German Shepherd
German Shepherd
German Shepherd
German Shepherd
German Shepherd
Saturday, May 29, 2010
German Shepherd Pictures 2010
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD, also known as an Alsatian), (German: Deutscher Schäferhund) is a breed of medium-sized dog that originated in Germany.[2] German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world.[3] Due to their loyal and protective nature, the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds.
German Shepherd
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ten 10 most popular dogs pictures
The American Kennel Club has a list of the top 10 breeds in the US.
10) Bull dogs, making pugs look cute since 1210.
9) Mops are popular?
8) The poodle, really? A very smart breed, but smart enough to know it looks really really stupid? 
7) Everyone loves a weiner! (is that in bad taste?) Great dog, but it looks like they took a normal looking cute dog and stretched it out. Which I guess means you get extra dog. I'll take it, no mustard please. 
6) Boxer. I have no witty comment 
5) I'm perfectly ok with a beagle being #5 
4) I demand a recount!!! Golden retrievers should be at wort 2 in this list 
3) Great, a dog that is as warm and friendly as a German. Good choice people
2) Ok, I'll admit the Yorshire Terrier is small and cute, and my Aunt had one (Muffin). But this is a mini-mop. And very yappy 
1) Everyone loves a big dumb Lab, I concede that one 
German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd Puppy He's going to grow up big and strong and very loyal to his family!
Breed 1: German Shepherd Dog
[x] Pure Bred
Price: $Call
[x] Please contact about price
Closest Major City 1: Calgary, Alberta
Closest Major City 2: Toronto, Ontario
Closest Major City 3: Terrebonne, Quebec
German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd Puppy He's going to grow up big and strong and very loyal to his family!
Breed 1: German Shepherd Dog
[x] Pure Bred
Price: $Call
[x] Please contact about price
Closest Major City 1: Calgary, Alberta
Closest Major City 2: Toronto, Ontario
Closest Major City 3: Terrebonne, Quebec
Best Dogs 2010
Since the dawn of time, man and dog have had an unbreakable relationship. Throughout history, they have served their owners as loyal companions, dedicated protectors, and loving family members. From their service in police duties and war to assisting the handicapped, a dog is a valuable and helpful friend for a variety of reasons. This article will discuss purchasing a dog as part of your survival strategy. Having a well trained dog in the home is one of the most cost-effective home security systems you can buy! Not to mention you wont have to worry about losing your home security system if the power goes out.
Choosing A Breed
There are a lot of things to consider when you’re selecting a dog breed. Each breed has its own unique characteristics and with so many breeds to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. By learning what to expect from each type of breed, choosing your survival dog will be an easy process. First, we will list some of the more common breeds available today, then we will take a more in-depth look our top choices for survival dogs.
Work / Service Dog Breeds
Working dogs are breed for more labor-intensive jobs including sled pulling, search and rescue, police & military and guard duties. Much like the herding group, the working group is full of intelligent dogs that will make excellent companions.
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- Boxer
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Black Russian Terrier
- Bullmastiff
- Doberman Pinscher
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- German Pinscher
- Giant Schnauzer
- Great Dane
- Great Pyrenees
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Komondor
- Kuvasz
- Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Rottweiler
- Russian Black Terrier
- Saint Bernard
- Samoyed
- Siberian Husky
- Standard Schnauzer
- Tibetan Mastiff
Herding Dog Breeds
The herding group is comprised of breeds with similar traits as the working dogs. They are known for their intelligence, hard working and easy to train personalities. Members of the herding group also make great companions.
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Bearded Collie
- Beauceron
- Belgian Malinois
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Belgian Tervuren
- Border Collie
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Briard
- Canaan Dog
- Cardigan
- Welsh Corgi
- Collie
- German Shepherd Dog
- Old English Sheepdog
- Norwegian Buhund
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Polish Lowland
- Puli
- Pyrenean Shepherd
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Swedish Vallhund
Top Picks
German Shepherd
This dog was bred for work, literally. In the 1880’s German breeders wanted to create a dog with outstanding intelligence, herding capabilities and protective instincts. Thus was born; the German Shepherd dog (GSD). These dogs have been used for every service job imaginable and are still one of the most popular dogs for the job today. But the German Shepherds popularity doesn’t stop at work; they were a favorite among old world royalty and continue to be a popular choice for movies and television. If you want a dog that will be a loyal member of the family as well as a fearless work dog ready to tackle anything, pick the GSD.
