The most famous dog in the world

1 . Hachiko: The World’s Most Loyal Dog

Dogs are known for being loyal companions -- but we've never met any as faithful as Hachiko, an Akita from Japan who spent 10 years waiting for his master.

If you’ve ever seen the canceled-before-its-time (but now revived!) show Futurama, you’ll probably remember Bender, the alcoholic robot; Leela, the beautiful one-eyed captain; and Philip J. Fry, the bumbling pizza delivery boy who was cryogenically frozen for a thousand years before joining the Planet Express intergalactic mail delivery team. But do you remember Fry’s loyal, loving dog, who waited for his master until the end of his life? If you didn’t think a cartoon character could make you cry, it might be time to reevaluate after you watch this heart-wrenching scene.

Now, of course, Fry’s dog never really existed (nor did the murderous Killbots, luckily), and you might scoff at the idea that any canine could really exercise such supreme loyalty. After all, your dog forgets that you’re alive whenever your sister stops by bearing bags of Pupperoni. And while it’s true that most animals are more loyal to their meals than to their masters, we know of an amazingly faithful dog that could be a real-life counterpart to Fry’s ever-loving pooch: Hachiko, an Akita from Tokyo.

Hachiko was brought to Tokyo in 1924 by his owner, a college professor named Hidesamuro Ueno. Each day, when Ueno left for work, Hachiko would stand by the door to watch him go. When the professor came home at 4 o’clock, Hachiko would go to the Shibuya Station to meet him.

Though this simple act alone shows a tremendous amount of loyalty, that’s not the end of it: The following year, Ueno died of a stroke while at the university. Hachiko didn’t realize that he was gone, and so the dog returned to the train station every single day to await his master. He became such a familiar presence there, in fact, that the station master set out food for the dog and gave him a bed in the station. Even so, Hachiko never shifted loyalties –every day at 4 o’clock, he hopefully waited by the tracks as the train pulled in, searching for his best friend’s face among the people getting off.

Hachiko’s love for his master impressed many people who passed through the station, including one of Ueno’s former students, who became fascinated by the Akita breed after seeing Hachiko. He discovered that there were only 30 Akitas living in Japan, and began to write articles about Hachiko and his remarkable breed, turning the world’s most loyal dog into a household name, and creating a resurgence in popularity for the Akita.

Hachiko died in 1935, after 10 long years of waiting for his master. But the dog would not be forgotten –a year before his death, Shibuya Station installed a bronze statue of the aging dog, to honor its mascot. Though the statue was melted down during World War II, a new version was created in 1948 by the son of the original artist. Go to the station now, and you’ll be able to see the bronze statue of Hachiko – still waiting, as ever, for his master to come home.

Want to learn more about Hachiko and the amazing Akita breed? Watch Hachi, the movie based on his story (co-starring Richard Gere), or check out these great books:

2. Laika - the first dog in space

Aboard the Soviet's Sputnik 2, Laika, a dog, became the very first living creature to enter orbit. However, since the Soviets did not create a re-entry plan, Laika died in space. Laika's death sparked debates about animal rights around the world.
Dates:
Launch on November 3, 1957
Also Known As:
Kudryavka; Layka; Muttnik
Overview of Laika:
The Cold War was only a decade old when the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States began. On October 4, 1957, the Soviets were the first to successfully launch a rocket into space with their launch of Sputnik 1, a basketball-sized satellite.

Approximately a week after Sputnik 1's successful launch, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev suggested that another rocket be launched into space to mark the 40th anniversary of the Russian Revolution on November 7, 1957. That left Soviet engineers only three weeks to fully design and build a new rocket.

The Soviets, in ruthless competition with the United States, wanted to make another "first;" so they decided to send the first living creature into orbit. While Soviet engineers hurriedly worked on the design, three stray dogs (Albina, Mushka and Laika) were extensively tested and trained for the flight.

The dogs were confined in small places, subjected to extremely loud noises and vibrations, and made to wear a newly created space suit. All of these tests were to condition the dogs to the experiences they would likely have during the flight. Though all three did well, it was Laika who was chosen to board Sputnik 2.

Laika, which means "barker" in Russian, was a three-year old, stray mutt that weighed thirteen pounds and had a calm demeanor. She was placed in her restrictive module several days in advance and then right before launch, she was covered in a alcohol solution and painted with iodine in several spots so that sensors could be placed on her. The sensors were to monitor her heartbeat, blood pressure, and other bodily functions to better understand any physical changes that might occur in space.

Though Laika's module was restrictive, it was padded and had just enough room for her to lay down or stand as she wished. She also had access to special, gelatinous, space food made for her.

On November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome (now located in Kazakhstan near the Aral Sea). The rocket successfully reached space and the spacecraft, with Laika inside, began to orbit the earth. The spacecraft circled the earth every hour and forty-two minutes, traveling approximately 18,000 miles per hour. As the world watched and waited for news of Laika's condition, the Soviet Union announced that a recovery plan had not been established for Laika. With only three weeks to create the new spacecraft, they did not have time to create a way for Laika to make it home. The de facto plan was for Laika to die in space.

Though all agree Laika made into space and successfully lived through several orbits, there is a question as to how long she lived after that. Some say that the plan was for her to live for several days and that her last food allotment was poisoned. Others say she died four days into the trip when there was an electrical burnout and the interior temperatures rose dramatically. And still others say she died five to seven hours into the flight from stress and heat.

However, she certainly did not live beyond six days into trip, because on the sixth day, the batteries in the spacecraft died and all life-support systems failed. The spacecraft continued to orbit the earth with all its systems off until it reentered earth's atmosphere on April 14, 1958 and burned up on reentry.

Laika proved that it was possible for a living being to enter space. Her death also sparked animal rights debates across the planet. In the Soviet Union, Laika and all the other animals that made space flight possible are remembered as heroes.

why do dogs hate cats

+ Answer 1

• Dogs and cats generally have different social styles. A dog is a social animal, which must exist in a hierarchal society while the cat lives an independent life, mostly outside of the lives of other cats or animals. With such different social styles, a dog and cat will misunderstand each other at the beginning, even if the dog has friendly intentions at the beginning. 

