Quaker parrots are some of the most fun and energetic companion. Apart from the common name quaker parrots, people also call them as monk parrots, quaker or monk parakeets. Quaker parrots are famous for their ability to mimic human’s talk. They learn quickly, speak clearly and will surprise you from time to time.

Quaker parrots a require specific cares and a lot of attention. Thus you must learn about them well before deciding to take them home. In this article, we will walk you through 10 interesting facts that you should know about quaker parrots.

How to tell quaker parrot gender?

You cannot distinguish quaker parrot’s gender based on their appearance. They look similar with no features distinctions.

The only way to know for sure if it is a male or female quaker parrot is a DNA testing. It either requires feathers plucking or blood test.

An avian veterinarian normally take a small blood sample from the quaker parrot and send it to the laboratory. The test result will let you know their gender accurately.

If you do not want to visit the vet, you can pluck some feathers and send it in for DNA testing. But be mindful that feather plucking can cause irritation or possible infection to your quaker parrot.

Can quaker parrots be potty trained?

Just like other types of pets, Quaker parrots can be potty trained. You need a plan and patience to schedule, monitor and train them.

Start by designate a place as poop area for your quaker parrot. You can use a small waste basket. Monitor how often and when they normally poop.

Place them in the designated area, give the command and wait for them until they finish.

After some time, the quaker parrot will understand and follow your guidance.

How are quaker parrots illegal in California?

Quaker parrots are viewed as agricultural threats in some states. Large flocks of quaker parrots can put severe damage on grain and fruit crop.

They can also carry and transmit diseases. Though rarely fatal for human, Newcastle disease and Exotic Newcastle disease can be deadly to poultry and native bird species.

Beside California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Rhode Island also banned quaker parrots as pets.

Many other states like New York or Maine require the owner to get a license. So make sure you check with your local authorities before deciding to own a quaker parrot.

Do quaker parrots and budgie get along?

It is unlikely that quaker parrot and budgies will get along. Quaker parrot like to have all the attention for themselves.

You should house those two birds separately to avoid fights. Quaker parrot can get aggressive if they are in the same cage with other birds.

Quaker parrot can live with other quaker parrot. They live well in pair, of the same species. So consider that an option if you want to raise two parrots.

How often do quaker parrots breed?

Quaker parrot’s breeding age is between 8 months to 2 years. Normally, they mature near the age of 2 but for some it is much sooner.

The mating season for quaker parrots usually happen between October and January. It lasts for around 6 to 10 weeks.

Hormonal changes during breeding season make it hard for quaker parrots. They may display strange behaviors like feather plucking, biting, screaming. Owners should monitor and offer proper care for them.  

Quaker parrots lay between 4 to 12 eggs. After 24 days, the eggs will hatch and the young quaker parrots leave the nest at around 6 weeks.

Female quaker parrot can lay eggs without a male partner. These eggs, however will not develop.

What temperature do quaker parrots need?

Quaker parrots are warm-blooded animal. The comfortable temperature for them is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit ( approximately 18 to 29 degree Celsius).

Even though they are less sensitive to temperature compared with other birds, you should not put them in a place that is too cold or too hot.

If your quaker parrot shivers, put her head down with feather puffed up, chances are she is too cold. Try to adjust and maintain an environment with suitable temperature for them.

What is quaker parrot mating behavior?

Some of quaker parrot mating behaviors include:

• Wing flapping
• Eye pinning
• Tail fanning
• Singing
• Regurgitation

These behaviors are quaker parrot’s ways of wooing their mating partner. It is different form one parrot to another.

Sometimes, they show these physical behaviors to the owners as well. It is depend on the bond you have with your quaker parrot.

As the time progress, their hormonal change and mating behaviors will subside and end.

Where is quaker parrot ears?

Quaker parrot has ears that shaped like a funnel. They are on both sides of the parrot’s head. The ears locate behind and a little below their eyes.

Soft feathers covered the quaker parrot’s ears. They are known as auriculars.

Quaker parrot overgrown beak?

When you notice the quaker parrot’s beak grows too long, it shows that they have an overgrown beak.

Usually, overgrown beak happens with quaker parrot’s upper beak. But its lower beak can grow abnormally long as well.

Reasons for an overgrown beak can be:

• Fatty liver disease
• Improper diet
• Bacterial or parasitic infections
• Injury
• Trauma
• Lack of the beak’s activity

Overgrown beak is a serious problem that need to be taken care of immediately to avoid serious implications. It is best to schedule appointment with an avian veterinarian.

How to avoid an overgrown beak?

Since an overgrown beak will affect a quaker parrot’s health greatly, it is necessary if owners can avoid it from happening.

Below are a few beak care tips that you can consider:

• Provide a balanced diet with good nutrient – Give your quaker parrot a mix of soft and hard food (like nuts and crunchy vegetables)
• Place chew toy in their cage – quaker parrot likes to peck, knock and chew on these toys. These constant actions help keeping the beak trimmed and prevent it from overgrown.
• Use untreated wooden blocks and grooming perch – They help with keeping the beak trim and clean.
• Monitor and check to make sure that your parrot’s beak is in healthy condition. If you spot any abnormalities, take it to a certified avian vet for a checkup. 

Bearded Dragons or Pogona are semi-arboreal lizards, native to Australia. In the wild, bearded dragons prefer to live in arid, warm areas like desserts, savanna or subtropical woodlands.

In the last few decades, bearded dragons are some of the most popular choice for pet by millions of people around the world. They are docile creatures and relatively easy to take care of. Bearded dragons are not picky eaters, live a long life (around 7 to 12 years) and are fun to be around.

In order to know more about bearded dragons, here are 10 interesting facts that you should know before owning bearded dragons.

How do bearded dragons communicate with each other?

Bearded dragons communicate with each other by a range of different physical gestures and postures. They can wave their hands to show submission.

