WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR Some things to look forward to…. We will be profiling 2 dog breeds every week and a cat of the month profile. Follow on BHAH Facebook BHAH Website Exam Room Information Monthly Specials starting in FEBRUARY EXTENDED HOURS coming in 2014

DOG OF THE WEEK Dachshund ( Dahks-und ) )

MEET THE BREED The Dachshund, meaning "badger dog" in German, is a lively breed with a friendly personality and keen sense of smell. Known for their long and low bodies, they are eager hunters that excel in both above- and below- ground work. One of the most popular breeds according to AKC they come in three different coat varieties (Smooth, Wirehaired or Longhaired) and can be miniature or standard size.

HISTORY The Dachshund can be found in historical accounts dating back to the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, when illustrations reflected badgers being hunted with dogs with elongated bodies, short legs and hound-type ears. The dogs of medieval Europe were noted to have the tracking ability of hounds and the proportions and temperament of terriers, much needed to pursue their main quarry of badgers. Early in the 17th century, the name Dachshund (badger-dog) became the designation of a breed type with smooth and longhaired coat varieties, and in 1890 wirehairs were added as a third variety. During the development of the breed, two different sizes were emerging based on the type of game being pursued: dogs weighing pounds were being used not only on badgers but wild boar, while smaller pound dogs proved effective against foxes and hare. Importations into America date back in the AKC Stud Book in The Dachshund Club of America has promoted the breed since 1895, and in 1935 Dachshunds were added to AKC field trials to encourage hunting capacity and exemplary conformation and temperament.

CHARACTER TRAITS Dachshunds are lovable, playful companions, and an ideal pet for many homes, including those with children with appropriate supervision. They require moderate exercise, and can adapt to most living environments. Depending on their coat type, Dachshunds may need regular grooming. Hound Group Standard: Height inches / Weight - over 11 lbs Miniature: Height up to inches / Weight 11 lbs Toy: Height up to 12 inches / Weight 8 lbs Life Span: Average of 12 – 15 years Popularity: Rank 10 th

DID YOU KNOW The Dachshund was developed in Germany more than 300 years ago to hunt badgers (dachs, badgers; hund, dog). From 1930 to 1940, Dachshunds advanced from 28th to sixth rank among American registrations, and maintained this average rank through World War II by constructive public relations. Dachshunds are accomplished hunting dogs despite their lapdog reputations. In the postwar years, to avoid associations with Germany, the Dachshunds name was temporarily translated to "badger dog." A Dachshund named Otto was cast and filmed in the Wizard of Oz? The reason Otto was fired and replaced was because of a strong anti German sentiment during World War II.

CAT OF THE MONTH PERSIAN

MEET THE BREED The Persian cat is a longhaired cat breed, with their luxurious coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity. Their sweet, gentle, personalities blend into most households. Creatures of habit, they are most at home in an atmosphere of security and serenity, but can easily adapt to the most noisy of households. Their quiet, voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with their large expressive eyes and make charming pets for all ages.

HISTORY The Persian is an old breed. To those who love this elegant cat, it will come as no surprise that the longhaired beauty originated in the cradle of civilization: Mesopotamia, which was later known as Persia and is now modern-day Iran. Its striking appearance attracted the attention of 17 th - century Italian nobleman and world traveler Pietro Della Valle, who is credited with bringing the first longhaired cats to Europe in At that time, the cats had shiny, silky gray fur, but thanks to selective breeding Persians are now found in a variety of colors.

PERSONALITIES & TRAITS Stocky body, long full coat, round head with a short nose; broad face; available in a variety of colors and patterns Sweet, affectionate, quiet Weight: Ideal weight between 7-12 lbs Height: inches Life Span: 15 years and up Popularity: Most popular cat in USA

INTERESTING FACTS Duchess, a Persian cat in Disney's "The Aristocats Sassy, from the movie Homeward Bound II: Lost In San Francisco

DOG OF THE WEEK Chow

MEET THE BREED A powerful, sturdy dog of Arctic type, medium in size and muscular with heavy bone, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed of northern Chinese origin. While the breed was originally a working dog, he primarily serves as a companion today and is seen in show rings across the country. This lion-like, regal breed comes in five colors - red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream - and is known for its blue/black tongue and stilted gait. Their coats can also be either rough or smooth.

HISTORY The Chow Chow is more than 2,000 years old as a breed and many authorities believe it may date back much farther. The breed probably originated, as one popular theory states, as a result of crossing the old Mastiff of Tibet and the Samoyed. Refutation of this theory lies in the fact that the Chow possesses a blue- black tongue, leading some to maintain that the Chow is the basic breed behind the ancestors of the Samoyed, the Norwegian Elkhound, the Keeshond and the Pomeranian. While today the Chow is a fashionable pet and guard dog, in the early development of the breed it functioned as a sporting dog. Credited with great scenting powers, with staunchness on point and with cleverness in hunting tactics and received great praise for his speed and stamina. Undoubtedly the Chow Chow is of far northern origin, but he has always been found in greatest number in the south of China. The name "Chow Chow" has little basis for its origin in China; It meant knick-knacks or bric-a-brac, including curios such as porcelain and ivory figurines. It was far easier for the master of a sailing vessel to write "chow chow" than it was to describe all the various items of his cargo. So, in time, the expression came to include the dog.

CHARACTER TRAITS Affectionate and devoted to family, the Chow is reserved and discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some kind of exercise daily. Regular grooming and bathing is a must to maintain their double coats. Non-Sporting Group Weight: 45 – 70 pounds Height: 18 – 22 inches Life Span: Average of 15 years Popularity: Rank 69 th

DID YOU KNOW The Chow-Chow has a blue-black tongue, unique to the breed and the Chinese Shar-Pei only. Martha Stewart owns a number of Chows and often featured them on her morning show. The theory has been advanced that the Chow originated through a crossing of the old Mastiff of Tibet and the Samoyed, from the northern parts of Siberia. However, the blue-black tongue refutes this theory and leads many to believe that the Chow was one of the original breeds of dog. In modern times, the Chow has become a fashionable pet and guard dog, but evidence abounds as to the Chow's usefulness as a sporting dog in ancient China.