• When a dog first sees a cat, particularly if it has never seen a cat, it will go bounding up to the cat. The dog rushes to the cat with different social expectations than that of the cat. The dog will expect to be able to sniff at the cat's hind end as a social exchange and the cat does not want any of that. Other social behaviors that the dog may do that will turn off the cat include the wagging tail. 

• The problem with the wagging tail is that its movement means different things to the dog and the cat. To the dog, the wagging tail is a social greeting that usually indicates happiness. To the cat, the wagging tail means displeasure and even anger. When the dog rushes to the cat with a wagging tail, the cat may interpret this as hostility. In return, when the dog sees the wagging tail on the cat, it may interpret this as a sign of friendliness when in fact the cat really feels hostility. 

• When the dog tries to sniff the cat, the cat may react by running off or attacking the dog. If the cat attacks the dog after the dog's friendly or not so friendly approach, the dog's attitude towards the cat and even other cats has been altered to the point where the dog may appear to hate cats. 

• Dogs may hate cats, particularly when the two animals misunderstand each other from the beginning. Not all cats and dogs hate each other. You can find photographic evidence and anecdotal stories about cats and dogs cuddling together and otherwise getting along.

+ Answer 2

• While there are dogs that would play with a cat, would sleep snuggled with a cat and would even allow the cat to steal food from his doggie bowl there are also dogs that would chase an easily crush and kill a cat with its powerful jaw. For hundreds of years cats and dogs have been depicted as arch enemies.

Why do dogs hate cats?
Dogs versus cats the age old battle continues.
Answers to common questions about dogs. Examples include why do dogs eat dirt, why do dogs shed and many more.

Are they really enemies?The “fighting like cats and dogs” phrase was probably coined from the kind of relationship these animals have. Fighting cats and dogs are depicted in cartoons and for years have been the subject of children’s books. But are these animals really enemies? Is it possible that the feud resulted out of a misunderstanding?

Dogs are naturally playful animals. Dogs chase each other. Chasing, especially for puppies is so much fun. Chasing the cat can be considered as playtime by the dog however, the very dignified cat would think otherwise. The size of the dog is already intimidating for a cat. The obvious strength would make a cat or any other animal with the cat’s stature to run for their life.

A misunderstandingA dog with a wagging tail is conveying its friendly personality. On the other hand, a cat’s wagging tail means anger. Dogs sniff each other when they first meet. Cats would be outraged by this kind of greeting. The result…endless chasing around the room and around the house! The chase would only be stopped if the cat managed to climb a tree. This is not the end though. Every time the dog sees the cat, another chasing scene would ensue.

The preyCats really do have a reason to hate dogs. Dogs are compulsive hunters. They would hunt and chase anything that moves and that includes cats. Even puppies practice their hunting skills on cats. Cats however are nimble animals that can easily elude the grasp of the dog. This challenges the dog even more. More fights would arise making the dog and the cat in one household arch enemy for life.

Preventing the fightSocialization that is started while the dog is still a puppy can correct the dog’s behavior. Socialization is very necessary if the dog is the breed that has a high prey drive. Well mannered dogs would tolerate other smaller pets. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the cat is not left alone with an extremely aggressive unleashed dog. Dog and cat should be separated at meal times. It is important to let the dog and the cat know that they are both a part of the household.

Dogs do so many wonderful things..How to get rid of dog dander?You’ve had your pet for years. The dog is really an affectionate and loyal one. But you discovered that you intended is allergic to dog dander. Which one would you ditch, the dog or the boyfriend? The dog...
How to get rid of wet dog smell?Have you ever considered why the dog that you keep regularly groomed would still have a wet dog smell? The wet dog smell is one of the reasons why some dogs ends up in the streets abandoned by people who...

+ a story

Multicultural Study - A Chinese Folklore Story

The Golden Beetle or Why the Dog Hates the Cat




What we shall eat tomorrow, I haven't the slightest idea!" said Widow Wang to her eldest son, as he started out one morning in search of work.

"Oh, the gods will provide. I'll find a few coppers somewhere," replied the boy, trying to speak cheerfully, although in his heart he also had not the slightest idea in which direction to turn.

The winter had been a hard one - extreme cold, deep snow, and violent winds. The Wang house had suffered greatly. The roof had fallen in, weighed down by heavy snow. Then a hurricane had blown a wall over, and Ming-li, the son, up all night and exposed to a bitter cold wind, had caught pneumonia. Long days of illness followed, with the spending of extra money for medicine. All their scant savings had soon melted away, and at the shop where Ming-li had been employed his place was filled by another. When at last he arose from his sick bed he was too weak for hard labor and there seemed to be no work in the neighboring villages for him to do. Night after night he came home, trying not to be discouraged, but in his heart feeling the deep pangs of sorrow that come to the good son who sees his mother suffering for want of food and clothing.

"Bless his good heart!" said the poor widow after he had gone. "No mother ever had a better boy. I hope he is right in saying the gods will provide. It has been getting so much worse these past few weeks that it seems now as if my stomach were as empty as a rich man's brain. Why, even the rats have deserted our cottage, and there's nothing left for poor Tabby, while old Blackfoot is nearly dead from starvation."

When the old woman referred to the sorrows of her pets, her remarks were answered by a pitiful mewing and barking from the corner where the two unfed creatures were curled up together trying to keep warm.

Just then there was a loud knocking at the gate. When the widow Wang called out, "Come in!" she was surprised to see an old bald-headed priest standing in the doorway. "Sorry, but we have nothing," she went on, feeling sure the visitor had come in search of food. "We have fed on scraps these two weeks - on scraps and scrapings - and now we are living on the memories of what we used to have when my son's father was living. Our cat was so fat she couldn't climb to the roof. Now look at her. You can hardly see her, she's so thin. No, I'm sorry we can't help you, friend priest, but you see how it is."