Signs of them being uncomfortable or unhappy are:

• Bobbing their heads
• Hissing
• Puffing up the beard
• Open their mouth wide
• Biting (a clear sign that they are mad)

Do bearded dragons attract bugs?

Generally, bearded dragon do not attract bugs. If you notice flies or other bugs appear, it can be that their living environment is not clean.

Make sure to not leave out food that can attract flies and provide a good hygiene habitat for bearded dragons.

Where do bearded dragon mites come from?

Though not common, bearded dragons can get mite infestation. It is important to prevent that from happening as treatments can be hard and stress your pets out.

Bearded dragon mites can come from different sources. It can be that your bearded dragon is already infected or the habitat that it lives in have mites. Pet shop, a friend’s house that you visit can also have mites and bring it to the bearded dragons.

If you notice small red, brown or black dots on your bearded dragons, chances are they have mites. It can be a few to hundreds little dots depends on the severity level of infection.

Mite infestation causes skin discomfort and lead to dangerous consequences if not treated properly. Book an appointment with a vet and treat it as soon as possible.

Do bearded dragons blink?

The short answer is yes, they can blink. Normally, it is just their way of relax. Sometimes, they open only one eye to focus on a particular object.

However, if your bearded dragons close both eyes for a long time, it is a sign that they are sick. You should monitor and take care of them if that happen.

Do bearded dragons have good hearing?

Bearded dragons have internal ears and a good hearing. They need to rely on their excellent eyesight and sound to spot preys and escape predators.

At home, just like dogs and cats, bearded dragons can hear their owners and some will respond to its name.

Remember to talk with your bearded dragons often, that is a great way to form trust and bonding. One of the most wonderful feeling is when you call your bearded dragon’s name and it runs to you for a cuddle.

Do bearded dragons keep food in their mouth?

They can keep food in their beard/throat to eat later on. But it is not a safe place for long term. Normally, beard dragons will stop eating when they feel full.

Bearded dragons eat a wide range of food; from fruit, vegetable to insects, snails or small lizards.

Owners should care more about the quality and varieties of food to make sure that their beardies get the needed nutrients.

How do bearded dragons digest food?

The gastrointestinal tract of a bearded dragons include a stomach, an esophagus, a duodenal bulb, a cecum, a short small intestine and a colon (National Center for Biotechnology Information)

For proper digestion, bearded dragons need a warm environment. Turn the UVB light on and let them basking for 1 to 2 hours right after eating.

Bearded dragons do not chew food. They can choke on food that are too big (for example, large crickets). Make sure you cut all food to small bite sizes and monitor them when they eat when possible.

Why do bearded dragons freeze?

When the bearded dragons freeze, it can be that their cages are too cold. You need to warm them up gradually.

It is important to provide and maintain a proper temperature for bearded dragons. That way they will be healthy and comfortable.

Why do bearded dragons get pimples?

Bearded dragons have femoral pores, locate under their hind legs. Based on that, we can identify their species and know whether they are male or female.

The pore’s secretions can mark territory, determine age or establish individual identity. They can also release pheromones to attract mates. Throughout mating season, femoral pores can increase in size and appear protruding.

Depend on the specific reptile species, substance inside their pores differ. It can be keratin or lipid secretions.

How to bath a bearded dragon?

Bathing ensure good hygiene and can help with bearded dragons’ overall health. Follow these simple steps to properly bath bearded dragons:

1. Choose a suitable size tub or container for your bearded dragons. It should be clean, designated only for the bearded dragon, and not shared with human.
2. Fill the container, one to three inches ( 2.54 – 7.62 centimetres) with warm water. The water temperature should be between 90 to 100 degree F (approximately 32 to 37.5 degree C).

The water should not exceed your bearded dragon’s shoulder joints. Monitor them while they bath to avoid drowning.

Do not add in soap or any type of detergents. Bearded dragons can drink the water while they bath and you do not want them to drink anything harmful.

• Gently place bearded dragon into the bath. If it defecates, remove the feces right away.
• Let them play in the water for 15 to 30 minutes. They can swim around but make sure their heads are not submerged under the water.

Use a thermometer to check the water temperature. Take some cold water out and add more warm water if it gets too cold.

• When bath time is completed, take your beardies out. Gently pat them dry using a clean and soft towel.
• Warm the bearded dragon under its basking light after bathing.

Ever consider having crabs as pet? They can be fun little creature for your aquarium. They come in different sizes, colors and patterns. There are many types of pet crabs that you can choose from include rainbow land crabs, red claw crabs, gold claw crabs, fiddler crabs, panther crabs, land hermit crabs, pom pom crabs, vampire crab.

In order to understand more about them, here are 10 interesting facts about pet crabs that you should know.

Do crabs have brains?

Crab has a tiny brain that process sensory inputs from its eyes. The ventral ganglion provides nerves to crabs’ walking leg and sensory organs.

It has a different nervous system from that of mammals, birds or fishes. It has dorsal ganglion and a ventral ganglion, connected by a circumesophageal ganglion.

Its dorsal brain locates between the eyes and the anterior end. While the ventral ganglion is between its legs, beneath the internal organs.

Crab’s brain is tinier than many small animals. If compare neuronal count, crab brain is about 10 time smaller than a bee’s brain. But it has the cognitive capacity for complex learning.

Do crabs feel pain?

Yes, crabs can detect, feel and react to pain. They have good senses of sight, smell and taste.

Researchers have found out that crabs not only feel pain but also can hold a memory about it (Science Daily)

We need more studies to know for sure how crab or other crustaceans feel pain. But it is important that we care more and more about them.

Do crabs pee out of their eyes?

Crab’s urine release area is at the base of the antennules. That is where they urinate from.

You can hardly notice that as crabs secrete a very small amount each time.

Crabs excrete its solid waste from an anus at the end of the abdomen inside the shell. Then, they use the small rearmost legs to move it out of their shells.

Why can’t crabs walk forward?

Crabs do not walk forward because their body are born to move sideways. They have multiple legs on the side of their body. Those legs, with the leg joints bend outward move fast and efficiently sideways. 

