German Pinscher

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  December 28th, 2016
fast facts

About German Pinscher

Weight
25-45 lb
Lifespan
12-14 years
Group
Working Group
Best Suited For
experienced dog owners, active singles, active families, house with a yard
Best Suited For
intelligent, alert, loyal, protective
Comparable Breeds
Doberman Pinscher, Miniature Pinscher
Height
17-20 inches
German Pinscher Basics


The German Pinscher comes from a long line of German breeds and it was actually used in the development of many other breeds including the Doberman Pinscher, the Rottweiler, and the Affenpinscher. When you see this medium-sized breed you may be tempted to think that he is a friendly, easy-going breed. While the German Pinscher is in fact a loving and loyal companion, he is also intelligent and has strong protective instincts. If you are looking for a smart, loyal guard dog that will also do well with family, the German Pinscher may be a good breed to consider.


The German Pinscher comes from a long line of German breeds.


Origin


The breed currently known as the German Pinscher was at one time known as the Smooth Haired Pinscher. This breed’s origins go as far back as the late 1700s, though its roots can be traced to early German breeds that existed during the 15th century. During the 1800s, pinschers were widely used to guard coaches and to kill vermin – the modern version of the breed didn’t really emerge until the 1950s when Werner Jung began a dedicated breeding program for the German Pinscher. The breed came to the United States in the 1980s and was accepted by the AKC in 2003.


Pedigree

The German Pinscher was originally born in the same litter as the Standard Schnauzer (which was once known as the Wire Haired Pinscher) and it was originally known as the Smooth Haired Pinscher.


Food/Diet


As a medium-sized dog breed, the German Pinscher should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food diet formulated for dogs of its size. Because this breed is a high-energy working breed, however, an active or working breed formula may be more appropriate to meet his needs.


The German Pinscher is a highly intelligent breed that learns quickly.


Training


The German Pinscher is a highly intelligent breed that learns quickly. Because these dogs can sometimes develop an independent streak, however, it is best to start your dog with training as early as possible. You should also plan to use positive-reinforcement training methods and maintain a firm and consistent hand in training throughout the dog’s life. Because these dogs are intelligent and hard-working they generally do well in dog sports – these sports can be a great source of supplemental exercise as well as mental stimulation.


Weight


The German Pinscher is a medium-sized breed that typically stands 17 to 20 inches tall and weighs 25 to 45 pounds at maturity.


Temperament/Behavior

The German Pinscher is an active and intelligent breed but it also makes a wonderful family pet. These dogs are even-tempered and loyal to family, though they can sometimes be aloof around strangers. The German Pinscher was once used to hunt vermin so these dogs do have a high prey drive – you should be careful about keeping them with cats and other pets. This breed is generally very friendly and they tend to do well with children also, though early socialization and training is recommended to ensure that this becomes true. This breed requires plenty of daily exercise as well as mental stimulation to prevent the development of problem behaviors.


Common Health Problems


Because the German Pinscher has a fairly small gene pool there are risks for a number of inherited conditions. Some of the health problems to which this breed is prone include hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, thyroid disorders, cardiac disease, and von Willebrand disease. Responsible breeding practices are the best way to prevent the passing of these conditions.


Life Expectancy


The average lifespan for the German Pinscher breed is 11 to 14 years.


Exercise Requirements


As a working breed, the German Pinscher has fairly high needs for exercise. These dogs are very active and require a long daily walk or brisk jog to meet their minimum exercise requirements. This breed also appreciates having a fenced yard in which to run and they enjoy training for various dog sports as well.


The German Pinscher is an active and intelligent breed but it also makes a wonderful family pet.


AKC


The German Pinscher belongs to the Working Group for the AKC and the United Kingdom Kennel Club. This breed is also recognized by the United Kennel Club and the FCI.


Coat


The German Pinscher is a medium-sized dog that is very similar in appearance to its larger cousin, the Doberman Pinscher. These dogs have short coats and muscular, athletic bodies. The most common colors include black, rust, red, fawn, tan, and blue. Many dogs of this breed are solid brown or black-and-tan in color. These dogs are average shedders and require minimal grooming, though weekly brushing is recommended to keep the dog’s skin and coat in good condition.


