Rabies Treatment for dogs

Dog Rabies information

The rabies virus affects dogs and all other warm-blooded animals. In wildlife animals, rabies is  commonly seen in foxes, skunks, raccoons and bats. Each of these species carries a variant strain of the rabies virus. All of these strains can affect animals. Domesticated animals such as cows, horses, dogs and cats commonly act as a source for human infections but people can be infected from wildlife sources as well, particularly bats.

Rabies Control

The first step to controlling rabies in dogs an other pets is vaccination. All healthy pets should be vaccinated. The rabies vaccine is very effective, inexpensive, and is usually given every 3 years. In horses, it is usually given every year. In most localities, the law requires rabies vaccinations for all pets.



The second step to rabies control is a thorough understanding of this terrible disease so that risk exposures or contact can be prevented. The third step toward controlling rabies is cooperation between veterinarians, the public, the public health system, and those government agencies who  monitor and control rabies on a regional level. For example, in some parts of Canada, bait is dropped from airplanes into rural or countryside areas so that wildlife will eat the bait (disguised as food treats) laced with an effective protective vaccine. Public health departments also track and manage human exposures. Rabies moves to and from animals and people through a bite wound or through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. It’s thought people can become infected by breathing air around bats, such as in bat caves where the virus is suspended in droplets in the air.

Rabies Treatment

Rabies is almost always fatal. However, if a dog or person is bitten by a rabid animal and begins treatment prior to experiencing symptoms, there is an effective post-exposure treatment, which involves an injection of immune globulin and several rabies vaccines given to the infected victim over a 28-day period.

Disease Progression

Once the rabies virus enters the body of the animal or person, it travels to the central nervous system along the nerve fibres. It sets up a base in the brain and spreads back out into the body using the nerves to move around. The virus particles end up in many body tissues. Of particular importance are the salivary glands. Once rabies viruses enter the salivary glands they're present in large numbers in saliva and are easily spread between animals or people via licking or biting.

Rabies Symptoms

Once infected, dogs and other animals may show widely differing symptoms depending on what stage of the infection they are in. Early in the infection they appear completely normal. This pre-symptom phase can last for long periods of time. A bite on the face will tend to lead to a shorter prodromal phase since the virus is close to the brain, while a bite on the tip of the tail or paw may result in a long phase because it takes longer for the virus to travel to and from the brain.



For a few days at the very end of this prodromal or normal-behaviour phase, rabid dogs and animals can pass the virus on to other animals or people. This is the greatest time of risk because the typical rabies behaviours are absent. Once clinical signs of illness start, the animal only has about a week to live. Typically a phase occurs where rabid animals becomes very nasty, and will be irritable and snap and bite without being provoked or bothered. They may attack. This phase is termed furious rabies because the animal seems uncontrollably angry. Finally, the animal becomes progressively paralyzed, termed dumb rabies, and dies because the muscles for control of swallowing and breathing, amongst others, lose their function.
Unfortunately, not all cases follow typical progressive symptoms. For example, rabid cats often become overly friendly and affectionate rather than vicious. They can snuggle up to a child and suddenly lash out with teeth and claws after appearing quiet and nice. A dog may just show what appears to be a paralyzed tongue hanging out. The dog may be quiet, with jaw hanging open and saliva dribbling out of the mouth. One might think he had something like a stick stuck in the roof of his mouth! How about a cow that is restless, foaming at the mouth and when approached, is irritable and grabs a person? Though cows do not have a pile of sharp teeth at the front of their mouth like dogs or cats, this can result in a bite that breaks the skin. How about a pony in a petting facility that gets "nippy" and bites those passing by? Affected animals may also have trouble drinking or eating, and run a fever.
Do these stories sound far fetched? They are all cases veterinarians have seen in practice, so never forget that any animal acting in any unusual fashion can be showing signs of rabies! That is why rabies is called the great pretender. It can look like many other conditions, and can be very different from the vicious biting rabid animal image we hear about.

exercsie for Dogs

                                              Information 

Some daily activity and exercise is essential, allowing freedom to move about in a natural manner. Lack of exercise leads to poor muscle tone, obesity, heart ailments, bone disorders and often results in emotional problems and dog behavior quirks. Dogs with no exercise subjected to overcrowding and confinement in cages for prolonged periods, often their entire lives, develop a great variety of physical and emotional disorders.