"I didn't come for alms," cried the clean-shaven one, looking at her kindly, "but only to see what I could do to help you. The gods have listened long to the prayers of your devoted son. They honor him because he has not waited till you die to do sacrifice for you. They have seen how faithfully he has served you ever since his illness, and now, when he is worn out and unable to work, they are resolved to reward him for his virtue. You likewise have been a good mother and shall receive the gift I am now bringing."

"What do you mean?" faltered Mrs. Wang, hardly believing her ears at hearing a priest speak of bestowing mercies. "Have you come here to laugh at our misfortunes?"

"By no means. Here in my hand I hold a tiny golden beetle which you will find has a magic power greater than any you ever dreamed of. I will leave this precious thing with you, a present from the god of filial conduct."

"Yes, it will sell for a good sum," murmured the other, looking closely at the trinket, "and will give us millet for several days. Thanks, good priest, for your kindness."

"But you must by no means sell this golden beetle, for it has the power to fill your stomachs as long as you live."

The widow stared in open-mouthed wonder at the priest's surprising words.

"Yes, you must not doubt me, but listen carefully to what I tell you. Whenever you wish food, you have only to place this ornament in a kettle of boiling water, saying over and over again the names of what you want to eat. In three minutes take off the lid, and there will be your dinner, smoking hot, and cooked more perfectly than any food you have ever eaten."

"May I try it now?" she asked eagerly.

"As soon as I am gone."

When the door was shut, the old woman hurriedly kindled a fire, boiled some water, and then dropped in the golden beetle, repeating these words again and again:

"Dumplings, dumplings, come to me,
I am thin as thin can be.
Dumplings, dumplings, smoking hot,
Dumplings, dumplings, fill the pot."

Would those three minutes never pass? Could the priest have told the truth? Her old head was nearly wild with excitement as clouds of steam rose from the kettle. Off came the lid! She could wait no longer. Wonder of wonders! There before her unbelieving eyes was a pot, full to the brim of pork dumplings, dancing up and down in the bubbling water, the best, the most delicious dumplings she had ever tasted. She ate and ate till there was no room left in her greedy stomach, and then she feasted the cat and the dog until they were ready to burst.

"Good fortune has come at last," whispered Blackfoot, the dog, to Whitehead, the cat, as they lay down to sun themselves outside. "I fear I couldn't have held out another week without running away to look for food. I don't know just what's happened, but there's no use questioning the gods."

Mrs. Wang fairly danced for joy at the thought of her son's return and of how she would feast him.

"Poor boy, how surprised he will be at our fortune - and it's all on account of his goodness to his old mother."

When Ming-li came, with a dark cloud overhanging his brow, the widow saw plainly that disappointment was written there.

"Come, come, lad!" she cried cheerily, "clear up your face and smile, for the gods have been good to us and I shall soon show you how richly your devotion has been rewarded." So saying, she dropped the golden beetle into the boiling water and stirred up the fire.

Thinking his mother had gone stark mad for want of food, Ming-li stared solemnly at her. Anything was preferable to this misery. Should he sell his last outer garment for a few pennies and buy millet for her? Blackfoot licked his hand comfortingly, as if to say, "Cheer up, master, fortune has turned in our favor." Whitehead leaped upon a bench, purring like a sawmill.

Ming-li did not have long to wait. Almost in the twinkling of an eye he heard his mother crying out,

"Sit down at the table, son, and eat these dumplings while they are smoking hot."

Could he have heard correctly? Did his ears deceive him? No, there on the table was a huge platter full of the delicious pork dumplings he liked better than anything else in all the world, except, of course, his mother.

"Eat and ask no questions," counseled the Widow Wang. "When you are satisfied I will tell you everything."

Wise advice! Very soon the young man's chopsticks were twinkling like a little star in the verses. He ate long and happily, while his good mother watched him, her heart overflowing with joy at seeing him at last able to satisfy his hunger. But still the old woman could hardly wait for him to finish, she was so anxious to tell him her wonderful secret.

"Here, son!" she cried at last, as he began to pause between mouthfuls, "look at my treasure!" And she held out to him the golden beetle.

"First tell me what good fairy of a rich man has been filling our hands with silver?"

"That's just what I am trying to tell you," she laughed, "for there was a fairy here this afternoon sure enough, only he was dressed like a bald priest. That golden beetle is all he gave me, but with it comes a secret worth thousands of cash to us."

The youth fingered the trinket idly, still doubting his senses, and waiting impatiently for the secret of his delicious dinner. "But, mother, what has this brass bauble to do with the dumplings, these wonderful pork dumplings, the finest I ever ate?"

"Baubles indeed! Brass! Fie, fie, my boy! You little know what you are saying. Only listen and you shall hear a tale that will open your eyes."

She then told him what had happened, and ended by setting all of the left-over dumplings upon the floor for Blackfoot and Whitehead, a thing her son had never seen her do before, for they had been miserably poor and had had to save every scrap for the next meal.

Now began a long period of perfect happiness. Mother, son, dog and cat—all enjoyed themselves to their hearts' content. All manner of new foods such as they had never tasted were called forth from the pot by the wonderful little beetle. Bird-nest soup, shark's fins, and a hundred other delicacies were theirs for the asking, and soon Ming-li regained all his strength, but, I fear, at the same time grew somewhat lazy, for it was no longer necessary for him to work. As for the two animals, they became fat and sleek and their hair grew long and glossy.

'Here son!' she cried, 'Have a look at my treasure!'

But alas! according to a Chinese proverb, pride invites sorrow. The little family became so proud of their good fortune that they began to ask friends and relatives to dinner that they might show off their good meals. One day a Mr. and Mrs. Chu came from a distant village. They were much astonished at seeing the high style in which the Wangs lived. They had expected a beggar's meal, but went away with full stomachs.

"It's the best stuff I ever ate," said Mr. Chu, as they entered their own tumble-down house.

"Yes, and I know where it came from," exclaimed his wife. "I saw Widow Wang take a little gold ornament out of the pot and hide it in a cupboard. It must be some sort of charm, for I heard her mumbling to herself about pork and dumplings just as she was stirring up the fire."

