Different Type of Guinea Pig Breeds and Colors

Guinea pigs, also known as cavy, are species of rodents originated in Andes, a mountain Range in South America. How it ends up being called a Guinea pig when it's not even a pig nor is it from Guinea, is still a big question.

"Cavies" are docile in nature; they are a social animal and they rarely bite even when they are tense. Their receptiveness to handling and feeding, and the relative ease of caring for them, makes them a popular pet.

Domesticated cavies come in various breeds, which have been developed since their introduction to Europe and North America. Since their introduction to the United States and Europe, developing new guinea pig breeds gears toward development of attractive and appealing pet.

Here are some common breeds:

The American or formerly known as English cavy is the most popular, they are also the oldest breed of Guinea Pig. The good thing about this Cavy because of its short and glossy coat its low maintenance. It's also easy to handle because of its tame personality.

The Abyssinian cavy has a very distinctive appearance. Its coat is multiple swirls of hair referred to as cow licked rosettes. The ideal Abyssinian has 10 rosettes, one on each shoulder, four across its back, one on each of the animal's hips, and two on the rump.

The Peruvian breed has a smooth and straight coat that grows to several inches in length. These type of guinea pig breeds requires a lot of grooming because of its long hair, which makes it harder to take care of. The Himalayan cavy originates in Southeast Asia and is similar to the Siamese cat in coat. Himalayans' coat darkens depending on the temperature.

A Silkie or Sheltie has a silky and very long coat that smoothly flows back over its body and never forward over the face (as in the Peruvian). Compared to the well-known Peruvian, the Silkie's soft coat fails to part, at least naturally, along the back. The hair continues to grow backwards from the head. The Sheltie is normally expected to have a fairly longer sweep of hair in the back. The Teddy is a short-haired cavy characterized by a short dense coat with bent (kinked) hair streak that makes the coat stand on end, giving a very fuzzy look.

There are also a range of color varieties of cavies, aside from the typical guinea pig breeds. The familiar colors are the following:

Self: This cavy only has one color, so it can be completely black or white or any other color. This is one of the most common colors for cavies. An all-black color guinea pig is called self-black.

Agouti: Alternate dark and light bands of color on each hair; the hair roots color is different from the tip. Usually, this type of color is found in short-coated guinea pigs.

Solid: This is almost like the Agoutis, but its belly is marked as well.

Tortoiseshell: This guinea pig is a mixture of black and red; just like the Dalmatian, it comes with patches.

Brindle: Black series and red series hair colors are evenly mixed throughout their coats.

Albino: This is one of the most common colors for guinea pig. It is white with pink eyes.

Dalmatian: Just like its dog counterpart, this "pig" has a white body with black patches or spots.

Himalayan: The color of the Himalayan's body is white, while brown or black is the color of its nose and feet. The color of the eyes is either black or pink.

If you're interested in owning a cavy as a pet, there are lots of other breeds you can choose from.

Top Five Dog Breeds for Homes with Children

Top five dog breeds for homes with children

* Beagle

* Bernese Mountain Dog

* Bichon Frise

* Bloodhound

* Boston Terrier

* Boxer

* Brittany Spaniel

* Bulldog

* Coonhound

* English Setter

* Foxhound

* Gordon Setter

* Irish Setter

* Keeshond

* Labrador Retriever

* Mastiff

* Newfoundland

* Pugs

* Samoyed

* Siberian Husky

* Springer Spaniel

* Standard Poodles

* Vizsla

With proper training of both the children and the dog, any one of the above breeds should be able to adapt without many problems. Of course, there are some individuals, both human and canine, that simply refuse to get along.

Watch for warning signs like overprotection of food, toys, bed, or an area that he has claimed as his own. Be especially careful with very young todlers that may crawl right up to the dog while it is eating. Even small dogs can leave a nasty bite on a small child. Be careful not to let children play tug of war or wrestle with dominant breeds, when the dog wins, he will feel empowered and will consider your child inferior. This may lead to more aggressive actions against your child.