An exercised dog may rest more calmly at home and be less nervous when left alone. Exercise can improve dogs bone and joint health, heart, and lung function. Exercise makes show dogs look better and feel better to a judge's exploring hands. (Because a happy dog looks more gorgeous).



The best exercise channels the activity of both mind and body. Some people believe that dogs need a big garden so they can get plenty of exercise. The truth is that most dogs do not exercise when they are outdoors by themselves; they spend most of their time laying in the shadow and waiting for "their people" to play with them.



You do not need to take up marathon running in order to adequately exercise your dog.



Make your walks interesting. Let your dog carry a box, a basket, or a toy while walking. Let your dog jump or balance over a tree, hide his toys, hide yourself, and most important – let him play with other dogs! Open the leash when another dog approaches, to prevent “leash-aggression”. (Don’t worry, they will not kill each other). A dog that tries to "guard" against all strangers is neither happy nor likely to live out a full lifespan. Help your dog learn to enjoy other dogs and people.




Teach your dog to retrieve. A dog who retrieves is easy to exercise. But throw the toy rather far than high. Jumping high in the air to chase it and landing awkwardly may lead to serious knee injuries.



Some games to play



FIND IT

This one is great fun for the dog. Show your dog a treat or his favorite toy, and then place it out of his sight but easily accessible in a dark room. Tell him to SEEK - his success you will praise enthusiastically. Obviously, the rewards for the dog are multiple - he gets a treat or finds his toy plus a very happy handler. If using a toy, be sure to reward his find with some play before starting again.

You can increase the difficulty of FIND IT by hiding the dogs treats in less accessible places, like in a shoe, or on a low shelf. This can be practiced indoors as well as anywhere else!



Alternative exercise:



Tunnel exercise - Make a tunnel or maze with some old cardboard boxes or chairs and encourage your dog to explore and go through it.



Concentration exercise – Hide some treats inside an old wash-glove or in a rolled up towel, this is fun for your dog!



Brain exercise – Turnover a bowl and hide the treats under it. Doggie must use his creativity to turn the bowl and get all treats. That is exciting exercise!

Bullmastiff dog

The Bullmastiff is a dog of incredible strength, keen alertness, and surprising endurance. Although characterized by gentleness, they are a natural guardian of the home and will not back down from a fight. To strangers they are rather standoffish, but they are loving toward their owner. Bullmastiffs are normally very gentle, cheerful and calm. They make a devoted, gentle companion. They are also known as the "gamekeeper's dog" because they were bred to accompany gamekeepers for the ability to track and overpower a poacher.




History/Origin:
Developed in the late nineteenth century by crossing the Mastiff with the Bulldog. He was breed to combine power, speed and a keen sense of smell with the courage and aggression of a bulldog. In 1924 he was standardized and was officially recognized in England.



Height: 25 - 27 inches

Weight: 90 - 130 lbs.

Colors:
Shades of brindle, fawn or red. Slight white marking on the chest is permissible, black muzzle.

Coat:
Short, smooth, dense




Temperament:
Loving, courageous, loyal; Tolerates children; Should be socialized with other animals at an early age

Care and Exercise:
Minimal brushing of his coat. A good rubdown with a rubber brush or massage glove will remove old dead hairs. Nails should be kept short. Diet and daily exercise need to be balanced to prevent obesity. Daily walks or lost of running space is ideal.

Pekingese dog

The Pekingese, Pekinese or "Peke" (also commonly referred to as a "Lion Dog", or "Pelchie Dog" due to their resemblance to Chinese guardian lions) is an ancient breed of toy dog, originating in China. They were the favored pet of the Chinese Imperial court, and the name relates to the city of Beijing where the Forbidden City resides. The breed has several characteristics and health issues related to its unique appearance. Because of its desirable characteristics, the Pekingese has been part of the development of designer crossbreeds, such as the Pekeatese.

Poodle is intellgent dog

Poodles are retrievers or gun dogs, and can still be seen in that role most of the time. The poodle is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is known as the Pudel. The English word "poodle" comes from the Low German pudel or puddeln, meaning to splash in the water. The breed was standardized in France, where it was commonly used as a water retriever.