"A charm, eh? Why is it that other people have all the luck? It looks as if we were doomed forever to be poor."

"Why not borrow Mrs. Wang's charm for a few days until we can pick up a little flesh to keep our bones from clattering? Turn about's fair play. Of course, we'll return it sooner or later."

"Doubtless they keep very close watch over it. When would you find them away from home, now that they don't have to work any more? As their house only contains one room, and that no bigger than ours, it would be difficult to borrow this golden trinket. It is harder, for more reasons than one, to steal from a beggar than from a king."

"Luck is surely with us," cried Mrs. Chu, clapping her hands. "They are going this very day to the Temple fair. I overheard Mrs. Wang tell her son that he must not forget he was to take her about the middle of the afternoon. I will slip back then and borrow the little charm from the box in which she hid it."

"Aren't you afraid of Blackfoot?"

"Pooh! he's so fat he can do nothing but roll. If the widow comes back suddenly, I'll tell her I came to look for my big hair-pin, that I lost it while I was at dinner."

"All right, go ahead, only of course we must remember we're borrowing the thing, not stealing it, for the Wangs have always been good friends to us, and then, too, we have just dined with them."

So skillfully did this crafty woman carry out her plans that within an hour she was back in her own house, gleefully showing the priest's charm to her husband. Not a soul had seen her enter the Wang house. The dog had made no noise, and the cat had only blinked her surprise at seeing a stranger and had gone to sleep again on the floor.

Great was the clamor and weeping when, on returning from the fair in expectation of a hot supper, the widow found her treasure missing. It was long before she could grasp the truth. She went back to the little box in the cupboard ten times before she could believe it was empty, and the room looked as if a cyclone had struck it, so long and carefully did the two unfortunates hunt for the lost beetle.

Then came days of hunger which were all the harder to bear since the recent period of good food and plenty. Oh, if they had only not got used to such dainties! How hard it was to go back to scraps and scrapings!

But if the widow and her son were sad over the loss of the good meals, the two pets were even more so. They were reduced to beggary and had to go forth daily upon the streets in search of stray bones and refuse that decent dogs and cats turned up their noses at.

One day, after this period of starvation had been going on for some time, Whitehead began suddenly to frisk about in great excitement.

"Whatever is the matter with you?" growled Blackfoot. "Are you mad from hunger, or have you caught another flea?"

"I was just thinking over our affairs, and now I know the cause of all our trouble."

"Do you indeed?" sneered Blackfoot.

"Yes, I do indeed, and you'd better think twice before you mock me, for I hold your future in my paw, as you will very soon see."

"Well, you needn't get angry about nothing. What wonderful discovery have you made—that every rat has one tail?"

"First of all, are you willing to help me bring good fortune back to our family?"

"Of course I am. Don't be silly," barked the dog, wagging his tail joyfully at the thought of another good dinner. "Surely! surely! I will do anything you like if it will bring Dame Fortune back again."

"All right. Here is the plan. There has been a thief in the house who has stolen our mistress's golden beetle. You remember all our big dinners that came from the pot? Well, every day I saw our mistress take a little golden beetle out of the black box and put it into the pot. One day she held it up before me, saying, 'Look, puss, there is the cause of all our happiness. Don't you wish it was yours?' Then she laughed and put it back into the box that stays in the cupboard."

"Is that true?" questioned Blackfoot. "Why didn't you say something about it before?"

"You remember the day Mr. and Mrs. Chu were here, and how Mrs. Chu returned in the afternoon after master and mistress had gone to the fair? I saw her, out of the tail of my eye, go to that very black box and take out the golden beetle. I thought it curious, but never dreamed she was a thief. Alas! I was wrong! She took the beetle, and if I am not mistaken, she and her husband are now enjoying the feasts that belong to us."

"Let's claw them," growled Blackfoot, gnashing his teeth.

"That would do no good," counseled the other, "for they would be sure to come out best in the end. We want the beetle back—that's the main thing. We'll leave revenge to human beings; it is none of our business."

"What do you suggest?" said Blackfoot. "I am with you through thick and thin."

"Let's go to the Chu house and make off with the beetle."

"Alas, that I am not a cat!" moaned Blackfoot. "If we go there I couldn't get inside, for robbers always keep their gates well locked. If I were like you I could scale the wall. It is the first time in all my life I ever envied a cat."

"We will go together," continued Whitehead. "I will ride on your back when we are fording the river, and you can protect me from strange animals. When we get to the Chu house, I will climb over the wall and manage the rest of the business myself. Only you must wait outside to help me to get home with the prize."

No sooner arranged than done. The companions set out that very night on their adventure. They crossed the river as the cat had suggested, and Blackfoot really enjoyed the swim, for, as he said, it took him back to his puppy hood, while the cat did not get a single drop of water on her face. It was midnight when they reached the Chu house.

"Just wait till I return," purred Whitehead in Blackfoot's ear.

With a mighty spring she reached the top of the mud wall, and then jumped down to the inside court. While she was resting in the shadow, trying to decide just how to go about her work, a slight rustling attracted her attention, and pop! one giant spring, one stretch-out of the claws, and she had caught a rat that had just come out of his hole for a drink and a midnight walk.

Now, Whitehead was so hungry that she would have made short work of this tempting prey if the rat had not opened its mouth and, to her amazement, begun to talk in good cat dialect.

"Pray, good puss, not so fast with your sharp teeth! Kindly be careful with your claws! Don't you know it is the custom now to put prisoners on their honor? I will promise not to run away."

"Pooh! what honor has a rat?"

"Most of us haven't much, I grant you, but my family was brought up under the roof of Confucius, and there we picked up so many crumbs of wisdom that we are exceptions to the rule. If you will spare me, I will obey you for life, in fact, will be your humble slave." Then, with a quick jerk, freeing itself, "See, I am loose now, but honor holds me as if I were tied, and so I make no further attempt to get away."