Crab’s flat body and its flexible legs make it easy for them to squeeze into narrow space or bury under the sand.

Do crabs have blood?

Crabs do have blood. It is just that their blood is different from human and animals. Instead of iron, it uses copper to carry the oxygen.

Horseshoe-crab blood has a distinct blue color. That comes from hemocyanin – the metal copper in their oxygen-transporting proteins.

Their blood is in high demand with a hefty price tag. It is due to the fact that it contains a clotting agent, important in medical field to make LAL – Limulus Amebocyte Lysate.

LAL is a concoction that helps with identifying bacterial contamination for medical devices, and even vaccines. In addition, horseshoe crab blood has a vital amebocyte. It is used in FDA testing.

This amazing blue blood is important in biomedical industry and the lysate comes from it worth $60,000 per gallon.

What types of crabs can live with fish?

Most freshwater crabs can live with other fishes and crustaceans. However, you need to avoid putting aggressive fishes in the same tank with your crabs.

If you have fiddler crabs, they are not suitable to live with fish. They can catch and eat the fish.

How do crabs give birth?

After mating, female crabs store sperm and can retain it for a year or longer. Until the eggs are fully developed and once fertilized, female crabs carry eggs in her abdomen. It has small appendages where the eggs attach till hatching.

One to two weeks later, crab eggs turn into zoea larvae. Crabs released these newly hatched, transparent zoea larvae into the water like plankton.

Zoea has jointed limbs, a crusted external skin and segmented tails. They grow through different stage and then transform into the crab that we are familiar with.   

Depend on the species, crabs lay between 50,000 to 8 million eggs in a mating session. But only a very small number of egg can survive to become an adult crab.

What are crabs favorite food?

Crabs are carnivore. They like to eat fish, squid, snail, worm. Some crab species eats fish eggs and even small crabs.

They are not picky eaters. Crabs can use their claws skillfully to break open mussels, clam shells to eat the flesh and innards inside.

Apart from seafood, crabs also eat plants and algae. Hermit crabs eat fruits, nuts, cereals as well.

How long can a crab live?

Crabs can live between 1 to 70 years. Crab’s life expectancy depends on various factors including species, environment, habitat. 

Look at the life expectancy of different crab species below:

• Pom pom crab: around 1 year
• Fiddler crab: 1 to 1.5 years
• Female blue crab: 1 to 2 years. Male blue crab can live longer, up to 3 years. Though not common, some blue crabs can live up to 8 years.
• Gold claw crab: up to 2 years
• Rainbow land crab: 2 to 3 years
• Panther crab: 2 to 3 years
• Vampire crab: up to 3 years
• The Dungeness crab: up to 10 years
• Horseshoe crab: 20 years
• King crab: 30 years
• Hermit crab: 30 years and beyond. Coenobita brevimanus, one species of terrestrial hermit crab can live up to 70 years.

Crabs’ life span in the wild and as pets are different. Most crabs live much longer in its natural habitats. For example, hermit crabs can live for more than 30 years in the wild. But as pet, they can only live for 1 to 12 years depend on how well their owners take care of them.

Conclusion:

Just like any other pets in the pet world. In order to take care your pets well, you need to understand them well.

Each crab has its own preferred habitat, diet and proper care requirements. But most are easy to look after and they are great pets for your home. It is important that you know how many crabs you want to take care of and have the space for them. As some crabs like to live by themselves, while some prefer to live in pairs or in groups.

You may notice that your cat loves sleeping in the sun and enjoy the sunshine. Why do the cats do that? Do cats need sunlight? Do they get vitamin D from sunlight? There are so many questions that may arise in your mind. 

Do cats need sunlight?

Everybody likes to relax in the sun. Why don’t the cats? The sunlight gives them warmth and pleasure. 

The cats need sunlight as long as they relax moderately. There are the following advantages:

1. For relaxation:

The cats feel comfortable and get warmth from the sunlight, which makes them relax. They require the heat of the sun. Cats can tolerate up to 122 degrees F in temperature. It is good news that cats can tolerate both cold and hot.

2. To balance the body temperature:

Like many other mammals, the cat’s body temperature decreases during their relaxation or sleep time. It is because the body remains calm and does not consume energy at that time.

Cats compensate for this temperature drop by lying in a warm place or sleeping at a place where it gets sun heat. That is the main reason for finding our furry friend sleeping on the balcony or beside a window. 

3. For vitamin D:

Sunlight is an important source of vitamin D. Sunlight is also necessary for cats as a source of vitamin D as it is for humans. Vitamin D is helpful for the bones and beneficial against rheumatism, which is a widespread disease in cats.

Cats prefer to sleep under sunlight, but this is the cat and many other breeds. Most animal enjoys the sun’s warmth on their skin. 

Benefits of vitamin D to the cat:

Vitamin D is a crucial necessity for cats. We can call it a sunshine vitamin, as sun exposer allows the body to its natural produce. 

Vitamin D controls the body’s calcium level and thus indirectly affects the growth and maintenance of bone. It regulates calcium absorption from the intestine, calcium movement in bone, and the kidney’s calcium excretion. Not only this but also nerves and muscles need it to function properly.

Inadequate vitamin D can result in the cat’s congestive heart failure. It is also proved that The lack of this vitamin increases the heart disease complications risk and disorders in bone-like osteomalacia and rickets. It has also shown in research that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased cancer risk.

Thus, Like other animals, all cats need an appropriate proportion of vitamin D to maintain health. Vitamin D also has main functions in cats; the most important are the following:

• It is required for the development of bone and skeleton.
• It plays an essential function in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. 
• This vitamin helps to absorb calcium from the intestine and kidneys.
• It influences the body’s development, reproduction, and immune system. 
• Vitamin D performs an important role in the cats’ nerve and muscle management.

Cats, however, produce very low vitamin D in sunlight. They get dietary vitamin D. It comes from high-quality, vitamin D-fortified pet foods.