The American Kennel Club states that the large, or Standard, Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties and that the dog gained special fame as a water worker. So widely was it used as retriever that it was bred with a moisture-resistant coat to further facilitate progress in swimming. All of the Poodle's ancestors were acknowledged to be good swimmers, although one member of the family, the truffle dog (which may have been of Toy or Miniature size), it is said, never went near the water. Truffle hunting was widely practiced in England, and later in Spain and Germany, where the edible fungus has always been considered a delicacy. For scenting and digging up the fungus, the smaller dogs were favored, since they did less damage to the truffles with their feet than the larger kinds. So it is rumored that a terrier was crossed with the Poodle to produce the ideal truffle hunter.



Despite the standard poodle's claim to greater age than the other varieties, there is some evidence to show that the smaller types developed only a short time after the breed assumed the general type by which it is recognized today. The smallest, or Toy variety, was developed in England in the 18th century, when the Havanese became popular there. This was a sleeve dog attributed to the West Indies from whence it traveled to Spain and then to England. The continent had known the poodle long before it came to England. Drawings by the German artist, Albrecht Durer, establish the breed in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was the principal pet dog of the later 18th century in Spain, as shown by the paintings of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. France had toy poodles as pampered favorites during the reign of Louis XVI at about the same period

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed of terrier type, developed in the 19th century in the historical area of Yorkshire, England to catch rats in clothing mills. The defining features of the breed are its size, 3 pounds (1.4 kg) to 7 pounds (3.2 kg), and its silky blue and tan coat. The breed is nicknamed Yorkie and is placed in the Toy Terrier section of the Terrier Group by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and in the Toy Group or Companion Group by other kennel clubs, although all agree that the breed is a terrier. A popular companion dog, the Yorkshire Terrier has also been part of the development of other breeds, such as the Australian Silky Terrier.

Basset Hound Dog is a large dog with short legs

These dogs are around 1-foot in height at the withers. They usually weigh between 35 and 50 lb (16 and 23 kg). They have smooth, short-haired coats but a rough haired hound is possible. Although any hound colour is considered acceptable by breed standards, Bassets are generally tricolor (black, tan, and white), open red and white (red spots on white fur), closed red and white (a solid red color with white feet and tails), Honey And White (honey coloured back, light brown spotty nose and legs, light brown tails with white tip) and lemon and white. Some Bassets are also classified as gray or blue; however, this colour is considered rare and undesirable.



They have long, downward ears and powerful necks, with much loose skin around their heads that forms wrinkles. Their tails are long and tapering and stand upright with a curve. Tails usually have white tips so the dogs are more easily seen when hunting/tracking through large bushes or weeds. The breed is also known for its hanging skin structure, which causes the face to occasionally look sad; this, for many people, adds to the breed's charm. The dewlap, seen as the loose, elastic skin around the neck, and the trailing ears, help trap the scent of what they are tracking.

The Basset Hound is a large dog with short legs. They were originally bred to have osteochondrodysplasia, known as dwarfism.[3] Their short stature can be deceiving; Bassets are surprisingly long and can reach things on table tops that dogs of similar heights cannot. However, because Bassets are so heavy and have such short legs, they are not able to hold themselves above water for very long and should never be made to swim.

Whippets dog is so faster

Whippets are a medium-size dog averaging in weight from 15 to 30 lb (6.8–14 kg), with height (under the FCI standard) of 18.5 - 20 inches (47 - 51 cm) for males and 17.5–18.5 inches (44–47 cm) for females Whippets tend to be somewhat larger in the United States and Canada with their population in show, coursing and some race whippets required to be within the AKC standard of 18.5 to 22.5 inches (47 to 57 cm) for males, and 17.5 to 21.5 inches (44 to 55 cm) for females.



Because colour is considered immaterial in judging Whippets, they come in a wide variety of colours and marking patterns, everything from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue, or cream. All manner of spots and blazes and patches are seen, sometimes all in the same litter.
Whippets regularly compete in dog shows, lure course racing and are among the fastest of dogs running a course at 36mph

How to care overheating in dogs

Working up a good sweat in the hot summer months may be good for you, but it can lead to heat stroke in your dog and kill him in a matter of minutes. Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that takes the lives of many animals every year. Your dog's normal body temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If it rises to 105 or 106 degrees, the dog is at risk for developing heat exhaustion. If the body temperature rises to 107 degrees, your dog has entered the dangerous zone of heat stroke. With heat stroke, irreversible damage and death can occur.