Some dog breeds to avoid, or at least be wary of are listed below. Obviously there are exceptions to every breed, but research shows that the following are some of the worst breeds for homes with small children (alphabetically):

* Chihuahuas - Intolerant, especially toddlers and infants

* Chow Chows - Often bond to just one person, can be very cranky with kids

* Dachshunds - Intolerant

* Dalmatians - Too excitable, prone to jumping on and knocking down kids

* Dobermans - A dominant breed, may consider child inferior

* Giant Schnauzers - A dominant breed, may challenge even adults

* Heelers - Prone to nipping at legs and heels of children

* Lhasa Apso - Intolerant, may be intolerant of some adults too

* Malamutes - A dominant breed, may consider child inferior

* Mini Pinchers - Intolerant, fierce for their size

* Pekinese - Intolerant

* Pit Bulls - Either adore children or hate them, Powerful bite can break bones

* Rhodesian Ridgeback - A dominant breed, may consider child inferior

* Rottweiller - A dominant breed, may consider child inferiorv

* Toy Poodle - May be injured by children, may bite in self defense

These following breeds may adapt to family life but should have come with warning labels attached. Dogs chosen from these breeds should be very carefully screened individuals that were raised in homes that also had children. They should be well socialized with many children from puppyhood, and they should most definitely be obedience trained.

* Akita

* Cocker Spaniel - Inbreeding has caused personality defects in some pups

* Collie

* German Shepherd

* Golden Retriever

* Great Dane

* Great Pyrenees

* Irish Setter - Inbreeding has caused personality defects in some pups

* Irish Wolfhound

* Old English Sheepdog - Either like children or hate them

* Saint Bernard - Either like children or hate them

So which dogs are the very best breeds for homes with children?

In my opinion, there are five.

I think the very best suited for the position, is the Labrador Retriever. They are intelligent, affectionate and can take a lot of abuse from children without getting grumpy. A Lab is most likely to lie on the floor, wagging its tail, as your toddler plays his stomach as a drum set. They should receive firm obedience training, but they will make excellent pets.

Second is the Golden Retriever. They are reliable, loving and very sociable dogs that will also be able to take some rough handling from children without getting too upset.

Third is the Basset Hound. Lazy and stubborn they most certainly may be, but also very sweet and gentle. They adore children and can be very affectionate with them.

Fourth is the Beagle. They are affectionate, intelligent and lively dogs best suited for children over the age of six, but somewhat adaptable.

Fifth is the Bulldog. They can be very good with children over the age of six if the child is taught to respect them. They are generally good natured, but very strong dogs.

The best choice for young children is always going to be a puppy born and raised in a household with children. A good dog is one that already has a history of pleasant interaction with youngsters.

Introduce the dog to your children before you agree to purchase or adopt, and make sure that there aren't any personality conflicts. The dog should be attentive, loving and gentle even if the children are a little rough with their affection. If the dog or puppy plays well with your children in it's current home, it will probably play well with them in your home.

Best of luck, and happy puppy hunting!

Dog Breeds - What's Popular For Children

No doubt the number one best dog breed for children hands down, would have to be, you guessed it, Labrador Retriever. The Labrador is well accepted because of its good nature. It is not generally aggressive or hyper. It is playful, easy-going, patient, and intelligent. No wonder it is loved by both young and old. Because of its mild manner, it is first choice in working with the handicapped. It is has desire to please as if it knows its purpose. The Lab is also a great pick if you have other pets. They are very accommodating. A well taken care of Lab can live up to 13 years. In order to reduce boredom in these dogs, they should be kept active. These dogs love playing in the yard or taking walks.

Number two on the list is the Golden Retriever. They are similar to the Lab in their personality. They are also mild mannered, kind and they enjoy being around people. They too are a top pick for working with the handicapped as well as the elderly. They too get along with other pets. These dogs are intelligent and easy to train. Playing fetch is a favorite game for them. Because of their playful nature, this breed of dog would be great for an older child who likes to be active outdoors. Regular grooming is required because of their long hair.

The next pick is the Beagle. Even though they have a baying bark, they are not aggressive dogs. What their barking is saying is that they make great watch dogs. Beagles have a friendly demeanor about them. Their tails seem to be in an unending wagging motion. Because friendliness comes natural with them, they do not like to be left alone. They become bored when left by themselves for long periods. They are a great pick for smaller children because of their smaller size.

Another great dog pick for children is the Basset Hound. They are most generally docile, yet they're known for their stubbornness. They are also known for their gentleness and are very sweet by nature. They're great with children of all ages and enjoy attention from them.

The German shepherd is another pick. Again, these are probably best for older children who enjoy playing outdoors. Because of their strength and size, they are not always suitable for younger children. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty. Police often use this type of dog for search and rescue missions. They are protective by nature and are quite tolerant. It's best to start training these dogs as pups. Without training, they can be difficult when they mature.

The black and white spotted Dalmatian is associated with fire trucks, but for families, a Dalmatian would be a trusted friend. They are very outgoing dogs with more energy than we can imagain. Dalmatians need companionship from humans.