Lack of sunlight in cats – what are the consequences?

As a sun lover, cats always love taking a nap in a sunny place. This is necessary for monitoring their base metabolic rates and regulate their body temperature.

It is not necessary for the cat to get sunlight. But to make them happy, give warmth, and maintain their body temperature, the sun’s heat is necessary.

Cats can live without sunlight in an apartment. In that case, you have to ensure quality cat food for it.

But it is good to take your cat outside sometimes to get sunlight or allow it to lie near the window or on the balcony so that it can sleep happily under the sun’s heat. 

What are other sources of vitamin D that you can provide to cats?

Unlike a human, cats do not respond to sunlight by synthesizing vitamin D in their skin. Thus, cats depend on their food to receive vitamin D, which is often added to pet foods.  

Vitamin D is present in food as cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol. 

Fish and egg yolks are the most popular forms of vitamin D food for cats, although they can also be available in beef and milk. 

The cat food provides a good amount of vitamin D for the cat. If you give your cat homemade food, you need to consult a veterinarian who has a veterinary food certification to ensure that the cat gets all of the nutrients required for optimal health.

You need to provide your cat with premium dry cat food that ensures the required amount of all the nutrients and vitamin D. 

If your cat does not get enough vitamin D from diet alone, a multivitamin supplement designed for cats is ideal for better providing nutrition at a sufficiently balanced amount.

The final thoughts:

When the question arises, is there any necessity for sunlight for cats? The answer is, of course, they need. But this is only for their comfort and well being. The heat of the sun provides relaxation, warmth to the cats.

The human body can synthesize sunlight vitamin D, and we, the people, greatly depend on sun heat as the source of vitamin D. But it is totally different in cats. This is because of their coat; they can not acquire it fully. That is why cats actually require a high-quality and healthy diet; this gives them the nutrients and vitamins they need.

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Pugs and Boston Terriers each have their very own unique and specific traits that make them a great addition to your home. They make excellent companion dogs, and that’s why they are trendy dog breeds. The big question here is which one is the most suitable for your home? Boston Terrier vs Pug.

Introduction to Boston Terrier and Pug

Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers are said to have originated from America, a crossbreed of English Bulldogs and White English Terriers. Boston Terriers are often referred to as “The American Gentleman” because of the white markings on their face, chest, and muzzle that give them a formal appearance like they’ve worn a tuxedo.

Pugs

Pugs are ancient Chinese dogs that made their way to other parts of the world through Dutch traders. That’s why they are often referred to as Chinese Pugs. They are also known as Dutch Mastiff or Dutch Bulldog. In this article, we will help you decide which is more suited for you and your family. There are a lot of things that should be considered besides their body and origin.

Boston Terrier vs Pug: The Comparison

Size and appearance: 

Both dog breeds are lapdogs, meaning that they are small enough to be carried and placed on your laps, but Pugs are still slightly smaller than Boston Terriers with short, straight and sturdy legs. They are well known for their facial wrinkles, round heads, black ‘face mask,’ compact body, large round eyes, and curled tail. They like to sleep a lot and can get chubby, but their weight generally varies from 14 to 18 pounds.

Boston Terriers weigh more than Pugs at 15-25 pounds and are more muscular, with a well-defined chest. They have a height of about12-16 inches, which is a few inches higher than that of Pugs (10-13 inches). They are small and compact with a short corkscrew or straight tail, square-shaped heads, protruding eyes, broad wrinkle-free head and erect ears. They have either a seal, brindle, or black coating with white markings.

Boston Terriers and Pugs are both Brachycephalic dog breeds with their flat faces and short nose. Their short noses have often led to snorting, snoring and breathing problems, all part of Brachycephalic airway syndrome, as their airway is partially obstructed.

Personality:

When it comes to temperament and personality, Boston Terriers and Pugs share the friendly and sociable trait. Both the Boston Terrier and Pug are highly intelligent, very friendly, and stubborn, making training them a little more challenging. However, Boston Terriers are easier to train.

Pugs are a bit harder to train unless you can make it fun, with many positive reinforcements because these dogs are all about fun. Pugs have a clown-like nature. Their short noses, which often lead to breathing problems, hinder them from going for long walks and doing any strenuous exercises or training. They also don’t fare too well in very hot or cold weather.

They are both companion dogs and thrive well in large households with kids or where they get to spend quality time with their owners. So, you shouldn’t get either if you’re not going to have the time to spend with them.

Shedding and grooming:

Pugs do not have as many muscles as Boston Terriers, but they make up for it with their double coating, either tan or black. This, however, means that they shed more than Boston Terriers. They shed a lot, and you should consider this if you or any family members have allergies. An excellent de-shedding shampoo, daily brushing and proper diet can help minimize the shedding.

Because Boston Terriers do not shed as much as Pugs do, they are thus easier to groom. However, both breeds still require minimal grooming. Require regular nail trimming, baths, and teeth brushing.

Note that you’ll have to regularly clean the creases on Pugs’ faces with a clean cloth or dry cotton balls because of the many wrinkles on their faces. Skinfold dermatitis can set in if they are not well-kept.

Lifespan of Boston Terrier vs Pug:

Boston Terriers can typically live for 11-13 years. Pugs also have a similar lifespan, albeit a bit longer by one or two years. This is common with most dogs of the same size. However, they could live shorter or longer depending on their health, lifestyle, grooming, and diet.

They are both healthy dogs, but their short noses and bulging eyes make them susceptible to breathing difficulties, eye injuries. Their short coats and muzzles cause many problems for them in cold and hot weather, ultimately affecting their life expectancy.

Price (buying and raising):

Neither breed is too expensive to look after. They are not picky eaters. They will be fine as long as their daily fat and protein requirements are met. Poor diet often causes them to be obese. However, Boston Terriers are not as prone to obesity as Pugs. Half a cup of quality dog food twice per day is perfect for Pugs. Boston Terriers can be fed 1 to 2 cups of food per day.