Puppies


The average litter size for the German Pinscher is 6 to 8 puppies. Because this breed has strong protective instincts, early socialization and training is required for puppies to prevent them from becoming too dominant or aloof around strangers. Early training will also help to prevent this breed from developing problem behaviors at an early age.


Photo credit: Jagodka/Bigstock

WOW
Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

More by Kate Barrington

Georgia Non-Profit Gives Shelter Dogs a Second Chance as Police K9s
Georgia Non-Profit Gives Shelter Dogs a Second Chance as Police K9s
View Article
Next
Related articles
What Are Festival Sniffer Dogs?

The next time you're at an outdoor event, take a look around - you just might see a Festival Sniffer Dog at work!

How To Train a Search and Rescue Dog

So, your little kipper has proven highly successful at finding and recovering errant treats from between the sofa cushions. And now you’re thinking he might just have what it takes to move up the ranks to search and rescue status. Let’s be honest, you may be over-estimating your dog’s seek-and-find skillset. Then again, maybe you’re not.You see, Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs come in all shapes and sizes. And while most lean towards the Bloodhound, German Shepherd and Retriever set, a lot of what it takes to succeed in this field comes down to personality, a willingness to train and having a strong connection with their handler. If you’re thinking check, check and check… it may be time to explore what goes on behind the scenes when training these unique dogs.The Role of a Search and Rescue DogJust as the name implies, it’s down to search and find followed by a rescue or recovery. These dogs are specifically trained to search for lost or missing people as well as work in the aftermath of natural disasters ranging from earthquakes to floods, avalanches and of course, who can forget the canine teams climbing over the jagged remains of the World Trade Center in 2001.Working alongside trained handlers (that’s you by the way), SAR dogs bring unique qualifications that are suited to searching vast areas that might otherwise take a search team days to cover. They’re able to hone in on a specific scent, expedite the rescue and ultimately save lives. As a result, this type of dog is specifically trained in the areas of tracking by way of an individual’s scent, a mere trace of scent on the ground such as footprints, or from what’s called “air scent” which is what would be used in a natural disaster when searching for survivors versus specific individuals.Once their goal has been met and the individual found, an SAR dog is trained to either sit, stay and bark or to return to the handler and lead them to the location.The QualificationsRemember what we said about any breed being able to qualify for this specialized training? Here’s where we start zeroing in on the physical requirements your pet will need to possess, the skills he will need to learn as well as the tasks he will need to perform.Size and Strength– due to the possibility of onerous jobs that may require your dog to move through rough terrain, he’ll need to be in excellent health, be a medium- to larger-sized breed, and have strong legs and a sturdy body. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherd dogs and Labrador Retrievers.Above Average Olfactory Sense – an SAR dog needs to pick up a scent quickly and be able to track it over long distances, in any weather condition, and often even days after the scent was left. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds and Beagles.Motivated and High Energy – having the tenacity and problem-solving skills to pursue a search regardless of weather conditions, terrain and length of time. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Malinois, Coonhounds and Giant Schnauzers.Intelligent and Focused – time is always of the essence in any rescue mission and dogs leading the search need to be single-minded, focused and not easily distracted by other animals. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Border Collies, German Shepherd dogs and Labrador Retrievers.Responsive and Trainable – in a crisis situation, an SAR dog needs to take commands quickly, focus on the task at hand and respond instantly to changing conditions. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Standard Poodle, Border Collies and any type of Pointer.The TrainingDogs being dogs, it’s likely you’ve met many of these criteria because your pet is already curious, an avid “hunter” and super tenacious. But as the above qualifications show, there’s more to this role than just being a willing participant. And that goes for both you and your dog. In fact, once he’s passed the basics, the rigorous certification process begins. And this is where you’ll want to bring in professional trainers.According to the Federal Emergency Measures Agency (FEMA), both you and your dog must pass national certification in urban search and rescue before your pooch is ready to go out into the field. It’s typically conducted after your dog reaches the 2-year mark to ensure he is both physically and emotionally mature enough to take on this important work. And the certification must be renewed every 3 years What we’re offering below are a few simple steps that will help ready you and your pet for the tougher training that follows. Consider it a preliminary test to see if your pooch is ready to advance to the next level.Five Basic CommandsThe first step in turning your dog into an SAR superstar is for him to have completed obedience training – meaning he will instantly respond to the five commands of Sit, Stay, Lay Down, Leave It, and Heel. If he’s not there yet, you’ve got some work to do before you move on to the next phase of training - which can take up to 600 hours before your dog is field ready.Tracking a ScentTo your dog, this task is just like the games you play at home. He has to find something and you then reward him. When tracking the scent of a particular individual, he’s given their scent through a personal item of clothing and then has to find that individual (who has hidden several yards away). Gradually increase the time and distance to encourage your dog to begin using ground and air scent tracking.Overcoming ObstaclesOnce he’s proven he can track a scent, you need to up the ante by adding obstacles that can include other dogs, or animals, inclement weather, and noisy conditions. And to help motivate his ground scenting, try burying his treats or hiding them in areas where he has to dig to get to them.When your dog has mastered these skills, he’ll be ready to begin his SAR training where he’ll be tested on his agility, persistence, willingness to continue in poor conditions and ability to deliver a focused bark when communicating back to his handler.As the handler, you’ll also require training that can include CPR, orienteering skills, crime scene preservation and more. You’ll be tested on these skills as well as your search tactics, mapping, briefing and debriefing skills as well as your dog handling skills.What Next?Once you and your dog have received certification, you’ll need to register and your contact details will be given to your local search and rescue organizations. At that point, you’ll be on call for duty as needed. Below are just a few of the nationally recognized SAR organizations that provide training, testing and certification. FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Certification National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA) National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) Search and Rescue Dog of the United States (SARDUS)

Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher Basics When you think of the word “Pinscher” and associate it with a dog, there’s a good chance that you immediately think of the Doberman Pinscher. To many people, the Doberman is an especially intimidating type of dog and it takes some real knowledge about the breed to understand that it can be friendly and loyal with the right kind of ownership and training. But we’re not talking about Dobermans: we’re talking about the Miniature Pinscher. What separates Miniature Pinschers from other breeds? For one, as you might imagine, the size is quite different. The Miniature Pinscher might have a lot of coloring like a Doberman, but the size is totally different and, unsurprisingly, the personality correlates with this difference in size. The Miniature Pinscher is a feisty, friendly dog sometimes known as the “King of the Toy Dogs.” Given its relation to Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Pinschers also hail from Germany but have achieved an international following and popularity across a variety of countries and breed tastes. Today, the Miniature Pinscher is perhaps one of the most loveable and personable dogs out there. Even if you’re a little unsure about dogs in the first place, getting yourself a Miniature Pinscher can be a highly rewarding experience. The Miniature Pinscher is a feisty, friendly dog sometimes known as the King of the Toy Dogs. Origin Like Doberman Pinschers, Miniatures come from Germany. Believe it or not, however, the Miniature Pinscher is not a miniature Doberman – in fact, it predates the Doberman Pinscher by some 50 years. Like so many other breeds, the Miniature Pinscher first gained recognition during the 20th century where it began to be officially classified by formal dog organizations. Although Miniature Pinschers are miniature, they’re not quite the toy dogs you might expect them to be. Sure, they might resemble a toy dog, but their personality has been altered by a more blue collar background, making them more independent and giving them a generally feistier personality. Many people might attribute this personality difference to their relation to the Doberman Pinscher, but in reality the Miniature Pinscher has developed and carved a niche all its own. Pedigree

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer Basics In the world of dog breeds, there is perhaps no dog with a more intimidating name than the “Giant Schnauzer.” But when you actually take a look at the breed, you find that the Giant Schnauzer is really a fairly compact dog for its size and, given enough exercise, can actually be a calm companion. That being said, there are a lot of unique things about this breed you’ll want to be aware of before you’re sure that this is the right breed for you. Although they’re known as “giants,” this breed is simply a larger breed, and is only really a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. These dogs don’t have to be as intimidating as they sound, but you should certainly know what you’re doing if you want to be able to acquire a dog of this breed, train it, socialize it, and help it to grow into the confident, friendly dog that it deserves to be. If you’re a good owner, you’ll probably find that the Giant Schnauzer is perfectly capable of being a good dog in return. Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Origin Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Specifically, the Giant Schnauzer comes from the Bavarian areas of Germany, making it a true German country dog and one that has been bred and well-suited for an outdoor lifestyle. The Giant Schnauzer rose to prominence at the dawning of the 20th century, giving it a similar timeline to many of the more popular German breeds of today, including the German Shepherd. Closely related, of course, to the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer also comes from a lineage that includes German Pinschers. Known as the Riesenschnauzer in Germany – a simple translation of “Giant Schnauzer” or “the giant” – the origins of the Giant Schnauzer’s habits come from herding and driving cattle in Bavaria. The Giant Schnauzer also has a history of being used as a guard and police dog, as did many hearty breeds in the same area and relatively same historical timeline as that of the Giant Schnauzer. Pedigree