"Much good it would do you," purred Whitehead, her fur crackling noisily, and her mouth watering for a taste of rat steak. "However, I am quite willing to put you to the test. First, answer a few polite questions and I will see if you're a truthful fellow. What kind of food is your master eating now, that you should be so round and plump when I am thin and scrawny?"

"Oh, we have been in luck lately, I can tell you. Master and mistress feed on the fat of the land, and of course we hangers-on get the crumbs."

"But this is a poor tumble-down house. How can they afford such eating?"

"That is a great secret, but as I am in honor bound to tell you, here goes. My mistress has just obtained in some manner or other, a fairy's charm - "

"She stole it from our place," hissed the cat, "I will claw her eyes out if I get the chance. Why, we've been fairly starving for want of that beetle. She stole it from us just after she had been an invited guest! What do you think of that for honor, Sir Rat? Were your mistress's ancestors followers of the sage?"

"Oh, oh, oh! Why, that explains everything!" wailed the rat. "I have often wondered how they got the golden beetle, and yet of course I dared not ask any questions."

"No, certainly not! But hark you, friend rat - you get that golden trinket back for me, and I will set you free at once of all obligations. Do you know where she hides it?"

"Yes, in a crevice where the wall is broken. I will bring it to you in a jiffy, but how shall we exist when our charm is gone? There will be a season of scanty food, I fear; beggars' fare for all of us."

"Live on the memory of your good deed," purred the cat. "It is splendid, you know, to be an honest beggar. Now scoot! I trust you completely, since your people lived in the home of Confucius. I will wait here for your return. Ah!" laughed Whitehead to herself, "luck seems to be coming our way again!"

Five minutes later the rat appeared, bearing the trinket in its mouth. It passed the beetle over to the cat, and then with a whisk was off for ever. Its honor was safe, but it was afraid of Whitehead. It had seen the gleam of desire in her green eyes, and the cat might have broken her word if she had not been so anxious to get back home where her mistress could command the wonderful kettle once more to bring forth food.

The two adventurers reached the river just as the sun was rising above the eastern hills.

"Be careful," cautioned Blackfoot, as the cat leaped upon his back for her ride across the stream, "be careful not to forget the treasure. In short, remember that even though you are a female, it is necessary to keep your mouth closed till we reach the other side."

"Thanks, but I don't think I need your advice," replied Whitehead, picking up the beetle and leaping on to the dog's back.

But alas! just as they were nearing the farther shore, the excited cat forgot her wisdom for a moment. A fish suddenly leaped out of the water directly under her nose. It was too great a temptation. Snap! went her jaws in a vain effort to land the scaly treasure, and the golden beetle sank to the bottom of the river.

"There!" said the dog angrily, "what did I tell you? Now all our trouble has been in vain - all on account of your stupidity."

For a time there was a bitter dispute, and the companions called each other some very bad names - such as turtle and rabbit. Just as they were starting away from the river, disappointed and discouraged, a friendly frog who had by chance heard their conversation offered to fetch the treasure from the bottom of the stream. No sooner said than done, and after thanking this accommodating animal profusely, they turned homeward once more.

When they reached the cottage the door was shut, and, bark as he would, Blackfoot could not persuade his master to open it. There was the sound of loud wailing inside.

"Mistress is broken-hearted," whispered the cat, "I will go to her and make her happy."

So saying, she sprang lightly through a hole in the paper window, which, alas! was too small and too far from the ground for the faithful dog to enter.

A sad sight greeted the gaze of Whitehead. The son was lying on the bed unconscious, almost dead for want of food, while his mother, in despair, was rocking backwards and forwards wringing her wrinkled hands and crying at the top of her voice for some one to come and save them.

"Here I am, mistress," cried Whitehead, "and here is the treasure you are weeping for. I have rescued it and brought it back to you."

The widow, wild with joy at sight of the beetle, seized the cat in her scrawny arms and hugged the pet tightly to her bosom.

"Breakfast, son, breakfast! Wake up from your swoon! Fortune has come again. We are saved from starvation!"

Soon a steaming hot meal was ready, and you may well imagine how the old woman and her son, heaping praises upon Whitehead, filled the beast's platter with good things, but never a word did they say of the faithful dog, who remained outside sniffing the fragrant odors and waiting in sad wonder, for all this time the artful cat had said nothing of Blackfoot's part in the rescue of the golden beetle.

At last, when breakfast was over, slipping away from the others, Whitehead jumped out through the hole in the window.

"Oh, my dear Blackfoot," she began laughingly, "you should have been inside to see what a feast they gave me! Mistress was so delighted at my bringing back her treasure that she could not give me enough to eat, nor say enough kind things about me. Too bad, old fellow, that you are hungry. You'd better run out into the street and hunt up a bone."

Maddened by the shameful treachery of his companion, the enraged dog sprang upon the cat and in a few seconds had shaken her to death.

"So dies the one who forgets a friend and who loses honor," he cried sadly, as he stood over the body of his companion.

Rushing out into the street, he proclaimed the treachery of Whitehead to the members of his tribe, at the same time advising that all self-respecting dogs should from that time onwards make war upon the feline race.

And that is why the descendants of old Blackfoot, whether in China or in the great countries of the West, have waged continual war upon the children and grandchildren of Whitehead, for a thousand generations of dogs have fought them and hated them with a great and lasting hatred.

6 new dog breeds 2011

he Westminster Kennel Club only allows the best dogs to compete in its annual dog show. This year they will be allowing six new dog breeds into the competition; the Entlebucher mountain dog, the Norwegian Lundehund, the American English coonhound, the Finnish Lapphund, the Cesky terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli.

According to the Westminster Kennel Club, the 6 new dog breeds bring the total number of eligible breeds to 185. David Frei, the club’s director of communications, said that the number of breeds in the dog show has been steadily increasing over the years. In 1990 there were 142 eligible breeds.

Frei said that the six new breeds are long shots to win best in show this year. According to Frei, new breeds don’t usually get a lot of recognition at the beginning. The Bichon Frise, which was introduced in 1974, didn’t win Best in Show until 2001.