Boston Terriers can sell for as much as $800 per puppy. Pugs are more expensive than Boston Terriers, and their prices could start from $1000. It is also impossible to avoid going to the vet. You have to take them for yearly checkups, and if they suffer from any medical problem, it might be expensive to treat.

Conclusion:

It’s a tough decision when it comes down to picking one out of these two adorable dogs. But you can’t go wrong with your choice as they both make for excellent fun and companion dogs. Or, if you want, you can decide to go for Buggs, the crossbreed of Boston Terrier and Pug.

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Are you searching for the best dogs for college students? Do you want to adopt a new dog for your company at college? When you cannot choose the perfect dog for you, this article will help you to find the right one according to your own choice.

Criteria that student needs to look for when choosing dog breeds:

When you choose a dog, keep in mind that it should suit your student lifestyle for a perfect match. It includes several factors. Some of them are:

●     Age: You may be confused about choosing between a puppy and an older dog. If you choose a puppy, you must be prepared to spend much time training them. It may better to select an elderly dog as it does not require much training.

●     Size: Another important thing is the size. If you have a small space, it may better to go for a smaller breed.

●     Grooming and Shredding: The dog that sheds more fur consumes more time and also costly. So, college students should choose the breeds that shed less.

●     Assess the tolerance to noise: Guard dogs prefer to bark louder and more frequently than other races. As a college student, you should choose the mellower breed.

List of 5 best dogs for college students:

At the beginning of your college life, you will meet students from totally different backgrounds and societies. Sometimes, it may not be too easy to adapt to them.

If a student has a faithful dog with them, he may not feel lonely. A dog never is a burden for a student. It means absolute affection and a true friend who will always enjoy your presence. 

There are many dog breeds, but among them, the five best dogs for college students are:

1. Poodle:

Most dog owners agreed that Poodle is the best breed that any new dog owner should experience first. It is an affectionate, caring, and smart breed. They enjoy making new friends. They’re always up for an adventure, and, considering their “fancy” appearance, they’re incredibly athletic. Most significantly, they can have a “hypoallergenic” coat that certainly won’t cause allergies like other puppies. 

Poodles enjoy the physical activity, but they can also stay at the apartment without bothering you with barking and without spoiling anything near it. They want intellectual training and pursue the owner joyfully for adventures. This is one of the important reasons for choosing it for college students.

Characteristics that are suitable for college students:

• Energetic to move anytime
• Adventure lover
• Have stamina for weekend trips

Notice: Poodles are available in various sizes; not necessarily all poodles are small in size. So, all college students need to be careful while selecting a poodle. 

2. Pug:

Pugs are special little dogs that have a unique appearance. If you’re searching for a small breed with limitless charm, this is a perfect pick. Only note that at night you would have to snorkel a lot.

They are caring animals who will give you years of fellowship. These dogs enjoy playing and need a lot of physical activities. But in the apartments, they are also acceptable. 

Characteristics that are suitable for college students:

• Sleep lots 
• Don’t bark much
• It doesn’t need workouts 
• Enjoy cuddling 

If you share a room with others or stay in an apartment, this little breed is a perfect choice. Moreover, their maintenance is low. What good news for a college student!

3. English Bulldog

Because of their ability to stay alone, the English bulldog is an excellent choice for college students. When they need to go to classes, they can cope alone. This gentle breed is affectionate and caring so that it can be a student’s best friend.

Why is the English bulldog the best for college students:

• A great watchdogs
• Constantly seek affection
• Do not need a workout
• Great for living in an apartment

This moderate shedders dog’s short coats do not require more grooming. But its face’s wrinkles need to wipe regularly to prevent skin infection.

4. Shih Tzu

When small breeds are the best choice for a college student, Shih Tzu is undoubtedly a desirable one. They have very modest energy levels, so every day’s walks will typically meet their training needs. 

The coolest thing that makes it perfect for a college student is its reasonable period of alone time. This small dog can cope up with your schedule and look after the home.

Why is Shih Tzu the best for college students:

• Small breed
• Good energy level.
• Adjustable to alone time

5. Golden Retriever

When you can go for a large dog, consider a golden retriever. This breed is famous for its affectionate nature and loyalty. Golden retriever is also in the top 5 best dogs for scared child.

Why is golden retriever the best for college students:

• High energy level
• Playful and entertaining
• Quite intelligent

The golden retrievers have anxiety over a separation. So, if you have roommates, it’s a good choice.

Final Thought

It’s a good idea to have a dog as a student. The bond between a dog and its owner is a special one. From the list mentioned above, you can choose a breed and begin your adventure with it. So, no need to hesitate to have a dog to make your college life more excited.

For those who love small dogs with long and nice fur, Shih Tzu vs Yorkie seem to be the hardest choice to make. In this article, we will go through some differences between these 2 breeds which might help to decide which one to get base on your personal preferences.

Introduction to Shih Tzu and Yorkie

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a “Lion dog” (pronounced “sheed-zoo” or “sheet-su” in the West; the Chinese claim “sher-zer”) from the Chinese translation. As a tiny dog trained to spend their days within the stately homes, if either you live in a flat or without a large backyard, Shih Tzu makes a perfect family. They are affectionate and loving with kids. Few dogs enjoy digging holes and pursuing cats, but the fun idea of a Shih Tzu is to lay in your lap and act adorably while you want to watch TV.

Yorkie

The Yorkie is often referred to as the Yorkshire Terrier. For apartment buildings, Yorkie is one of the most suitable breeds. The Yorkie is cold-sensitive and likes warm climates. This breed is both shy around other dogs as well as comfortable with outsiders.