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher Basics Come across a Doberman Pinscher in a dark alley and you can have a frightening experience indeed, particularly if you are afraid of dogs in the first place. But when we think of all the so-called “meaner” breeds of dogs, do we really mean they always make bad pets? Well, they can – if you don’t know what you’re doing in your dog selection efforts. You might be surprised to find out how appropriate a Doberman Pinscher can make as a pet as well as the quality of the companionship and loyalty they offer once you’ve formed a bond with them. But you might say, “I don’t want to form a bond with a Doberman Pinscher.” Well, that’s your loss. The Doberman Pinscher does indeed serve as a first-rate guard dog that will repel just about any unwanted visitor, but what’s also important is the day-to-day life you enjoy with your pet. And if you are thinking about acquiring a Doberman Pinscher as a pet, this article will help put this scary-looking and tough breed in its proper context. In other words, we’ll bring the Doberman Pinscher out of the dark alley and back into the welcoming and familiar setting that comprises your home. Let’s take a closer look at this strong breed of dog. Doberman Pinschers are famous as guard dogs, of course, and are highly responsive to training. Origin In the United States, these dogs can simply be known as Dobermans, but the Doberman and the Doberman Pinscher aren’t two different types of dog – they’re just two names for the same breed. And where did this breed come from? Like some other tough breeds such as the German Shepherd, the Doberman Pinscher comes from Germany and has its closest roots tied to 19th-century life. The Doberman was named for a man called Louis Dobermann who originally bred the animals. And what was Dobermann’s profession? Tax collecting… that’s all you need to know about his need for protection. Since he had access to a number of dog breeds, Dobermann set about breeding a dog that would make a loyal companion and excellent guardian. It’s no surprise that this deliberate breeding led to the quality dog we now know as the Doberman Pinscher. Its guardian instincts and loyal companionship remain well in tact here in the 21st century and it’s not a surprise that the Doberman Pinscher has become one of the most popular and recognizable breeds across the world. Pedigree

How Much Water Should a Cat Drink?

Drinking plenty of water is very important for cats, especially in the hot summer months. Of course, it’s up to you to ensure that your feline friend stays properly hydrated, as they are usually not big on drinking water – but it ensures their well-being and good health. Cats can often be picky and peculiar when it comes to their drinking habits, which makes their owners unsure as to how much water a cat should drink in the first place. This amount can vary based on several factors, including the cat’s diet, weight, age, and their health. Taking all these aspects into account can help you provide the best possible care for your furry feline friend.How Much Water Should a Cat Drink Each Day?It has to be said right away that one of the most significant factors that influences a cat’s water intake is its diet. Cats primarily eat either dry kibble or wet food, and each type of food has a very different moisture content. For example, dry kibble contains just 10% moisture, while wet cat food can contain up to 80% moisture. Because of this, kitties that consume dry food will naturally need to drink much more water to compensate for the lack of moisture in their diet. In contrast, cats that eat wet food may drink less water, since they get a lot of their hydration from their food. Incorporating wet cat food into your pet’s diet can increase their liquid intake. Even mixing a small amount of wet food in their dry kibble can help up the moisture content. For those particularly finicky felines, liquid treats are always a good way to entice them into hydrating, the unconventional way – if they are stubborn when it comes to drinking more water, they might be more open to liquids if they have a savory flavor they love.

Plumber's Hilarious Cat Rescue Mishap Goes Viral

It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

What Diseases Can Dogs Get From Water?

