Dry skin and Symptoms

Ordinarily, dry skin isn't serious, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly, turning plump cells into shriveled ones and creating fine lines and wrinkles.

Serious dry skin conditions — an inherited group of disorders called ichthyosis — can sometimes be disfiguring, causing psychological distress. Fortunately, most dry skin results from environmental factors that can be wholly or partially controlled. These include exposure to hot or cold weather with low humidity levels and excessive bathing.

Chronic or severe dry skin problems may require a dermatologist's evaluation. But first you can do a lot on your own to improve your skin, including using moisturizers, bathing less and avoiding harsh, drying soaps.

Symptoms

Dry skin is often just a temporary problem — one you experience only in winter, for example — but it may be a lifelong concern. And although skin is often driest on your arms and lower legs, this pattern can vary considerably from person to person. What's more, signs and symptoms of dry skin depend on your age, your health status, your locale, the amount of time you spend outdoors and the cause of the problem.

If you have dry skin, you're likely to experience one or more of the following:

• A feeling of skin tightness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming
• Skin that appears shrunken or dehydrated
• Skin that feels and looks rough rather than smooth
• Itching (pruritus) that sometimes may be intense
• Slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling
• Fine lines or cracks
• Redness
• Deep fissures that may bleed

Dry mouth and Symptoms

Dry mouth is a condition in which your mouth is unusually dry. Dry mouth is a common problem that may seem little more than a nuisance. But a dry mouth can affect both your enjoyment of food and the health of your teeth. The medical term for dry mouth is xerostomia (zeer-o-STO-me-uh).

A result of reduced or no saliva, dry mouth can lead to problems because saliva helps prevent tooth decay by limiting bacterial growth and washing away food particles. Saliva also enhances your ability to taste and makes it easier to swallow. In addition, enzymes in saliva aid in digestion.

Although the treatment depends on the cause, dry mouth is often a side effect of medication. Dry mouth may improve with an adjusted dosage or a new prescription.

Symptoms

If you're not producing enough saliva, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Dryness in your mouth
• Saliva that seems thick and stringy
• Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth
• Cracked lips
• Bad breath
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing
• Sore throat
• An altered sense of taste
• A fungal infection in your mouth
• Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease

Diphtheria and Symptoms

Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection usually affecting the mucous membranes of your nose and throat. Diphtheria typically causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. But the hallmark sign is a sheet of thick, gray material covering the back of your throat. This material can block your windpipe so that you have to struggle for breath.

Today, diphtheria is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries thanks to widespread vaccination against the disease.

Medications are available to treat diphtheria. However, in advanced stages, diphtheria can cause damage to your heart, kidneys and nervous system. Even with treatment, diphtheria can be deadly — as many as 10 percent of people who get diphtheria die of it.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of diphtheria may include:

A sore throat and hoarseness
Painful swallowing
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck
A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Nasal discharge
Fever and chills
Malaise

Dilated cardiomyopathy and Symptoms

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, primarily affecting your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). The left ventricle becomes enlarged (dilated) and can't pump blood to your body with as much force as a healthy heart can.

Dilated cardiomyopathy doesn't necessarily cause symptoms, but for some people the disease is life-threatening. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common cause of heart failure, the inability of the heart to supply the body's tissue and organs with enough blood. Dilated cardiomyopathy may also cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), blood clots or sudden death.

Dilated cardiomyopathy may affect people of all ages, including infants and children. Treatments may be available for the underlying cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, or to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.

Symptoms

If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, you're likely to have signs and symptoms when the disease has caused heart failure or arrhythmias. Dilated cardiomyopathy symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you're active or lying down
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
• Persistent cough or wheezing, especially when lying down
• Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet
• Swelling of your abdomen (ascites)
• Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
• Lack of appetite
• Sensation of rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeats (palpitations)
• Pale skin

Dislocated shoulder and Symptoms

A dislocated shoulder is an injury in which your upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that's part of your shoulder blade. A dislocated shoulder is a more extensive injury than a separated shoulder, which involves damage to ligaments of the joint where the top of your shoulder blade meets the end of your collarbone.

If you suspect a dislocated shoulder, seek prompt medical attention. Most people regain full shoulder function within a few weeks after experiencing a dislocated shoulder. However, once you've had a dislocated shoulder your joint may become unstable and be prone to repeat dislocations.

Symptoms

Dislocated shoulder signs and symptoms may include:

• A visibly deformed or out of place shoulder
• Swelling or discoloration (bruising)
• Intense pain
• Inability to move the joint

Diabetic neuropathySymptoms

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar can injure nerve fibers throughout your body, but diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.

Depending on the affected nerves, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from pain and numbness in your extremities to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. For some people, these symptoms are mild; for others, diabetic neuropathy can be painful, disabling and even fatal.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common serious complication of diabetes. Yet you can often prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its progress with tight blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle.

Symptoms

There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy. You may have just one type or symptoms of several types. Most develop gradually, and you may not notice problems until considerable damage has occurred.

The signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary, depending on the type of neuropathy and which nerves are affected.

Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. Your feet and legs are often affected first, followed by your hands and arms. Possible signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or changes in temperature, especially in your feet and toes
• A tingling or burning feeling
• Sharp, jabbing pain that may be worse at night
• Pain when walking
• Extreme sensitivity to the lightest touch — for some people, even the weight of a sheet can be agonizing
• Muscle weakness and difficulty walking
• Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, deformities, and bone and joint pain

Dizziness AND Symptoms

Dizziness is a term used to describe everything from feeling faint or lightheaded to feeling weak or unsteady. Dizziness that creates the sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving is called vertigo.