Great Traits:
-Loyalty
-Intelligence
-Protective Instincts
-Lack of fear
-Versatile and easy to train
-Athletic Ability
-Powerful Bite (the 2nd most powerful bite of all breeds)
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is primarily found in modern military operations, and for good reason. The Belgian Malinois shares many of it’s traits with the German Shepherd, but is often picked over the GSD and other breeds because of their lack of health problems, extremely high intelligence, amazing physical abilities and high desire for rewards (making them easily trainable). Some organizations that currently use this dog are: Us Secret Service, IDF (Israeli defense force), Royal Australian Air force, as well as several special forces units.
Great Traits:
-Friendly
-Protective
-Hard Working
-Extremely Intelligent
-Energetic
-Long lives
-Easy to train
Doberman Pinscher
Car Frederick Doberman, a tax collector in Germany in the 1900’s, bred this dog to protect himself when collecting taxes down dark alleys. The dog that resulted is an amazing and yet very misunderstood Doberman Pinscher. Much like the Rottweiler or the Pitbull, the Doberman has a reputation of viciousness. There is no doubt that a Doberman in attack mode can be lethal if he needs to be, however this dog is disciplined and intelligent – making an unwarranted attack highly unlikely. If trained properly the Doberman would be a perfect dog for hunting, guarding or work purposes.
Great Traits:
-Fearless
-Athletic
-Powerful Bite
-Gentle, loving
-Loyal (said to have a respect and protect attitude)
-Very trainable
-Smart
-Good protectors
Boxer
A lot can be said about the boxer breed, but this quote says it all.
The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age. 1938 AKC Boxer breed standard
Great Traits:
-Smart
-Energetic
-Agile, very athletic
-Loyal
-Fun
-Powerful
-Hard worker (extremely focused when challenged)
-Low Maintenance
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler boasts the most powerful bite of any dog, accompanied by a surprisingly friendly attitude. In general, rottweilers are well suited for roles as companions, guard dogs and works dogs. These dogs are dying to please you and eager to participate in any job you find for them. While they are difficult to train, with a little bit of persistence and patience you can teach your Rottweiler to be an amazing all purpose dog.
Note* Rottweilers have a bad reputation regarding human attacks. Most healthy, normal Rottweilers do not deserve this reputation. These dogs are not “natural born killers”.
Great Traits:
-Effective Guard Dog
-Self Asssured
-Calm
-Courageous
-Lovable
-Loyal (do not make immediate bonds with people)
-Strong instincts (with herding and guarding)
Understanding Your Dog
It is easy to assume you understand the genetic traits of a dog, but do you really? Many breeds have mixed genetic backgrounds which give them unique personality traits and health characteristics. One of the easiest ways to find out the exact genetic makeup of your dog is by purchasing an at home dog DNA test. This test is simple, it won’t hurt your dog and provides a complete genetic report of your pet with quick swab of their gum. This detailed report will help you create exercise, play and eating plans for your dog and give you the knowledge you need to prevent possible future health conditions. The results of your dog DNA test will also assist you in targeting the best training methods to use with your particular breed.
When is a dog, a bad dog?
Bad dogs aren’t born, they are made. With the rare exception of certain dogs that seem to have a nasty temperament from birth, most dogs that may be difficult to train have usually been abused or traumatized in some way. Many times these dogs can be re-trained, however it should be noted that some abused dogs may have lifelong problems with training due to the trauma they have experienced in the past.
Selecting the right qualities
Every family has different needs and that should be taken into account when selecting your breed choice. Carefully evaluate your situation and ask yourself the following questions
-Will my dog have enough room to run and play?
-Will my dog be good with my kids? Or Will my dog bother other peoples kids?
-Do you have time to train the dog?
-Are you prepared to take care of all of the dogs needs?
What Dog Breeds Will Dominate 2009 2010 Pictures
In tough economic times, a puppy could be seen as too high-end of an accessory. Housebreaking such miniature breeds can be especially taxing. They require constant attention and grooming. They can be feisty and temperamental. Teaching them to use the dog toilet, might be too much of a chore for the working family.However, there’s no underestimating the power of celebrity. While working families might choose to adopt more practical breeds of dogs, Hollywood stars will likely continue their love affair with miniature pups.