Nothing beats taking a dip in the cool, refreshing water when the temperatures skyrocket – and your dog knows it. Most pooches will take any chance to take a splash, be it in a pool, a river, or a small pond. However, not all water sources are safe for our canine companions to swim in or drink from. Contaminated water can harbor a variety of pathogens, and it can potentially lead to serious illnesses. That’s why all dog owners should be familiar with the dangers that grimy water brings – here’s what you need to know.What Diseases Can Dogs Get From Water?In the dog days of summer, your pooch will seek out any chance to quickly cool off, and drinking or taking a swim in cool water is the best way to do so. A swimming pool, the river, the pond, or even the sea – most doggos find these bodies of water irresistible for a quick dip or a little sip. But these waters are not always safe. The bacteria that they possibly carry can lead to all sorts of very serious illnesses that affect our canine friends. Here are just a few of the most common ones:#1 LeptospirosisThis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria species. Dogs can contract this disease by drinking, swimming in, or coming into contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney or liver failure, and even death. Vaccination and avoiding stagnant and dirty water sources are key preventive measures.#2 GiardiasisThis illness is caused by Giardia, a protozoan parasite. Dogs typically become infected by ingesting water contaminated with feces from infected animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. While not usually fatal, giardiasis can cause significant discomfort and requires treatment with specific anti-parasitic medications. Good hygiene and clean water sources are essential to prevent this infection. Don’t take a dip just anywhere!#3 CryptosporidiosisCryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by Cryptosporidium, another protozoan parasite. Dogs contract cryptosporidiosis through ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. The disease is often self-limiting but can be severe in puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems. #4 BlastomycosisBlastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. Dogs can contract it by inhaling spores from contaminated soil or water, particularly in areas with moist, decaying organic matter. Symptoms include coughing, fever, weight loss, and skin lesions. Early diagnosis and antifungal treatment are crucial for recovery. Avoiding known endemic areas can reduce the risk of infection.In order to avoid these water-borne diseases, all owners are advised to take necessary precautions. Naturally, you will want to avoid all suspicious bodies of water and prevent your pet from getting close or taking a swim. These include swamps, stagnant pools, visibly dirty water, forest ponds, and so on. Next, always provide clean drinking water. Fail to do so, and your pet will often try to drink from random pools. To make things easier when you are out and about, carry a special portable dog water bowl filled with fresh, drinkable water. That way you can rest assured that when your pooch is hydrating on a hike, he’s drinking only the safe stuff.

ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler Promotion

Are you the next champion kitten cuddler? Because ACANA™ is looking for one! Their latest campaign is aimed at supporting  cat shelters, which can be overwhelmed with newborn kittens during increased birth rates amongst cats. In a bid to help, ACANA™ will help both shelters and kittens in the critical stages – from arrival to adoption. ACANA™, the pet food specialists, are preparing for the upcoming “kitten season”, attempting to increase public awareness of just how much work shelters could have during this time. In their latest effort, not only will they be donating cat food to the shelters, but they will also be offering $10,000 to one lucky cat lover to do nothing more but cuddle with kittens at a  Best Friends Animal Society center. They do this in hopes of encouraging others to volunteer as “kitten cuddlers”. Hopefully, their efforts will lead to increased adoptions of kittens, and completely eliminate the killing of unadopted cats and dogs in America, a goal to which Best Friends Animal Society is wholly dedicated to. And now, the help is needed the most. The so-called “ kitten season” spans from May to November, and it is the time of the year when female cats have most of their kittens. During this period, many animal shelters report a great influx of kittens that need care and adoption. It goes without saying that caring for a large number of gentle and fragile kitties is a labor-consuming and very challenging job. A shelter’s resources and staff can be very strained in this period, so all the help they can get is more than welcome. The ACANA™ pet food team is well aware of this and is donating 5,000 cases of wet kitten food in Apri. This is equivalent to about $250,000 at retail prices and comes to roughly 120,000 meals for kittens. Not only this, but the team also encourages everyone to volunteer at their local shelters and help with the many tasks surrounding kitten care. And a very important task is, of course, cuddling! Kitties are fragile and require constant care and all the love and warmth they can get. It is because of this need that ACANA™ will reward one person with $10,000 to cuddle kittens! The lucky winner will spend half a day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center, or a chosen network partner shelter this June. For their cuddling efforts, they will receive $10,000. "We believe in the total well-being of cats," said Billy Frey, Vice President, Marketing for Champion Petfoods. "ACANA™ pet food helps cats thrive through every stage of life, and a cat's earliest days set the tone for everything that follows. This program demonstrates our commitment to taking care of both the emotional and nutritional needs of kittens."The rules of the contest are straightforward. The prospective kitten cuddlers must be U.S. residents, and aged 18 or over. Needless to say, they must love kittens and have four hours available over one weekend in June 2024. Easy, yes? Additionally, contestants must pass a background check and cannot be in a partnership with a competing pet food brand. For a chance to be selected, you can enter the contest between March 27th through April 10th, 2024. Cuddlers, good luck!