Here are some cold summer facts: The temperature in a parked car can reach 160 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with partially opened windows. And any dog exercising on a hot, humid day, even with plenty of water, can become overheated. Overheating often leads to heat stroke. As a pet owner, you should know the dangers of overheating and what to do to prevent it. You should also know the signs of heat stroke and what to do if your dog exhibits those signs.




Overweight dogs
Dogs who are overexerted
Ill dogs or those on medication
Brachycephalic dogs (short, wide heads) like pugs, English bulldogs and Boston terriers
Dogs with cardiovascular disease and/or poor circulation

What To Watch For

If your dog is overheating, he will appear sluggish and unresponsive. He may appear disorientated. The gums, tongue and conjunctiva of the eyes may be bright red and he will probably be panting hard. He may even start vomiting. Eventually he will collapse, seizure and may go into a coma.

If your dog exhibits any of these signs, treat it as an emergency and call your veterinarian immediately. On the way to your veterinary hospital, you can cool your pet with wet towels, spray with cool water from a hose or by providing ice chips for your dog to chew (providing he is conscious).

Veterinary Care

Heat related illness is typically diagnosed based on physical exam findings and a recent history that could result in overheating. Your veterinarian may perform various blood tests to assess the extent of vital organ dysfunction caused by overheating.

Intensity of treatment depends upon the cause and severity of the heat illness.

Mildly increased temperature (less than 105°F) may only require rest, a fan to increase air circulation, fresh water to drink and careful observation.

Markedly increased temperature (greater than 106°F) must be treated more aggressively. Cooling can be promoted externally by immersion in cool water or internally by administering a cool water enema.

Underlying aggravating conditions, such as upper airway obstructive diseases, heart disease, lung disease and dehydration may be treated with appropriate medications, supplemental oxygen or fluid therapy.

Home Care

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Check your dog's temperature rectally if you suspect heat stroke. If it is over 105 degrees F, remove your dog from the heat source immediately and call your veterinarian.

Meanwhile, place a cool, wet towel over your dog or place him in a cool bath. Do not use ice because it may cause skin injury. Spraying with water from a garden hose also works well.

Rottweiler is domestic dog in German

The Rottweiler is a medium to large size breed of domestic dog that originated in Rottweil, Germany. The dogs were known as "Rottweil butchers' dogs" (German: Rottweiler Metzgerhund) because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat and other products to market.[1] Some records[which?] indicate that earlier Rottweilers may have also been used for hunting, although the modern Rottweiler has a relatively low hunting instinct.



   
The Rottweiler was employed in its traditional roles until the mid-19th century when railroads replaced droving for getting livestock to market. While still used in herding, Rottweilers are now also used in search and rescue, as guide dogs for the blind, as guard or police dogs, and in other roles

Boston Terriers Breed

Boston Terriers  Breed Introduction



Boston Terriers always appears to be ready for the most formal of occasions with what appears to be tuxedo attire. Their personality likewise resembles that of the genteel, as they tend to be very well mannered.





With an expression of kindness in its eyes, the Boston Terrier can easily worm its way into the hearts of adults and children alike.



Boston Terriers are 10 to 17 inches (25 to 43 centimeters) in height and range in weight from 11 to 25 pounds (5 to 11 kilograms).



History of Breed



The Boston Terrier was one of the first breeds to be created in the United States. Its exact origin is unknown, but it appears to be a downsized version of the bull and terrier types of dogs that were very popular in early America.





Some claim that the breed descended from the crossing of an English bulldog with a white English terrier, while others assert that it descended from the Pit Bull, the Boxer, the Bull Terrier, the French Bulldog or the English Bulldog.



Needless to say, none of these theories is a known fact. What is known is that the breed was developed in the late 1800s, and it initially achieved popularity in Boston, Massachusetts.



Just as there are many theories as to the dog’s origination, it has been known by many names, including the “round-headed bull,” the “round-headed terrier,” the “Boston bull,” and even “bullet-head.” Fanciers of the dog named it the American Bull Terrier and formed a club by that name in 1889.



The name was not well received, however, and the breed was subsequently renamed after what is considered to be its birthplace, Boston. The name of  “Boston Terrier” has since stuck, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club  (AKC) in 1893.

Dog training techniques

It is important to start training your new puppy as soon as you bring them home. Training can be done yourself or a professional can be hired. Local dog training classes are often available. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a trainer or look in your local newspaper for a trainer in your area.