And while the Shih Tzu usually landed in the lower end of the last year’s top ten lists, it’s very possible that it will rise further up in 2009. Sometimes, in hard times, you need a little cuteness to cheer your spirits, even if said cuteness can be a bit difficult to housebreak, toilet train, groom, or generally keep up with. Now, traditionally popular “family” dogs have always held top spots in most-popular-dogs lists of years past, and they are likely to remain there.
The Boxer, like the German Shepherd, was also developed in Germany in the 1800s, and used for hunting and as a courier in war. They are protective of their human families and absolutely love being around people.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Parrots City 2010
Throughout the world's tropical forests, parrots amuse and amaze. One is often awe-struck by their beauty amidst a backdrop of jungle: check out this Blue-naped Parrot (right) on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. I can do little more here than encourage you to seek them out and to enjoy as harbingers of the wild.
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Cute Parrots pics 2010
PARROTS Psittacidae |
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 The Parrots are a very large family of easily recognized birds, generally restricted to the tropics around the globe. They range from huge macaws, exemplified by the spectacular Scarlet Macaw of the Neotropics (above) to tiny parrotlets and lovebirds, represented here by a pair of Rosy-faced Lovebirds (left) from southwestern Africa. Parrots are a vast and interesting lot. It seems clear that they are distinct from other types of birds, and yet there has been much debate about their relationships. The most recent evidence tends to split the psittiformes into 3 or 4 families. For the moment, I follow here the approach used by Christidis & Boles (2008) and set out three families: the Nestoridae [three New Zealand parrots], the Cacatuidae [Cockatoos], and the rest of them here, in the Psitticidae. The division between cockatoos and the rest has been in place for a decade (e.g., Collar 1997), but the split of the New Zealand set is new. It may be that lories and lorikeets are a distinct lineage, but the parameters are not well resolved, so for now they are a subfamily (Loriinae). The remaining Psittacidae has 181 species in the Old World, and 148 species in the New World. |
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The Hyacinth Macaw feeds on the fruits of a small number of palms, and is quite local in the wild; fine articles on finding this wonderful bird in the Brazilian Pantanal are Ridgely (1983) and Whittingham et al. (1998). The Colasisi, a Philippine endemic, has a brush-tipped tongue adapted to eating nectar. Very few parrots in the Psitticinae assemblage have this adaptation. |
Other colorful small parrots in this region, by outside the Loriinae, include six species of pygmy-parrots (Micropsitta) — the smallest parrots in the world — found only in New Guinea and adjacent islands (the Moluccas to the Solomons); six species of fig-parrots in 3 genera, five of them restricted to New Guinea and adjacent islands (one barely reaches n.e. Australia) and the Guaiabero Bolbopsittacus lunulatus of the Philippines. One of the most ancient parrots may be Vulturine (Presquet's) Parrot Psittrichas fulgidus of New Guinea is in a monotypic tribe; it is a large and ungainly dark-headed, red-bellied parrot of the highlands, moving in small flocks, and is one of the highly sought-after species there by birders. It is often placed in its own subfamily or tribe. |
Another tribe [Platycercini, according to Collar 1997] includes many of the famous Australasian parrots, including Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus from which the many varieties of pet "Budgies" have been bred. These are 37 species in 14 genera, and many are found in Australia's eucalyptus forest or the dry interior. Among these is the local Superb Parrot (right). The famed Paradise Parrot Psephotus pucherrimus of interior eastern Australia, once bred in termite mounds. It apparently went extinct about the mid 20th century; there are photos of wild birds, adding to the poignancy. The Night Parrot Geopsittacus occidentalis of the arid interior has also been thought to be near extinction, but there is recent evidence that it still survives. |
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| Other impressive spectacles are at the unique and local natural "salt licks" (salidas) that attract parrots early and late in the day to eroded cliff-faces along some South American rivers. This salt lick (above) — shot from a moving small boat on the Napo River, e. Ecuador — is full of the large, very pale-headed & pale-backed Mealy Parrots (with yellow tails); the small dark-green Blue-headed Parrots (with their all-blue heads); and the mid-sized medium-green Yellow-crowned Parrots (a few very similar Orange-winged Parrots were also present, but the photo is a bit too fuzzy to pick them out). |