The Bearded Collie is another great pick. These are active dogs and generly do best outdoors. They like to have open space to run and play, so being confined to an apartment would not suit these dogs. The Bearded Collie is known for its bounce. This dog is very playful and happy. They like to be around people and do not hide their excitement of being around you. Female Collie's tend to be calmer, while males are more rambunctious.

Then there's the American Cocker Spaniel. They are sensitive and sweet dogs. They are generally obedient to their master and enjoy the attention of children. They are definitely a people friendly dog.

Cockapoos not only are good around children, but they get on with other pets as well. They do not need a lot of space. Apartment life is OK with them.

In choosing the right dog for your family, always remember that there are always exceptions to the rules. Each dog is an individual, and why for the most part certain breeds are more children friendly, you should always be cautious with your child around unknown dogs.

Dalmatian - Dog Breeds

Group: Non-sporting

Weight: 40-60 lbs

Height: 19-23 inches

Overview

The Dalmatian is a very old breed and it is believed these dogs are originally from a section called Dalmatia in Yugoslavia. Their endurance, size and guard dog ability made them a preferred breed by the English upper classes. In the 1800's the Dalmatian was used more often as guard dogs and horse and carriage dogs. They protected the contents of the carriage by running next to them. Dalmatians were ideal for this seeing that they are very loyal dogs with lots of endurance. This breed was also used to guard the camps of the U.S. soldiers during both the first and the second World War. The Dalmatian is most often used as firehouse dogs.

Temperament

The Dalmatian is very social and loves human attention. They are very responsive and will not do well when left alone for too long. If they become lonesome or bored to death they will become miserable and destructive. The Dalmatian is not suggested for homes with small children as they are quite lively. They will naturally get along with other household pets they have been brought up with, but exhibit hostility to dogs they are not familiar with. This breed is wary of strangers and makes and brilliant watchdogs. The Dalmatian will only bark when completely necessary.

Care

The Dalmatian requires everyday brushing with a firm hair brush to reduce hair loss. Further attention should be paid to the coat during the heavy shedding seasons. Dalmatians should only be bathed when it is really deemed necessary, and a mild shampoo is advised to protect the coat and skin. These dogs will not do well in extreme climate conditions and are likely to have problems with ticks and fleas.

Training

Dalmatians should not be trained by making use of negative reinforcement. Although these dogs are even tempered, they can become annoyed when punished or vocally mistreated. Keep on teaching your dog by means of positive reinforcement until they learn the instructions. Puppies are easier to train, but adult dogs can still be trained with some endurance and consistency.

Health problems

Dalmatians struggle with two major health issues, and these are deafness and kidney stones. These issues are really due to genetics and pure breeding, and sometimes also age. It is advised that you buy your puppy from an official breeder who tests their puppies with the BAER test. Kidney stones can cause your dog severe pain, but luckily it is not too common in most Dalmatians. Allergies and skin rashes may also crop up if your dog is bit by a flea or tick.

Dog Breeds - Choosing a Dalmatian For Your Family Dog

When choosing the right breed of dogs, it is important to get a dog who can adjust to your family lifestyle easily. There are some questions you need to ask yourself before choosing the right breed. Questions such as "who will take care of the dog?" are crucial in selecting the dog breed that can fulfill your requirements.

If you are looking for a dog who has a medium built and can easily adjust to apartment living then a Dalmatian is just what you need. In the past, Dalmatians were used for herding and they still carry their natural ability to be a guard dog who can easily protect their human masters.

They are also classified as sporting dogs who have strong scent ability and do not normally warm up right away to strangers. They are great guard dogs who are very smart and can be good protectors. They are also elegant to look at, and had often been admired for their spotted coats.

The Dalmatian is also a perfect company for children as they are very playful and always eager to please their masters. However, because they are naturally active and requires constant exercise, they may need for a good fenced yard to keep them in. They are constantly full of energy, but once a harmonious relationship has developed between him and his master, the Dalmatian can be a loving and charming dog.

Grooming Dalmatians may not be that easy because they tend to shed a lot of hair which can cling to carpets and furniture. However, a good grooming glove or rough towels used on his coat daily will help.

Dalmatians will benefit from early puppy training which can also teach him to be more sociable with humans and other dogs.

With all these qualities, you won't go wrong choosing a Dalmatian for your family dog. Be careful though, to buy your Dalmatian from reputable breeders, as these dogs are quite prone to deafness. Before buying your Dalmatian, make sure to test it for deafness by talking to him and seeing if he reacts fast enough.

The Dalmatian is a versatile dog and is easily trainable. Make sure that you only get your Dalmatian from experienced breeders and train your Dalmatian early through reputable puppy training schools.