There are two types of training: behavioral, and obedience.
Behavioral training prevents and or corrects bad habits that your puppy or dog may develop or already has developed. Jumping, car chasing, begging, climbing on furniture, and chewing are just a few. It is very important to be consistent during the training process. For example, do not let your puppy on the couch unless you are planning to allow them when they are full grown. This will confuse them, causing problems. Taking the time to learn dog psychology and satisfying the dog's natural instincts along with proper exercise will help you communicate to your dog and can mean the difference between success and failure.
Obedience training is training the dog to obey certain commands such as sit, stay, come and teaching them to heel. Training sessions should be frequent but short to prevent your dog from becoming bored: ten to fifteen minute sessions, two or three times a day will be sufficient.
Tip: training your dog right before meals will help them associate their meal with a reward for the training and also make them more interested in the food treat you use in your training session.Before giving a word command to your dog, speak its name to get its attention; then speak a one-word command such as "stay," "sit," "come" or "heel." Do not get impatient. You will probably have to repeat the command many times. Never use negative reinforcement. Do not call your dog to come to you for punishment because this will teach your dog not to come on command. Be sure to keep any frustration out of the tone of your voice. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated, take a break. Your dog can sense this and will start to associate training with your unhappiness. You can not hide your frustration from a dog. You cannot pretend. Dogs can feel human emotion, so stay relaxed, firm, and confident.
Some of the specific commands are "sit," "stay," "come," "down" and "heel." When speaking the commands, say them loudly and clearly, repeating them often. The dog may have to hear the commands over and over, but will soon begin to associate the word with its meaning. Always remember to praise your dog when they respond correctly. This will encourage your dog to perform correctly the next time. You may either use food, or affection such as a belly rub, a pet or verbal praise as the reward or both.A lot of puppy and dog training classes teach the heel command only in the advanced classes. The heel command should actually be one of the first things you teach your puppy or dog.


They need to learn how to follow. Once you establish this all other aspects of training will be easier and their behavior in general will be better as the dog will learn to respect you as the leader.

German Shorthaired Pointer Right Breed for everybody

                                                     German Shorthaired Pointer

A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer. A medium-sized breed, he has an aristocratic bearing and can be solid liver or liver and white in color.

  A Look Back

 The origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is not clear, but the source of the breed seems to have been the German Bird Dog, related to the old Spanish Pointer, and various crossings with local German scent hounds and track and trail dogs. When the Germans introduced the English Pointers to lend elegance to the German Shorthaired Pointer prototype, the result was a utility dog that combined sporting virtue with clean lines, good looks and sound temperament. 

Right Breed 

The German Shorthaired Pointer thrives as part of an active family. He is an even-tempered, intelligent and loyal family watchdog that has enthusiasm for its work. An athlete, he can adapt to his living situation, but requires consistent exercise. The GSP’s short coat sheds, but grooming is minimal.

Shetland Sheepdog protecting sheep

The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog.Shelties have the herding dog temperament. They are vocal, excitable, energetic dogs who are always willing to please and work hard. They are partly derived from dogs used in Shetland for herding and protecting sheep.

They are small to medium dogs, and they come in a variety of colors, such as sable/white, tri-color, and blue merle.Their early history is not well-known. They were originally a small mixed-breed dog, often 8–10 inches (200–250 mm) in height. It is thought that the original Shetland herding dogs were of Spitz type, and these were crossed with collie-type sheepdogs from mainland Britain.[1] In the early 20th century, James Loggie added a small show Rough Collie to the stock, and the modern Shetland sheepdog was established.[2] The original name of the breed was 'Shetland Collie', but this caused controversy among Rough Collie breeders, and the breed's formal name was changed to Shetland Sheepdog

Rabies Treatment for dogs

Dog Rabies information

The rabies virus affects dogs and all other warm-blooded animals. In wildlife animals, rabies is  commonly seen in foxes, skunks, raccoons and bats. Each of these species carries a variant strain of the rabies virus. All of these strains can affect animals. Domesticated animals such as cows, horses, dogs and cats commonly act as a source for human infections but people can be infected from wildlife sources as well, particularly bats.

Rabies Control

The first step to controlling rabies in dogs an other pets is vaccination. All healthy pets should be vaccinated. The rabies vaccine is very effective, inexpensive, and is usually given every 3 years. In horses, it is usually given every year. In most localities, the law requires rabies vaccinations for all pets.