Here’s a look at the new dog breeds.

1. American English coonhound

- The coat of the English Coonhound is short and hard. Coat colors include: blue and white ticked, red and white ticked, tri-colored with ticking, red and white, and white and black. Excessive red or black is a fault in the show ring. Their bark sounds like a hound bawl. The tails are medium length and set high. Pleasant, alert, confident and sociable with humans and dogs.

- English Coonhounds are energetic, intelligent and active. Loving and eager to please their owners.Their great senses make them excellent hunters. This breed is an extremely fast, hot-trailing competitive type coonhound. Very devoted to its family, it makes a good companion dog. It does well living indoors and plays a fine guardian to his family and home. They are usually best with older considerate children, but can also do well with younger ones. Without proper human to canine leadership and communication some can be a bit dog-aggressive and or develpe behavior issues. They need owners who are firm, confident and consistent with an air of authority. Socialize this breed well preferably while still young to prevent them from being reserved with strangers. Do not let this breed off the leash in an unsafe area, as they may take off after an interesting scent. They have a strong instinct to tree animals. Without enough mental and physical exercise they will become high-strung.

- Height: 21-27 inches (53-69 cm.)

-Weight: 40--65 pounds (18-30 kg.)

- Living Conditions : These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and do best with acreage.

- Exercise: English Coonhounds need extensive daily running to be happy. They need to be taken on a daily, long, brisk walk or jog where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead, as in a dog's mind, the leader leads the way. They can become high strung and or destructive if they are lacking in exercise and or structure . They may take off after any interesting scent, so do not take the English Coonhound off its leash unless you are in a safe area.

- Life Expectancy About 11-12 Years

- Grooming : The short, hard coat is easy to care for. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

-Origin: It has been said that the history of the English Coonhound is the history of all coonhounds. With the exception of the Plott Hound, most coonhounds can be traced back to the English Foxhound. In 1905 the English Coonhound was first registered by UKC under the name of English fox & Coonhound. Back then they were used for fox hunting much more than they are today. The name reflected the similarity that the breed had to the American Foxhound and the English foxhound. While the Redbone and Black and Tan were given separate breed status, all other treeing coonhounds were called English after the turn of the century. These included both the Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Bluetick Coonhound. They were considered all the same breed. It was the variation in color which separated them. The heavily ticked dogs split off from the English and the Bluetick Coonhound was recognized as a separate breed in 1945. In 1946 the tricolored hounds separated into the breed called Treeing Walker Coonhounds. Though redticked dogs predominate, to this day there are still tri-colored and blueticked English hounds. The English Coonhound was bred to adapt to the rougher American climate and terrain. An English named "Bones," owned by Colonel Leon Robinson, won one of the first National Coonhound Championships. The breed is still used by practical hunters and competitive hound owners throughout the USA.

2. Entlebucher mountain dog

- Weight: 55-60 lbs

- Height: 16-20 inches

- Color(s): Tri-Color; Black with symmetrical white and rust markings.

+ Overview

Dating back to Roman times, this ancient breed is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs. Used by Alpine herdsmen to drive cattle, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog was also used as a companion and guardian. This working breed is extremely rare in both Europe and the United States.

+ Character

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is of medium-size, muscular, sturdy, and compactly built. This breed is agile, alert, and deft. Entlebucher Mountain Dog's possess a friendly and clever expression as well as strength and stamina.

+ Temperament

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog breed is not recommended for first time dog owners. They are friendly, loyal, and form close attachments to their family. They do not do well if bored or isolated and prefer to be with their family. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog does best in a home with older considerate children. They do well with other dogs and household pets. This breed is protective of family, home, and territory and will alert to danger or their suspicions by barking.

+ Care

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog does not do well in warm climates. Occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush to remove loose and dead hair is recommended. Bathing should be done when necessary. It is important to not over-feed this breed, clip nails regularly, and provide dental hygiene. They are prone to such health issues as PRA, cataracts, and hip dysplasia.

+ Coat

The coat of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is glossy, hard, thick, and short. This breed is an average shedder.

+ Training

Entlebucher Mountain Dog's are stubborn, strong-willed, and requires constant training with a skilled owner. Early socialization and obedience training are an absolute must. The Entlebucher is intelligent and eager to please. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, and consistency.

+ Activity

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is not recommended for apartment living or sedentary owners. This breed requires an inordinate amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Entlebucher Mountain Dog's enjoy such family activities as jogging, walking, and frisbee. They do best with a large securely fenced yard or rural setting with a job to do.

3. Cesky terrier

· The Cesky is a unique soft coated terrier dog that is trimmed with clippers, not hand stripped.

· The Cesky has terrier traits and like other terriers they were bred to hunt above and below the ground by tracking and digging. They have hunting instincts and a deep, loud bark.

· The Cesky is very intelligent and this is sometimes confused as being stubborn.

· The Cesky has a lot of energy and needs to have daily exercise and some type of interaction with his owner. They especially love a game of 'toss the tennis ball'.

· The Cesky is a strong, well muscled dog and does well with an owner who understands that he/she needs to be the alpha in the family pack.

The Cesky was bred to hunt in packs with other Cesky Terriers. They may react as a hunter towards small animals and birds.

· The Cesky is very food oriented. This is good for training, but you must not leave food unguarded, as they will find a way to get it. Your Cesky will eat too much if his food is not carefully measured, and become overweight and suffer the health problems that come with obesity.

· The Cesky is loyal to his/her family and wants to be included in your daily activities. They are not a kennel dog and do not do well left alone. Keeping your Cesky active both inside and outside your home will make a happy dog.

· The Cesky is reserved towards strangers so it is important that new owners take their Cesky to dog training classes to socialize their dog. It is also a great bonding experience for the entire family and is a way for you to earn the respect of your Cesky. The Cesky loves fun activities. A beginner Agility Class is recommended as a positive training activity.

The Cesky is not a lap dog and even though he loves to be with his family, he was not bred to sit happily all day in someone’s lap. They love to play.

