while you go about your daily routine.

.If they come up and sniff your hands don’t try and grab them, just let them sniff and get used to your scent. Offering treats by hand is also a good idea as they will see you as a trusted food source.

Dogs Trust and Disneys Spooky Buddies

It is hard to resist the adorable cuteness of Disney’s ‘Buddies’ films, and now everyone’s favourite lab puppies are back just in time for a Halloween adventure titled Spooky Buddies, out on DVD October 10^th.

Filled with plenty of action and cute scenes, the Buddies films are known for being family favourites as they cater to all age groups and Spooky Buddies lives up to its predecessors reputation by offering plenty of action, adventure, laughs, and of course some talking puppies that are too cute for words.

In the new instalment the canines find themselves exploring a deserted mansion in an attempt to save the world from a warlock who has alternative dark plans.  With extra bonus features to help offset the price and plenty of fun Spooky Buddies is a full length movie that is worth every penny as it praises the values of teamwork and friendship.

Spooky Buddies is available on Disney DVD from 10 October 2011

Also available 10 October is the Buddies Pack which includes all 5 adventures; Air Buddies, Space Buddies, Santa Buddies, Snow Buddies and Spooky Buddies

Bonus features:

• DIGS: Rosebud Edition – Join Rosebud as she invites viewers into her home for an exciting tour
• ‘Monster Mash’ Music Video
• ‘Treasure Buddies’ Sneak Peek
• Discover Blu-ray 3D with Timon & Pumbaa

Product Information

• Release date: 10 October 2011
• Voices: Sierra McCormick, Harland Williams, Elisa Donovan, Jennifer Elise Cox,

Frankie Jonas, Tucker Albrizzi, Brendan Meyer, Sage Ryan, Pat Finn, Max Charles, Charles Henry Wyson, Nels Lennarson & Michael Teigen

• Director: Robert Vince
• Certificate: U
• Running Time: 85 minutes approx

We took Daisy – who we hadn’t yet named — to our vet. The doctor asked whether we wanted her treated, since she was a stray. I looked at our son’s pleading eyes and told the vet: “Yes, treat her. She’s ours now.” For the next eight years Daisy was our family’s joy. She seemed to have decided that since we’d saved her life, she had to protect us with every ounce of her fluffy golden being.

She’d lie in the loft, barking at every passer-by she could see through the picture window. She’d check all the doors and windows every night before we went to bed. Although we insisted she sleep on the floor, my husband and I often awoke to find Daisy snuggled between us. She simply couldn’t stand to be apart from her people.

The first inkling that she was ill came when she began to roam around the house in a strange pattern. Hour after hour she’d pace the floor as though looking for something, confusion in her brown eyes.  After a few days we took her to the vet. The diagnosis was “canine cognitive dysfunction,” a form of doggie dementia. Our vet warned us she might become aggressive, or become even more confused and depressed.

We went home bereft. Clearly she was in pain, if not physical pain, then emotional pain, and her condition would only get worse. We called the vet back and made an appointment to bring her in the next day to be put to sleep.

The next morning I was sitting on the floor next to our bed, grieving over what was to come. For some reason, Daisy broke her pacing pattern and lay down next to me. She put her grayed muzzle on my thigh and sighed deeply, as if to say, “It’s OK mum, I’m ready.” Half an hour later, our vet slipped off Daisy’s collar and gave it to me before our faithful little spaniel breathed her last.

I keep Daisy’s collar in a box on my dresser, It’s my memorial to a loved one. Deciding to let her go was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever made, but I know it was the most loving thing we could do for her. She’s waiting for us at Rainbow Bridge, where the spirits of faithful pets await the spirits of their beloved people. What a joyful reunion that will be!

Create perfect – or imperfect – pets for your Sims, from fierce guard dogs to destructive kittens to trusty horses and more as you determine not only how your Sims’ pets look but their personality traits as well. With a variety of new activities and social interactions, take control of these pets and experience the world from their perspective. Give your Sims a new member of their household and discover all-new ways to play with life!

FEATURES:

* More pets mean more fun! Create a wide variety of unique dogs, cats, and—for the first time ever—horses! Think your Sim has what it takes to tame a wild horse?
* Be the Pet. Wield control of your Sim’s pet to chase, dig, tackle and more. Be the perfect companion or wreck havoc on your Sims!
* Pets have their own traits! From intelligent, brave, and friendly to hydrophobic, skittish, and clueless to gentle, fast, and agile, determine the personality of your Sims’ pets.
* Pets can learn skills. Cats and dogs can learn to hunt, dogs can learn to locate collectibles and fetch your Sims a date, and horses can learn racing and jumping.
* Sims can take their pets outside! Take Spike to the park, bring Whiskers to the library, or ride Star to the new Equestrian Center.