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Researcher Warns: Pet Cats and Dogs Are at Risk of Getting Bird Flu

The recent bird flu outbreak has spread like wildfire through dairy cows in the United States, affecting more than 90 herds in 12 states. In addition to cows, several other species and at least three farmworkers got infected. The outbreak that has been sickening and killing wild birds has also caused mounting casualties in cats. In fact, on some dairy farms, sick and dead cats were the first sign that something was wrong.Data shows that at least 21 cats in nine states have caught the disease since the first dairy cow outbreak was detected in March. For scientists, it’s no secret that cats are highly susceptible to bird flu viruses. A few years ago, a new type of bird flu virus, known as H5N1 emerged. The new strain spread quickly around the world, infecting different types of mammals, including cats.“Domestic cats are actually highly susceptible to avian influenza, and essentially H5N1,” said Kristen Coleman, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Maryland. “But there has been a recent uptick in domestic cat infections, a drastic uptick.”There have also been several reports of infected dogs.For now, bird flu infections in pets remain rare, but they can be detrimental, especially in cats. Coleman warns that infected cats can develop symptoms that oftentimes cause death.Bird flu is a very serious infection that must be taken seriously. Luckily, there are several ways pet parents can prevent their cats and dogs from contracting the infection.Cats infected on dairy farms became sick after drinking unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk, which contained very high levels of the virus. However, this isn’t the first time cats come into contact with bird flu.Even before the recent dairy cow outbreak, there were reports of infected cats. These cats probably got the virus after they came into contact with infected birds. Felines infected by the bird flu usually become extremely sick, and in several instances, the mortality rate was alarmingly high. Coleman found that the new version of H5N1 has a 67% death rate in domestic cats. These findings are available in a preliminary form on MedRxiv and are awaiting peer review. Infected cats mostly develop fevers, loss of appetite, and respiratory issues, which may include difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and pneumonia. Neurological symptoms also accompany the infection, including tremors, stiffness, and seizures. Often, the symptoms of bird flu are confused with rabies.Some cats remain asymptomatic, but scientists still don’t know how often that happens since these mild cases often remain undiagnosed. Scientists still don’t know whether cats can transmit the newest version of bird flu to people and other animals. But, previous studies have shown that they can spread some bird flu viruses to other cats and people. In addition to cats, dogs are at risk, too. But the good news is that dogs seem to be less susceptible to the virus than cats. In a recent study, researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 200 hunting dogs, looking for antibodies that would show that the dogs previously had been infected by bird flu. The results showed that only four dogs had antibodies. None of those dogs developed any symptoms or transferred the virus to other canines in their home. These findings suggest that the virus doesn’t affect dogs the same way it affects cats. According to experts, indoor-only pets are at an extremely low risk of getting bird flu. However, owners should still avoid feeding their pets raw meat or raw milk, which could transmit the virus. When it comes to outdoor pets, keep them away from sick or dead birds. Removing bird feeders and baths can also help stop the spread of the disease. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Microchip Helps Reunite Owners With a Lost Cat 5 Years Later