Shih Tzu vs Yorkie

1. Size and appearance

Shih Tzu is remarkably sturdy for pets of their size, weighing 9 and 16 pounds and standing between 8 and 11 inches.
With a long flowing double coat, Shih Tzu is a powerful, joyful, responsive playing dog. The Shih Tzu is proud to carry, has a remarkably arrogant carriage with a head well up and tail tucked over the back, suits as a highly respected, valued companion and palace pet with his noble Chinese ancestors.
Even though there’s always been a substantial variance in size, the Shih Tzu must be lightweight, sturdy, of good weight and substance.
Yorkie can measure eight to nine inches and weigh no more than seven pounds, preferably four to six pounds. In size, they are variable. Containing one Yorkie weighing less than four pounds, one weighing five to six pounds, and another growing to 12 to 15 pounds is not uncommon for a single breed.
The Yorkie’s look is that of possibly the best, long-coated, tiny (Toy-type) terrier that is readily known for its straight-flowing coat, steel blue, and brown. All over the head and from the top of the head to the end of the body, their hair is divided. Their bodies are square and proportioned similarly—the high head carriage of the dog and the expression of vigor and personality in a confident way.

2. Personality

Shih Tzu personality

The Shih Tzu’s purpose was to be a playmate; that’s exactly what they’re supposed to be. They have the urge to be with you. So don’t expect hunting, defending, or reclaiming from them; it’s not their style. Affection is their dominant trait, and their preferred spot is your lap. When they’re around their family, giving and getting love, they’re happier. They are alert and energetic and could be barking at their home’s strangers. Don’t worry about them when they see your friends or guests, though; they make friends easily with your guests the minute they walk inside.

Yorkie personality

The Yorkie is a mixture of adorably small size and energetic terrier personality, and they are clever and self-assured. The breed exhibits a variety of characters. Some may be cuddly and perky, loving nothing more than to follow the lead of their people during the day. Others are outgoing, playful, and into anything. Yorkies’ socialization, like all dogs, is exposed to several different persons, views, voices, and interactions while they are young. Socialising helps guarantee that your Yorkie is a friendly one, possibly the best dog.

3. Shedding and grooming

Shih Tzu shedding and grooming

Shih Tzus does shedding some hairs, but generally, there is low shedding. So little is shed by Shih Tzus, and they are one of those dogs with a topcoat that consists of hair rather than fur. Hair has a lengthier growth time than fur, so growing, dying, and falling out takes longer.
Shih Tzus do not shed much, but it takes more time to groom them than other dogs. And the predominant explanation for this is their coat length. It’s just a case of brushing daily.

Yorkie shedding and grooming

This breed would shed a negligible amount. It is not advisable for owners who don’t want to mess with their cars and houses with dog hair.
To keep the dog’s hair in good condition, brushing should be carried out often. It requires frequent trimming or stripping.

4. Lifespan

The life expectancy of Shih Tzu is range from Ten to Sixteen years with a median or average expectancy of thirteen years and two months. Concerning dogs, thirteen years’ age is assumed to be a typical and average life expectancy.

Yorkie’s life expectancy ranges from twelve to fifteen years and with an average expectancy of thirteen years. Female Yorkies live one and a half years longer than male Yorkies on average. However, this is not recognized as an extraordinarily long life span.

5. Price of Shih Tzu vs Yorkie

Shih Tzu has an estimated purchase price of about 500 dollars while the average buying price of the Yorkie puppy is around $750.
If you have a lower budget, you might consider to register for adoption. You might be able to save a few hundreds dollar.

6. Health Concerns

Yorkies and Shih Tzu, given sufficient care and a good diet, are generally stable and long-living dog races. Some diseases of genes are associated with each race, but all races are regarded as generally healthy and survive for a significant period of time.

These two breeds have fur that continuously grows in the dog’s eyes. Maintain your eye area clear from the fur that appears to reach the eyes of your dog, which can lead to infection or discomfort.

Each species is linked with some medical problems.

Yorkies are believed to be prone to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), heart and collapsed trachea, for starters. Such medical problems include the dislocation of the elbows and kneecap, cataracts, epilepsy, and a heart murmur.

More frequently than Yorkies, Aged Shih Tzus suffers from joint problems and arthritis. Shih Tzus is bigger and has shorter legs than do Yorkies proportionally. This combination of physical characteristics will lead to more joint problems for Shih Tzus when they are old than for the Yorkies. Yorkies have a smaller body, with less stress on the joints and fewer joint problems in Yorkies than Shih Tzus when they are held in good weight.

Do you have a plan for a new mixed-breed pet dog? Why don’t you go for the French Bulldog Yorkie Mix? 

There may be some questions in your mind. How would be this hybrid breed? How does it act? Is it like a French Bulldog or a Yorkie? You will get all the answers in this article.

What is the French Bulldog Yorkie Mix?

The French bulldog Yorkie hybrid is a blend of the two smaller breeds of French Bulldog and Yorkie. To know about all hybrid dogs are not easy as they don’t have much history. In the last twenty years, breeding such kinds of unique dogs has become popular, resulting from accidental breeding. It is better to know the history of both the parents breed to know the French Bulldog Yorkie mix dog.

French Bulldog history

French Bulldogs were the crossbreeding product between Bulldogs and Small Terriers though they were actually bred as miniature Bulldogs. As this dog breed was getting more and more popular in the UK around Industrial Revolution, French traders started importing them to France.

The Yorkie history

The Yorkshire Terrier originated in England and was otherwise known as the Yorkie Terrier. The breed has been developed and used to capture the mouse in and around mines. Yorkies are now a typical race whose primary goal is to be a companion of its owners.

What is the appearance?

A mixed-breed dog inherits both the parent’s appearance. By knowing the appearance of both French Bulldog and Yorkie, we can realize the appearance of the French Bulldog Yorkie mix.

The following table shows some appearance traits of both the parent breed.

 As both parents’ breeds of the French Bulldog Yorkie mix is small in size, it is also a small size breed. But what makes this mixed breed more delighted is the pretty much confluence it got from its parent’s breed.

A healthy male of French Bulldog Yorkie Mix should weigh preferably between 4 and 7lbs. Usually, these petite dogs aren’t at the shoulder above 9 inches. This breed usually inherits Frenchie’s round head and long coat, which combines both parent’s breed. Frenchie Yorkie’s colors tend to lean more towards Yorkie’s tan. Depending on their parents, some of them are intense black or white.