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In the Caribbean, four species of Amazon parrots are making comebacks as the island nations find that parrots bring in tourists. especially the four species in the Lesser Antilles: single species on St. Lucia and St. Vincent, and two on Dominica. The latter two are limited to the primeval forest on Mt. Diablotins, where the Red-necked Amazon (right) occurs at lower elevations while the rarer Imperial Amazon Amazona imperialis is up higher in the cloud forest. There are perhaps only 150 birds remaining, but the population is no longer in steep decline. During our 1999 trip to Brazil, we also visited Rio Cristalino Lodge in the heart of the Amazon Basin. There we observed one of the newly described species of parrots — Kawall's or White-faced Amazon A. kawalli — which was only recognized as a different species in 1989. Along this rapidly-flowing blackwater stream it replaces Mealy Parrot, which is otherwise widespread in the steaming Amazon lowlands. And speaking of the newly-described Kawall's Parrot reminds me of Stap's (1991) book about the LSU expeditions by John O'Neill and the late, great Ted Parker to eastern Peru: A Parrot without a Name: The Search for the Last Unknown Birds on Earth. It tells a fascinating story of discovery, including a new parrotlet "without a name" on a 1985 adventure [eventually described to science as the Amazonian Parrotlet Nannopsittaca dachilleae (O'Neill et al. 1991)]. |
 While my Neotropical parrot discussion has been dominated by macaws and big Amazona parrots, the New World tropics are full of a variety of parakeets, conures, and parrotlets. Parrots evolved in forests and remain closely linked to them today. Most species nest in hollow trees or old woodpecker holes (or the occasional cave in rocky habitat). A few species, though, both in the New World and in Australia, nest primarily in termite mounds (termitarias). The Peach-fronted Parakeet (left) is one of a pair using this huge arboreal termitaria in s. Brazil. These species have learned to dig their own nest holes into the (comparatively) soft substrate of the termite nest. |
Throughout the world's tropical forests, parrots amuse and amaze. One is often awe-struck by their beauty amidst a backdrop of jungle: check out this Blue-naped Parrot (right) on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. I can do little more here than encourage you to seek them out and to enjoy as harbingers of the wild. |
Photos: The flying Scarlet Macaw Ara macao was at Rio Tigre, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, on 26 Dec 2007. The pair of Peach-faced (Rosy-faced) Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis were at Spitzkoppe, Namibia, on 17 July 2005. The Hyacinth Macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus was in the Brazilian Pantanal on 5 Aug 1999. Blake Matheson photographed the Colasisi (Philippine Hanging-Parrot) Loriculus philippensis on Mt. Katanglad, Mindanao, Philippines, in Dec 2005. Murray Lord photographed the Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus at Grafton, Australia, in Dec 2006. The Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii was in the Gulpa Forest Reserve, New South Wales, Australia, on 31 Dec 1997. The wild but very tame Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans was at O'Reilly's Guesthouse in Lamington Nat'l Park, Queensland, Australia, in Nov 1983. The girl feeding a Crimson Rosella and an Australian King Parrot Alisterus scapularis was at Badger Weir Park, Victoria, Australia, in Jan 1998. The Gray-headed Lovebird Agapornis canus was north of Tulear, sw. Madagascar, in Nov 1992. The Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri was at Bharatpur, India, on 19 Aug 1978. The African Gray Parrot Psittacus erithacus was over Belinga Rd., Gabon, in July 1996. Rita Carratello was making friends with a pet Blue-fronted Amazon Amazona aestiva in the Brazilian Pantanal in August 1999. Visiting the salt lick on the Napo River, e. Ecuador (near La Selva Lodge) in Apr 1992 were Blue-headed Parrots Pionus menstruus, Mealy Parrots Amazona farinosa, and Yellow-crowned Amazons A. ochrocephala. The Red-necked Amazon A. arausiaca was on Dominica, Lesser Antilles, on 24 Mar 2000. The nesting Peach-fronted Parakeet Aratinga aurea was in the Serra de Araras, Mato Grosso, Brazil, in Aug 1999. The Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis was on Mindoro, Philippines, on 7 Dec 2005. All photos © Don Roberson, except the Colasisi © Blake Matheson and the Rainbow Lorikeet © Murray Lord, and used with permission; all rights reserved. |
Some are among the most spectacular birds in the world, including the Hyacinth Macaw (above) of the Pantanal region of south-central South America. It is the world's largest parrot at 100 cm (~40") long and 1.7 kg (=3.75 lb) in weight, some 170 times heavier and twelve times longer than one of the New Guinea pygmy-parrots (Collar 1997). I don't have a photo of a pygmy-parrot, but the Colasisi of the Philippines (right, in a fine photo by Blake Matheson) is pretty small — although the pygmy-parrots are smaller still. 