No bigger than a grain of rice, a microchip can save a life and help reunite a lost pet with their family. The Hall family understands the importance of microchipping after reuniting with a lost cat. Jeff and Cindy Hall were ecstatic after receiving news that their cat, Sam, was discovered in Arkansas five years after he first went missing. Cindy told the local NBC affiliate KARK that they received a phone call that their Russian blue cat was found at a gas station in Arkansas. The two women who have found Sam, have brought him to Jacksonville Animal Hospital. Using the information from Sam’s microchip, the women contacted PAWSitively Cats, an animal rescue organization, where the Halls adopted Sam when he was just 12 weeks old.  The women who found the feline were a part of the Alone 2 Home pet transport crew and were in the middle of transporting two dogs when they came across Sam. “We had him for seven years and then one day he got out. It is a miracle that he walked up to these two women who were in rescue,” said Cindy, adding that PAWSitively Cats called her and Jeff directly. She described the happy occasion as a “beautiful story” saying that reuniting with Sam, whom they had for seven years before he disappeared, was “surreal.”“This story just can’t underestimate the power of a microchip,” she said. “We are so grateful for everyone that was involved.”Sam the cat is now 12 years old and weighs 21 pounds. The rescue organization documented his entire journey on their Facebook page. PAWSitively Cats wrote that someone had picked up Sam and failed to look for his home when he first disappeared from the Hall residence.Before contacting Sam's family, the organization received a message that a microchipped cat had been found in Brinkley, Arkansas. In the meantime, Sam received the royal treatment at the Jacksonville Animal Hospital in Little Rock. The pet transport crew, Alone 2 Home once again assisted with Sam’s travels and brought him to El Paso, where the shelter’s director met up with them to bring Sam back to PAWSitively Cats shelter.  The feline’s family departed from Nevada and traveled to Tuscon, to finally get their beloved feline back.“Once again, we will do everything possible to be sure our cats are safe and can get back home if that is what is best for them,” the rescue posted on Facebook. “They are safe for life with us, one way or another, as long as PAWSitively Cats can continue. You make that possible by donating and sharing our cats’ stories. It really does take a whole community to save lives,” the post added.The Alone 2 Home transport crew also posted photos of Sam and provided additional updates to the shelter, before PAWSitively Cats updated their followers on Sam’s safe return home. “Sam was joyfully reunited with his family this morning,” the shelter later wrote in a post. “They are on their way home to Nevada now, where Sam will join the rest of the family: cats, dogs, and human sisters.” While talking to KARK, Cindy noted that having their cat home makes their family feel complete once again. No one knows how Sam ended up in Arkansas or for how long he had been there. It would be interesting to hear everything Sam went through during the five years he was away from his family. If only cats could talk!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

Backyard Airbnbs Give Dog Owners A Private Leash-Free Space to Play

Hourly backyard rentals provide a perfect alternative to the crowded leash-free environment.

Interacting with Dogs Affects Your Brain, Mood, and Focus

New research from South Korea shows what happens in a person’s brain when they interact with a dog.

Poll Reveals Biggest Pet Peeves of Dog Owners in the U.S.

We love our dogs endlessly, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally get under our skin. Even the most beloved pets come with a little “extra baggage,” introducing unique challenges and hurdles in our lives.If you have ever had to cancel plans because you couldn’t find a pet sitter or call into work to take your pet to the emergency vet because they ate something they shouldn’t, you understand.Of course, they are worth the effort!But what is the biggest annoyance faced by pet parents? This is the question that Forbes Advisor set out to answer with a recent nationwide poll. They surveyed 10,000 dog parents to uncover their biggest pet peeves, both nationally and state-by-state.Dog parents across the country revealed their biggest frustration was finding a dog sitter when traveling, as shared by 37.3% of those surveyed. This was also the top in 43 states and ranked among the top three responses in all 50.This was followed by:Finding dog-friendly hotels (23.6%)Having to walk/exercise their dog (23.3%)The cost of owning a dog (22.9%)Excessive barking (19.8%)Excessive shedding (17.5%)The answer highlights the importance of finding and creating a list of trusted pet sitters before you need one. This ensures that you’re covered not only when making travel plans but also in the event of an emergency.There are many ways to find a trusted pet sitter. Consider asking your veterinarian, groomer, or friends/family for recommendations. You can also check websites like Fetch and Rover for pet sitters in your area or browse marketplace-style listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Kijiji.Just make sure you are doing your due diligence. Don’t leave your beloved pet with a complete stranger. Instead, take time to ask questions, check reviews, and verify credentials.At the bottom of the list, the least reported annoyance was “when my dog jumps up on/lays on furniture or beds,” reported by only 5.32% of dog owners. Delaware and Missouri were the states where this was most often listed as one of their top annoyances, while those in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Rhode Island reported it the least.Additionally, the following answers were at the bottom of the list:Having to take their dog to the groomer (7.55%)Excessive drooling/slobber (7.56%)Checking their dog for ticks (7.58%)Their dog taking over the bed (7.72%)Are you interested in a state-by-state breakdown? Forbes Advisor also shared a chart highlighting the top three pet peeves for each state, giving you a more detailed look at the opinions of other dog parents in your area.Overall, the survey provides a fascinating insight into the struggles faced by dog parents. For many, it may serve as a reminder that pet ownership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Adding a dog to your family is a commitment, one that requires a willingness to make changes or sacrifices to meet their needs.If you occasionally struggle with frustration related to these changes, you’re not alone. Thousands of pet parents across the country also feel this way!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is It Important to Have a Crash-Tested Harness or Carrier?