The French Bulldog usually has a ‘corkscrew’ type of tail. But the French Bulldog Yorkie mix’s tail is usually a long straight one.

French Bulldog Yorkie Mix Personality

 When the personality traits are taken into consideration, the French Bulldog Yorkie Mix is a terrific combination of its parent’s breed- the French Bulldog and the Yorkie.

 As both of the parents breed are affectionate by nature, this French Bulldog Yorkie mix also combines this loving nature. For that nature, this dog likes to spend time with its owner. It always loves to move around people and play with them.

Though it may think that the French Bulldog Yorkie mix is an annoyingly little dog, it is, in reality, a sweet and enjoyable companion dog. It loves you to be at home, and whenever you return from outside, it will always be glad and energetic. It wants affection and time from you.

This mixed breed dog is very fond of mix with new people and other pet dogs. This is a prerequisite for you to ensure socialization when it is young.

This dog always tries to please you and will not be excessively stubborn. If you offer incentives, they will be eager to learn new techniques.

It would help if you kept in mind that this mixed breed like positive reinforcement. So, you should keep yourself away from punishing or rebuking it. It is superb when it gets treats and prizes, along with good behavior.

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix bred is as intelligent as its parent breed Yorkie and as stubborn as its other parent breed, the French Bulldog.

Health Concern

As it is told earlier that the hybrid breed inherits both the parent’s traits, it is also applicable to health issues also.

The French Bulldog Yorkie Mix may suffer from the common health issues of both parent breeds. They may suffer from patellar luxation, eye problems, hereditary deafness, urolithiasis, brachycephalic syndrome, reverse sneezing, head shakes, skin problems, hip dysplasia, tail problems. These are the common health problems from which both the parents breed usually suffer.

All dogs can undergo genetic health problems. But, it is possible to avoid the possibility. When you will buy a puppy, ask the breeder to sell it with a health guarantee. Health clarifications indicate that a dog has been screened for and cleared of a medical disease.

Caring for this breed:

Fortunately, this mixed breed does not shed much, and you need not be worried about its scattered hair over the home. It has skin that dry easily, ensure their regular bath.

The French Bulldog Yorkie Mixed Price:

The breeders are working on the development of a purebred dog breed and trying to promote the best characteristics of both breeds. That is why the hybrid breed is getting popular day by day. The price of the French Bulldog Yorkie Mix may differ from $900 to $3500.

A Frenchie Yorkie is an energetic breed, and its small size ensures that just a small apartment is often a large enough room to run about and exercise. They’re people-pleasers, so they’ll be easy to train. It’s a great way to take your pet out for a weekly walk for exercise.

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If you had read my article about Maine coon vs Ragdoll, you should know all the differences between these 2 breeds. Then you might wonder what is about Maine coon vs Norwegian forest cat since they also seem identical.

Please do not worry, this article will cover some facts that differentiate a Mane coon cat from a Norwegian forest cat. 

But remember, if you find some characteristics listed below in your cat, it will not make it a Maine coon or a Norwegian forest cat. This will give you a layout to know the physical differences between these two breeds.

To know precisely that your cat is a Maine Coon or a Norwegian forest cat, you must know about their exact pedigree. This will give you detailed information about their true lineage. So, let’s dive into the topic.

Maine coon VS Norwegian Forest Cat

1. Size and Appearance Size

The most obvious way to distinguish between a Maine Coon and a Norwegian forest cat is the size. If you know the size, it can tell you it is a Norwegian or a Maine Coon breed cat. The Maine Coon is a bigger breed than the Norwegian breed.

The weights of both Maine Coon and the Norwegian forest cats are as follows.

• Maine Coon’s male breeds are usually around 7-12 Kg (15-26lb), and female breeds are 5-8 K (11-18lb).
• Norwegian forest’s male breeds are usually around 6-9 kg (13-20 lb.), and female breeds are 4-6 kg (9-13 lb.).

 Appearance

There are multiple differences between the Maine Coon and the Norwegian forest cats, which can be identified in their appearance. Let’s find what distinguishes both in color, fur, head shape, ear shape, and eye shape.

Color

Both Maine Coon and the Norwegian forest cat have various colors except pointed patterns, lilac, fawn, cinnamon, and chocolate. 

The Maine Coon breed doesn’t have amber colors. 

Fur

Both these cats have semi-long fur. The Maine Coon’s upper coat has a silky texture with an undercoat that is fine, soft, and reliable.

On the other side, the undercoat of the Norwegian forest is wooly with a water-repellent upper coat. The Norwegian forest breed has a noticeable mane. 

Head Shape

The muzzle and the head of the Maine Coon is square. The profile of the Maine Coon is a concave curve.

The head of the Norwegian forest cat is equilateral triangular. From rounded forehead to the nose, they have a straight profile. 

Body Shape

They both have an energetic and muscular body.

The legs of the Maine Coon are of medium size with a strong and muscular chest. While the Norwegian has a strong chest with high hind legs. 

Ear Shape

Their ears are wide with or without the tips of the lynx. The ears of the Maine Coon are set above the head as the ears of the Norwegian forest cats follow the outer lines of the face and the baroque look.

Eye Shape

With the distinction of eyes, there’s no excuse left to make that which cat is Norwegian forest or the Maine Coon?

With slightly oval, large, and rounded eyes, the Maine Coon breed enjoys its life. Their eyes become oblique in their regular width and breath.

The Norwegian eyes are almond-shaped, and they become almost oblique upon cautiousness of any threat. 