The Cesky is not for a family that does not have time to spend with their dog . They crave attention and are not to be kennel or backyard dogs. Their desire is to be with their family. A Cesky owner must make time to exercise their dog daily. The Cesky is a sensitive breed and has to be trained in ONLY a positive manner for positive results.

The Cesky is not for someone who is not willing to groom a dog. The Cesky is a “coated” breed and as puppies will need daily grooming. As an adult their adult coat needs to be brushed at least twice a week. You must be committed to pay for or learn to clipper cut your Cesky yourself. The Cesky haircut is quite unique and your dog will need to be trimmed every 3 to 5 weeks. This is a lifetime commitment!

The Cesky is not a dog to be left alone with ANY toy or bone. They have very strong jaws and will destroy all toys. You must supervise their play with toys.

The Cesky is not a dog for you if you are looking for a quiet, small, low-energy dog.

4.Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed does indeed come from Finland and surrounding areas. This medium-sized spitz type breed is a hardy yet easy-going dog which has been traditionally used in a herding capacity for reindeer. Strangely it is far more popular outside of its native country. This is an intelligent and active breed and are friendly and alert. There are excellent outdoor companions in virtually any weather or climate type. Check out Cute Puppies For Sale’s comprehensive Dog Breed Listings to locate an Finnish Lapphund Breeder close to you.

Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed Temperament:The Finnish Lapphund or “Lappie” has a very high level of intelligence, which allows them to excel greatly at obedience and any manner of training. Combine their training acumen with their agility and you have a breed of dogs that is made for winning contests of all kinds. Due to their herding history, they have a distinct bark which they use on a regular basis, this was originally to make them stand out from wolves in the region. So, they will naturally bark as they are highly alert; a certain amount of noise should be expected. Problem barking can fairly easily be removed with proper training and interaction. Finnish Lapphunds have a natural empathy that makes them perfect for families with elederly members, people with disabilities and children. They are sensitive, gentle and responsive. This is an excellent family dog breed. Cute Puppies For Sale’s extensive dog breed directory has cute Finnish Lapphund puppies for sale.

Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed Appearance:The Finnish Lapphund Dog is medium in size and is slightly longer than it is high. They feature a strong double coat; the topcoat is coarse and the undercoat is short and fluffy. They stand approximately 16-20 inches tall at the withers and weigh anywhere from just above 30 to slighly over 50 pounds. Their neck resembles a lion’s mane due to to its denseness, which suprisingly requires little maitenance. The come in a large array of color variations: red, brown, sable, white, black and wolf-sable all make themselves known, with one color predominating. Black and tans are fairly common. Another breed trait is the presence of spectacles, which come in the form of a lighter ring of color around the eyes.

Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed Origins & History:

The breed is reindeer herder that comes from the Sami peoples. The Sami peoples are indigenous residents of mostly Scandanavian countries, including Finland, Sweden and Norway and also parts of Russia. They are northern cold-weather people and their dogs are built to withstand this kind of weather as well. The Norwegians and Swedes wanted to first standardize the breed jsut before World war II; the breed was under serious threat of extinction due to widespread distemper outbreaks. Finland set the first breed standards in 1945. History suggest that the breed at this time was a cross between regional reindeer dogs and the Karelian Bear Dog. The breed was refined in the 1960s also under the Finnish Kennel Club. Cute Puppies For Sale’s extensive dog breed directory has gorgeous

Finnish Lapphund Dog BreedThe Finnish Lapphund dog breed was imported into Denmark in the early 1980s. It became hugely popular due to its variety and wonderful temperament and remains popular in the country. In the late 1980′s the breed made it’s way to America which was no small feat. The numbers of the breed slowly grew and gained accrediation with various groups and clubs, until finally becoming part of the AKC Miscellaneous group in July of 2009. The Breed followed similar paths to the U.K. and Canada, gaining full recognition in the 2000s.

Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed Mortality:

A very healthy and long-lived breed, the Finnish Lapphund has a typical lifepsan of 12-14 years, with ages of 16-17 not being uncommon. They have some hereditary eye issues in the form of cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (GRPA). The affected rate of Lappies by GRPA is 2-3% and cataracts are at roughly 3 1/2%, this is normally for the pure Finnish members of the breed; numbers in the UK and US are even smaller. Hip dysplasia is possible, but cases are very rare. Visit Cute Puppies For Sale’s comprehensive Dog Breed Directory to locate a Certified Finnish Lapphund Breeders.

Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed Overview:The Finnish Lapphund, is a very intelligent and sporting medium-sized dog breed who will be at home either on a farm or traditional household. They are perfectly suited for cold-weather climates and plenty of outdoor action, so they can go with you wherever you are. They are strong, hardy and have a good lifespan which relatively small chances of any hereditary conditions. Visit Cute Puppies For Sale’s extensive Dog Breed Directory to uncover Finnish Lapphund Breeders within your town.-

5.Xoloitzcuintli 

- Also referred to as the Mexican Hairless, the Xoloitzcuintli is one of the rarest and oldest breeds in the world. Dating back over 3,000 years, the Xoloitzcuintli were highly prized for their healing and magical powers. Aztec Indians found this breed useful as bed warmers, and were considered sacred. Once in danger of extinction, this breed was revived and today makes a cherished companion

- The Xoloitzcuintli comes in two varieties: Hairless and Coated. The Hairless only possesses a short tuft of hair on the head and tail. The skin is smooth, soft, and sufficiently hardy to withstand the elements. The Coated variety has a full coat of hair that is short, sleek, and glossy. The Xoloitzcuintli breed is non-shedding and odorless.

- The most distinctive feature of the Xoloitzcuintli breed is the upright, large bat-like ears which provide acutely keen hearing. A primitive breed, the Xoloitzcuintli is hardy, well-built, extremely agile, and elegant.