We all love traveling with our best friends, creating lasting memories together. However, wherever the road takes us, ensuring their safety is a top priority. While some pet parents are comfortable riding around with their pet seated proudly in the passenger seat, this could be a life-threatening decision in an unexpected stop or accident. Is it worth taking the risk? We don’t believe so! In this post, we will explore the different options for safely restraining your pet during your next road trip. More importantly, we’ll examine what makes a crash-tested harness or carrier different from the non-tested options and how they can offer you, as a pet parent, peace of mind. Do Pets Have to Be in a Carrier in the Car? What Are My Options?When discussing how to keep our pets safe in the vehicle, the most common recommendation is to keep them secured in a crate or carrier. In fact, in some states, laws require that pets be restrained to avoid becoming a distraction when driving. A well-ventilated crate will keep your pet contained and prevent them from being thrown about in an accident. But it’s not your only option. If you have a larger dog, you may not have enough space for an appropriately sized crate in your vehicle. Others may have a pet that is uncomfortable or anxious in a crate. In these cases, a pet seatbelt can keep your pet safe. But it’s important to note that not all carriers and harnesses are created equally. There are a few additional considerations, including whether your gear is crash-tested and how they are secured within your vehicle. What is a Crash-Tested Harness or Carrier? You may be wondering what exactly a crash-tested harness or carrier is and what sets it apart from other travel gear. The products we refer to as crash-tested are those that passed the rigorous independent testing carried out by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). Not only do these products pass the initial testing, but they also continue to be evaluated. Certification can be revoked if a product falls below the standards and requirements set out by CPS. On the CPS website, you can see details about the testing each product undergoes, including video evidence of the test and the date that it was tested. If you are road-tripping with your pet and searching for a CPS-certified harness or carrier, here are a few options that we highly recommend: Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus Car Seat Belt Harness Sleepypod Air Airline Approved Pet Carrier Diggs Travel Pet Carrier for Small Dogs and Cats Lucky Dog Kennel A complete list of CPS-certified crash-tested products is on the CPS website.

Can Parrots Overheat? Keeping Your Pet Bird Cool in the Summer

With the summer temperatures steadily soaring, all pet owners need to be extra attentive about the weather and always make sure their little friends are not overheating. Parrots, like all birds, are sensitive to changes in temperature. While they are naturally adapted to warm climates, excessive heat can pose serious health risks. Understanding how to keep your pet parrot cool during the hot summer months is crucial for their well-being.How To Keep Your Pet Bird Cool in the SummerIt is important to know that parrots regulate their body temperature through their respiratory system. They do not sweat like humans; instead, they pant to release heat. Overheating, or hyperthermia, occurs when a parrot's body temperature rises above the normal range, which can lead to serious health issues such as heatstroke. Signs of overheating in parrots include rapid panting, holding their wings away from their body, lethargy, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.Ensuring that your parrot’s living environment is cool and comfortable is the first step in preventing overheating. Here are some tips to achieve this without much effort:Place the parrot’s cage in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid areas that can get excessively warm, such as near windows or kitchens.Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a cool temperature. However, make sure the airflow is indirect to avoid creating a draft, which can be harmful to parrots. Always provide fresh cool water for your parrot. Consider adding ice cubes to the water bowl to keep it cooler for longer periods.

About Privacy Terms Contact us Copyright
© 2024  VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.