The second step to rabies control is a thorough understanding of this terrible disease so that risk exposures or contact can be prevented. The third step toward controlling rabies is cooperation between veterinarians, the public, the public health system, and those government agencies who  monitor and control rabies on a regional level. For example, in some parts of Canada, bait is dropped from airplanes into rural or countryside areas so that wildlife will eat the bait (disguised as food treats) laced with an effective protective vaccine. Public health departments also track and manage human exposures. Rabies moves to and from animals and people through a bite wound or through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. It’s thought people can become infected by breathing air around bats, such as in bat caves where the virus is suspended in droplets in the air.

Rabies Treatment

Rabies is almost always fatal. However, if a dog or person is bitten by a rabid animal and begins treatment prior to experiencing symptoms, there is an effective post-exposure treatment, which involves an injection of immune globulin and several rabies vaccines given to the infected victim over a 28-day period.

Disease Progression

Once the rabies virus enters the body of the animal or person, it travels to the central nervous system along the nerve fibres. It sets up a base in the brain and spreads back out into the body using the nerves to move around. The virus particles end up in many body tissues. Of particular importance are the salivary glands. Once rabies viruses enter the salivary glands they're present in large numbers in saliva and are easily spread between animals or people via licking or biting.

Rabies Symptoms

Once infected, dogs and other animals may show widely differing symptoms depending on what stage of the infection they are in. Early in the infection they appear completely normal. This pre-symptom phase can last for long periods of time. A bite on the face will tend to lead to a shorter prodromal phase since the virus is close to the brain, while a bite on the tip of the tail or paw may result in a long phase because it takes longer for the virus to travel to and from the brain.

For a few days at the very end of this prodromal or normal-behaviour phase, rabid dogs and animals can pass the virus on to other animals or people. This is the greatest time of risk because the typical rabies behaviours are absent. Once clinical signs of illness start, the animal only has about a week to live. Typically a phase occurs where rabid animals becomes very nasty, and will be irritable and snap and bite without being provoked or bothered. They may attack. This phase is termed furious rabies because the animal seems uncontrollably angry. Finally, the animal becomes progressively paralyzed, termed dumb rabies, and dies because the muscles for control of swallowing and breathing, amongst others, lose their function.
Unfortunately, not all cases follow typical progressive symptoms. For example, rabid cats often become overly friendly and affectionate rather than vicious. They can snuggle up to a child and suddenly lash out with teeth and claws after appearing quiet and nice. A dog may just show what appears to be a paralyzed tongue hanging out. The dog may be quiet, with jaw hanging open and saliva dribbling out of the mouth. One might think he had something like a stick stuck in the roof of his mouth! How about a cow that is restless, foaming at the mouth and when approached, is irritable and grabs a person? Though cows do not have a pile of sharp teeth at the front of their mouth like dogs or cats, this can result in a bite that breaks the skin. How about a pony in a petting facility that gets "nippy" and bites those passing by? Affected animals may also have trouble drinking or eating, and run a fever.
Do these stories sound far fetched? They are all cases veterinarians have seen in practice, so never forget that any animal acting in any unusual fashion can be showing signs of rabies! That is why rabies is called the great pretender. It can look like many other conditions, and can be very different from the vicious biting rabid animal image we hear about.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is known best, perhaps, for its guarding qualities. But the dog of yesterday’s scary movies has been transformed through years of meticulous breeding into a fun-loving, exceptional athlete and a watchful, protective, and above all, discerning companion who has no trouble accurately distinguishing between friend and foe. The key word is discerning.



Among the top smartest canine breeds in the world, the Doberman Pinscher is breathtakingly perceptive, intuitive, and sensitive. Properly trained and socialized, your Doberman won’t just place itself between you and a visible threat. As owner after owner can attest, your Doberman will anticipate that threat to you and your child, sometimes in uncanny ways.



Naturally, we’re biased. For us, the Doberman is, paws down, the world’s Number One breed. But that said, the Doberman just isn’t for everyone. Dobermans require a calm, stable, firm, and smart pack leader, or they will assume that role for you. They must also have plenty of vigorous exercise every day, and stimulating mental challenges. Without these things, they will become destructive of themselves and of your home.
One last thing: Dobermans are nick-named “Velcro dogs” because they stick to their people. Heaven for a Doberman is leaning into you for a prolonged head rub. Balancing that well-known guardian instinct is the world’s most loving heart and a sense of humor that will keep you laughing its whole life long.