It is the lorikeets and lories, often placed in a subfamily [Loriinae] and sometimes considered their own family (e.g., Clements 1991), that are known for their brush-tipped, nectar-feeding tongues. This Rainbow Lorikeet (left, in a great shot by Murray Lord) is feeding on flowers with that adaptation. There are 53 species in a dozen genera, all confined to Australasia, eastern Indonesia, or remote South Pacific islands. Some are abundant and widespread, like the Rainbow Lorikeet, but many others are scarce and local.
Fortunately, many Australasian parrots are common and widespread, such as Crimson Rosella (left) in eastern Australia. At places like O'Reilly's, in Lamington Nat'l Park, Queensland, or Badger Weir park in Victoria, these wild rosellas have become very tame and will eat out of your hand (below). At the latter spot, so will Australian King Parrot (below on the girl's left hand), a species that shows strong sexual dimorphism. King parrots are listed in the tribe Psittaculini by Collar (1997), among a wide variety of parrots: 66 species in a dozen genera in Africa and Asia. Among this diversity are nine species of racquet-tail (genus Prioniturus), ranging from the Philippines to the Moluccas, and 8 species of Agapornis lovebirds in Africa, plus one on Madagascar (Gray-headed Lovebird, inset below). 
The tribe Psittaculini includes the genus Psittacula (14 species), represented here by the Rose-ringed Parakeet (left) which has a wide distribution from sub-Saharan Africa to se. China. Parrots in this genus have reached the remote islands in the Indian Ocean; two have gone extinct (in the Seychelles and on Rodrigues) but the Mauritius Parakeet P. echo continues to cling to existence. In November 1992 we saw 8 of 20 birds still left in the wild. There is a small captive breeding program underway that adds some hope for the species' survival. Also in this group is the famous African Gray Parrot (inset below) of the Congo Basin to west Africa. It is considered the best "talking" parrot of them all. In truly wild country, African Grays gather in communal roosts for the evening; up to 10,000 have been counted in a roost in Gabon (Collar 1997). Just imagine that sound! 
While the Old World has two subfamilies and 7 tribes of parrots, at least as arranged by Collar (1997), the New World has but a single tribe in a single subfamily [the Arini] yet among these 148 species is an astonishing variety in size, shape, and behavior. About 30 species are in the widespread New World genus Amazona; these include some of the Neotropics commonest parrots and some of the world's rarest species. "Amazon" parrots are often kept as pets; indeed, in past centuries explorers coming upon previously undiscovered native inhabitants often found they kept pet parrots in their villages. At right Rita is holding a Blue-fronted (or Turquoise-fronted) Amazon which was a pet of a local family in the Brazilian Pantanal; they had found it as a baby fallen out of its nest hole and raised it to adulthood. Such parrots can live 20-30 years. The evening flight of wild Blue-fronts in the Pantanal is truly an impressive spectacle.
Man has had a long history of association with parrots. Obviously, keeping parrots as pets is a major hobby. Our fascination with parrots is not limited to their beauty and unique bill, but a number of species are good mimics and can be taught to "talk." The illegal trade in wild parrots has decimated some wonderful species. Spix's Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii became extinct in the wild when the last lonely male living in the wild in eastern Brazil disappeared in 2000. Fortunately, the trade in wild macaws is declining, and some populations are rebounding. Great Green Macaw (pair in flight, left), a Vulnerable species ranging patchily from Honduras to Ecuador, is now rebounding in eastern Costa Rica. Local naturalists are paying landowners to leave standing the huge wild almond (Dipteryx) trees where it nests, and have made poaching unfashionable. The macaws are responding with increased productivity.
Yet many species remain threatened by this commerce. The Red-and-blue Lory Eos histrio of islands north of Sulawesi is currently being "vacuumed" out of existence by a wild parrot trade. In one California-sized area of Bolivia, trappers in 1975-1984 essentially wiped out all large macaws. Collar (1997) has a fine summary of the impact on psittacines by illegal smuggling, plus the hope for the future with strengthened international laws and protocols.
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