 2. Personality

When we talk about the personality of the Maine Coon and the Norwegian forest cats on some fronts, they show relatively similar characteristics, and on the other side, they show some stark differences such as;

• Vocal aspect of the Maine Coon and the Norwegian forest cats is interesting. The chatty, active, and alert Maine Coons are known for their chirrups. While the quieter, calm, and composed Norwegian forest cats are known for their unexpected purrs.
• The breeds of both cats show intelligence in their day-to-day activities. Their owners describe them as dog-like because they seek their affection. The Maine Coon is particularly inclined to climb because of its resilient claws.
• Socially, both cats are outgoing and can’t sit still behind the doors. They always remain busy doing different mischievous activities. So, if you’re thinking of keeping them behind the door, you should think once more. 

3. Shedding and Grooming

Maine Coon cats

Maine Coon cats have long fur and bushy tails. Mostly the Maine Coon cats do shed hair. They have long upper coat hairs, which they seldom shed on the carpets of their owners. That’s why grooming with the Maine Coon cat is a must-to-do list. 

The grooming of the Maine Coon cat will not reduce their fur shedding and protect their furs from getting hairballs and getting things entangled that can affect their health drastically. 

The Norwegian forest cats

The Norwegian forest cats shed too much in the seasonal time that one might suspect in their identity. To prevent them from mats, do their grooming twice a week to make them healthy and keep your house and carpet clean.

4. Life Span

The life span of both breeds is difficult to measure. It largely depends upon the domestic condition, the treatment you display with them, and the food you give them.

But after several types of research, there is a point to make about their life span. According to the repeated studies, the life span of the Maine Coon is 10-12.5 years. While the life span of the Norwegian forest cats is 15 years.

It’s not wondering that the felines are finicky about the choice of their food. Yet it’s weird to know about your cats that they eat cabbage or not? 

You might have a bountiful amount of cabbage in your refrigerator, and your cat may be curiously noticing your every rummage through the kitchen. While you pick the cabbage and wondering that can cats eat cabbage? If the felines eat the cabbage, then it’s healthy food for them, or can it have side effects?

Humans eat cabbage and use this veggie as a salad in most dishes, along with regular cooking. Cats have a meticulous food selection, and they like slices of meat, cooked beef, chicken, and cooked meat. On the opposite side, the cabbage is a different food.

You’re wondrous as I was before, I didn’t know the facts about the cabbage and cats. Sometimes cats show peculiar behavior to eat everything, and this behavior can disturb you regarding their health concern. Cabbage is no exception. 

How much cabbage a cat can eat, and how you can offer the cabbage to your cat? Can you give it to your cat alone or with a mix of something else?

We’ll scratch every bit of detail about the cats and the cabbage and their likely positive and negative implications. 

Let’s know these curious facts in this article in detail.

Can Cats eat cabbage? 

The mysterious theory of the cats and cabbage starts when she looks curiously at the cabbage, and out of affection, you were thinking about offering this veggie to your cat.

Then instantly, a wave of consciousness jerks you that even cats can eat it comfortably? You’ve your concern that it can cause dehydration because of its crunchiness. In raw, the cabbage is crunchy and can cause some minor detriment to your cat. 

When you offer your cat cooked cabbage, it’ll give nutritional benefits to your cats. Cheers! Your cat can eat cooked cabbage safely and healthily.

What are the benefits of the cabbage to the cats?

Even raw cabbage doesn’t possess any toxins and detrimental material within it. Still, it’s better to take care of the cats to give them boiled or cooked cabbage, so they digest it quickly to extract maximum nutrients.

There are myriads of benefits in the cabbage for your cats. Let’s uncover them one by one.

1. Cabbage can make the heart of the cats powerful and the blood pressure stable:

Many studies show that the cabbage contains potent anthocyanins, which are very useful in reducing heart disease. This can increase the alertness of the cats, their freshness, and their energetic daily activities.

High blood pressure in the felines can instigate stroke and heart diseases. The cabbage can smoothen coronary artery disease and blood pressure, which both cause heart disease. This natural veggie has profound benefits for cats.

2. Cabbage contains antioxidants that can reduce the inflammation of your cats:

The inflammation has the same effect on cats as it has on humans. Besides causing arthritis in the felines, they can decrease their activities.

The vulnerability of your cat to other animals can endanger their life. What cabbage will do for felines is reduce their inflammation with antioxidants such as sulforaphane and kaempferols, which reduce chronic inflammation.

This obvious power of the cabbage to contain antioxidants helps reduce heart diseases in cats, too. 

3. Cabbage will regulate the cholesterol level and digestion in your cats:

Cabbage contains dietary fibers. They have immense benefits to relieve digestion problems and to stabilize the cholesterol level in cats.

With its insoluble fibers, cabbage increases bowel movement, and soluble fibers provoke the working efficiency of the gut bacteria to improve the digestions and stabilize the cholesterol level in your cats.

What are any possible side effects?

After knowing the nutritious and health benefits of the cabbage on your cats, you might have been thinking about what bed it can do with your cats?

Humans eat cabbage in excess, and the same can’t happen with your cats because they lack bountiful amounts of carbohydrates and fibers, which breakdown the calories.

If you regularly offer your cats the cabbage, it can give rise to gastrointestinal complications such as loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal pains, gassiness, and diarrhea.

But cabbage can do more harm if you serve your cat cabbage with no solid knowledge. The cabbage contains a rare substance known as thiocyanate, which can suppress your cats’ thyroid function.

If the cabbage suppresses the thyroid function, your cat can express some other diseases such as muscle weakness, loss of energy, sudden weight gain, and sluggishness. To avoid the cabbage’s poisonous effects on your cats, always use the cabbage with some other vegetable in calculated quantity.

How much and how often can you feed cabbage to cats?

The stomachs of your cats are sensitive. The cabbage contains some side effects which can be eliminated with a little care in serving them with it.

When thinking of the cabbage, always try to make an amalgam of the cabbage with the cooked beef or chicken in this way, it will only cause benefits to decrease the heart problems and increase the digestion of the cats.

Excessive amounts of the cabbage can give rise to problems such as constipation and other gastrointestinal problem. Feeding your cats a small amount of cabbage twice a week is enough to maintain their health.

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