The latest development is the pet passport, so it is now also possible to go abroad for your holidays and take your pets along, but this could be a lot of hassle in the long run. Meanwhile, there is much in the UK the pet owner who wants to holiday with their pets. There are many great locations throughout the British Isles where pets are welcome, and these are increasing all the time.

There are hotels, guesthouses, B&B’s, cottages, caravans, apartments and cabins that will all accept pets. Always check it out in advance however as there may be restrictions on size and quantity, and the last thing you want is to turn up at your accommodation with two German shepherds to be turned away as they are too big.

We all tend to choose the kind of accommodation that goes with the kind of holiday we most enjoy. Those who want to be pampered on holiday will more than likely opt for a pet friendly hotel, but once again look for restrictions. Whereas those who enjoy active holidays are most likely to go for the cottage or log cabin option, and the restrictions will more than likely be less stringent too.

Log cabins are relatively new to the UK, but are taking off pretty quickly. If you are taking a holiday with a dog you are probably best off considering these and cottages as you need to consider other guests in a hotel and your dog will have more freedom in the cottage or cabin. Cottages also tend to have enclosed gardens so your dog can be let out safely in the morning and before you go to bed.

TIME FOR TALKIES

by

Malcolm  D. Welshman

Author of Pets in a Pickle

During my life as a vet, I’ve often got stressed. On those occasions, I seek out my Jack Russell, Pip, for a good talking to. He’s usually to be found chilling out in front of the Aga, warm as toast. I’m told chatting to Pip will be good for me. Experts claim that talking to the family pet, be it cat or dog, fish or gerbil, can save your life as it helps to bring down blood pressure and ease nervous tension.

Trouble is, as soon as I sit down next to Pip and open my mouth, up he jumps and legs it out into the garden. In my more moody moments, I wonder whether I should get him replaced.  But how could I be sure of finding a canine that would actually stay put and pay attention to my troubles?  Advertise perhaps?  Or search the Internet for a canine chat room.  There again, maybe there’s a special advisory service such as ‘Paws for Talk’  or ‘Dial a Dog’ capable of providing me with the ideal listener.

Mind you, I’d insist on examining any prospective new pooch to make sure his hearing was okay.  I wouldn’t want any woes of mine falling on deaf ears.  And certain breeds would have to be avoided.  The likes of Pekingese and Tibetan spaniels would surely not be able to interpret a word of what I was saying to them.

However, the experts assure us that any sort of pet can be beneficial.  So when our daughter and her family went on holiday and we were left to look after the grandchildren’s stick insect, I did wonder whether it was a good opportunity to tell it about my prostate problems.  I had my doubts though.  I know they’re clever enough creatures, adept at disguising themselves as bits of branches.  But could such a creature twig the complexities of the male urogenital system?  And what if too much stick from me made it snap? The grandchildren would never forgive me.

Looking back, I had quite a neurosis free childhood.  But then I did talk to animals a great deal.  Especially when we lived in Africa.  There I had a captive audience of ducks, chickens, a monkey, several chameleons, a parrot and three tortoises.  I was a budding Dr. Dolittle of the African bush in my animated conversations with them all.  I liked the tortoises best.  They never seemed in a hurry to get away, often just staying put, heads tucked in.  I realise now, they were probably shell shocked from all my blathering.

The beauty of talking to pets is that most keep their mouths shut.  No letting slip your secrets.  If you tell a cat your private account number at Lloyds you can rest assured he’ll stay mum.  It’s to do with that unfathomable expression they have whereby you never know what they’re thinking.  Hypnotic.  It makes me blurt out all sorts of things I’d otherwise have kept bottled up.  Talk about letting the cat out of the bag.

I know when I’ve reached the end of my tether.  There’s this little vein in my temple which starts throbbing, warning me it’s time to talk to someone.  Anyone.  It’s lurching like a lugworm now.

Speaking of worms, perhaps I should dig one up from the garden for a chat.  But even he’s likely to cast one look at me and bury his head in the soil.

No.  The dog’s the answer.

‘Pip … Pip … Where are you boy?   It’s time for talkies …’

………………………

Visit Malcolm’s website at www.malcolmwelshman.co.uk