- The Xoloitzcuintli breed is affectionate, loving, intelligent, and devoted. They are highly protective of their family, home, and territory. This breed is not recommended for first time dog owners. The Xoloitzcuintli typically do not bark. Instead, they emit a howl to alert their family to danger. They do best in a home with older considerate children and dogs they have been raised with. They may be aggressive toward dogs they do not know. The Xoloitzcuintli is a sensitive and emotional breed that demands an inordinate amount of attention. They will become destructive if left alone for extended periods of time, and are prone todigestive problems and neurotic behavior if they become stressed.

- Xoloitzcuintli’s are not suited for cold climates, and requires a sweater in cooler temperatures. The health of the skin is extremely important. Only bathe this breed when absolutely necessary, as over bathing can harm the skin. While it is also important to use lotion and sunscreen on the Hairless variety, caution must be exercised. Too much lotion or sunscreen results in clogged pores and acne. The Coated variety of this breed requires very minimal brushing. The Xoloitzcuintli is prone to such health issues as early tooth loss, allergies to food, skin infection, and drug sensitivity.

- Early and intense socialization is an absolute must. The Xoloitzcuintli breed is quick to learn but requires a dominant handler. It is imperative that training be done with respect, love, firmness, fairness, and consistency. The Xoloitzcuintli excels in agility, obedience, and as service and therapy dogs.

- Xoloitzcuintli’s are well suited for apartment living. They are relatively inactive and enjoy going for securely leashed walks, sunbathing in a securely fenced yard, and spending time with their family. It is important that during any outdoor activity this breed is appropriately covered for the climate.

6. the Norwegian Lundehund

Other names Norsk Lundehund

Norwegian Puffin Dog

Lundehund

Country Norway

Breed Group: Not Akc Recognized

Weight: Male: 15.5; Female: 13.5 lbs

Height: Male: 13-15; Female: 12-14 inches

Color(s): White, reddish brown, gray, black, yellow, sable and white.

Life expectancy 12-14 years

Litter size 2-3

Norwegian Lundehund History

That Norwegian Lundehund carries a long history. It absolutely was believed that this specific dog has descended in the Ur hund, that breed of canines that survived that 3rd Ice Era. These dogs which inhabit the Lofoten Islands could actually survive as these kinds of islands were ice-free in the 3rd Ice Era. Both the Lundenhund and also the fossilized dog (Varanger dog) within the Lapland, Russia has one particular less tooth to the either side in the jaw. These dogs own hunted puffins since far back as 1600 to the rocky crevices regarding steep cliffs which dotted the shorelines in the Veroy, Vaerog in addition to Rost islands regarding northern Norway. Interest for any breed declined when new options for hunting puffins were invented plus a dog tax appeared to be created. Around 1900, we were holding only found from the isolated village regarding Mostad, Lofoten. The breed appeared to be nearly extinct all-around World War II whenever canine distemper struck very and also the surrounding islands. Within 1963, the society was further decimated through distemper again. This time around, only 6 canines survived, creating any population bottleneck. Thanks to careful breeding by using strict guidelines, these day there are an estimated 1500-2000 dogs on the earth, with around 1100 in the population in Norwegian and ~350 in the nation.

Norwegian Lundehund Description

The Norwegian Lundehund is definitely unusual breed. It offers six toes on every foot, four in entry and two in a back corner, all of them jointed in addition to muscled. It has a great range in its forelegs, incredibly similar human elbows, allowing it to contort them to suit into small spaces. There are joints in the neck that allows 180-degree rotation (the mind can lay back contrary to the spine). The ears are pricked and may be folded either onward or backward. The mind is small and wedge-shaped, that brown eyes are deep-set. That legs are strong, the hindquarters well muscled for agility instead of speed. The tail might be either pendant or carried slightly rolled in the back. Doublecoated, the topcoat lies flat contrary to the body. Colors vary through reddish-brown to black, almost all with white markings, in addition to or white with bluish markings.

Norwegian Lundehund Temperament

Norwegian Lundehunds are helpful and love people. It isn't aggressive and will curl up with people or additional dogs for hours. They adore to play and will delight in long sessions of the idea. Curious, they are prepared to explore the world. This breed is intelligent and may be trained for agility. Because the Norwegian Lundehunds very exclusive characteristics, it makes an excellent hunter. Its six feet on each foot, which includes two dewclaws, allow your dog to climb steep locations, the extra joints from the nape of the neck of the guitar, allow the dog to be able to turn its head in the 180-degree angle, it has extremely accommodating shoulder joints and it has the ears have mobility which other dogs wouldn't have. Consistent crate training is actually mandatory. A doggy door may need to be used. The Norwegian Lundehund is somewhat primitive and may be extremely difficult to be able to housebreak. Some owners state they never do obtain their Norwegian Norwegian Lundehunds housebroken. One of the keys is thinking two steps before a puppy who should pee. From having several puppies in my residence, I know that offering a puppy the run in the house is just trying for disaster. If you're not necessarily watching him, he's within his crate or outdoor. Crate training works well using this type of primitive breed, because they still have got a strong den instinct.

Norwegian Lundehund Care

This breed is not hard to groom because there are a short easy to be able to care coat. Bathing is the answer once or twice per year. The dog should be brushed regularly utilizing a firm bristle brush. Lundehunds tend to be heavy shedders. The dog needs to be brushed regularly to remove dead hair in order to accelerate the shedding method.

Apart from the total booster shots these dogs might need to be taken to any veterinary facility every half a year for fecal and protein levels tests. This is to eliminate the occurrence of that Lundehund syndrome.

Norwegian Lundehund Grooming

The Lundehund sheds greatly, so comb and brush fairly often with a firm bristle wash. Do not bathe with the exception when necessary - dry shampoo is better at those times.

Norwegian Lundehund Training

The Norwegian Lundehund is actually stubborn, willful, manipulative, in addition to obstinate. Early socialization in addition to basic obedience is advised. This breed is highly difficult to housebreak. The crate training method is immensely important, although some Lundehunds may perhaps never be completely housebroken. Training needs to be done with firmness, justness, and consistency.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the oldest American sporting competition next to the Kentucky Derby.