Dizziness is one of the most common reasons adults visit their doctors — right up there with chest pain and fatigue. Although frequent dizzy spells or constant dizziness can keep you from doing much of anything, dizziness rarely signals a serious, life-threatening condition. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause and your symptoms, but is usually effective.

Symptoms

Dizziness can usually be more specifically described as one of the following sensations:

• The false sense of motion or spinning (vertigo)
• Lightheadedness or the feeling of near fainting
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness (disequilibrium)
• Other sensations such as floating, swimming or heavy-headedness

Diabetic ketoacidosis AND Symptoms

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.

Diabetic ketoacidosis develops when your body is unable to produce enough insulin. Insulin normally plays a key role in helping sugar (glucose) — a major source of energy for your muscles and other tissues — enter your cells. Without enough insulin, your body begins to break down fat as an alternate fuel. This process produces a buildup of toxic acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis if untreated.

If you have diabetes or you're at risk of diabetes, learn the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis — and know when to seek emergency care.

Symptoms

Diabetic ketoacidosis signs and symptoms often develop quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. For some, these signs and symptoms may be the first indication of having diabetes. You may notice:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fruity-scented breath
• Confusion

Long Kurti Designs & Kurta Fashion for Girls 2013

Maria B Summer Lawn Long Shirt Fashion for Girls

Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Safari

Introduction

Although the runways, lookbooks and shop frontages have been pushing vivid patterns and bold colours for SS13, it is obvious that wild prints and colourful hues are not for everyone. So what is the sartorially-conscious man who prefers his tones more subtle and his styling more neutral to do this season?

Thankfully, there’s an upcoming trend that caters for these more discrete, less in-your-face needs – and it comes in the form of the safari influence.

The idea of ‘Urban Safari’ has been adopted by high fashion designers and high street retailers alike, with many pushing earthy tones of olive green, khaki and ochre, along with natural fabrics such as cottons, silks and raffia. Due to its versatile and unfussy nature, the safari trend is instantly wearable and workable into most wardrobes without a complete overhaul, which should only strengthen its appeal moving forward.

Building on the popularity of the safari jacket in 2012, it seems as though 2013 is the time for the safari influence to move from the wilderness to the mainstream…

Drug allergy and Symptoms

A drug allergy occurs when your immune system reacts abnormally to a medication. A number of drugs can cause a drug allergy, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. The most common signs of a drug allergy are hives, rash or fever. You can have an allergic reaction to a drug anytime you take it, even if it caused no reaction in the past.

Most drug-related symptoms are not a true drug allergy and don't involve the immune system. Drug allergy and nonallergic drug reactions are often confused because they can cause similar symptoms. Either type is called an adverse drug event and needs to be checked by a doctor. Some allergic and nonallergic drug reactions can be severe or life-threatening.

Symptoms

• Skin rash
• Hives (urticaria)
• Itching
• Fever
• Facial swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction

Dental bonding

A dental tooth-colored resin material relationship (a durable plastic material) is a special light, enacted and tightened with a procedure which ultimately "bonds" to restore or improve a person's smile teeth for material.
Advantage and disadvantage

Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:

• to repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
• 
  
• to repair chipped or cracked teeth
• 
  
• to improve the appearance of discolored teeth
• to close spaces between teeth
• to make teeth look longer
• to change the shape of teeth
• as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
• to protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede

What Is Teething?

Before leaving the dental cleaning your baby's gums is a good idea to get in the habit.

To clean your baby's mouth:

Around his or her chest with her ​​head lay your baby on your lap.
Gently, but firmly, both upper and lower gums with a clean gauze or a washcloth and rub moist piece.
After breakfast the day after the last feeding - at least twice a day to clean gums. Even better - after each dose, clean your child's gums.


Baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth or primary teeth) appear at the initial means. Usually, the first initial 6 months and 24 months of age is between. This process is uneventful in some children suffer for others and causes quite a bit of irritability.


Check out this chart of teeth and the teeth of your child learn when to expect to see.

Bloodhound Dog

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound originally bred for the purpose of tracking and trailing human beings. Often recognized for its long ears and wrinkled face, the Bloodhound has a keen sense of smell and an extraordinary ability to follow a scent -- even scents that are days old. This makes the dog an excellent aid and an important part of a search and rescue team.

Physical Characteristics

With its tail held high and a free, elastic gait, the Bloodhound is noted for its endurance more than its swiftness. Its short and dense coat offers protection from thorny brambles and gives the Bloodhound a dignified and noble appearance. Often recognized for its loose, thin skin, the Bloodhound's wrinkles are found around the throat, head and face, and is said to help capture the scents. The Bloodhound also has long ears that can stir up odors from the ground. The acceptable colors for the Bloodhound include black and tan, liver and tan, or red.

Personality and Temperament

Docile and well-mannered, the Bloodhound is not usually harmful toward humans, remaining calm at home. And while it makes for a great family pet, the Bloodhound may be shy around strangers. It can be difficult to train a Bloodhound at first because of its playfulness, stubbornness, toughness and independence. These characteristics, however, are what make the Bloodhound a tireless trailer and a loyal companion.

Care

Bred to trail under any condition, the Bloodhound does not stop once it’s on a trail. Therefore, being that it needs regular exercise, it should be kept in an enclosed area when outside so that it does not go too far. The Bloodhound's grooming needs are little more than the occasional wiping or brushing of its coat (in order to keep it sparkling), and the cleaning and removal of drool or dirt around its facial wrinkles. This breed can function as an indoor or outdoor dog, provided it has shelter and comfortable, warm bedding.

Health

The lifespan of the Bloodhound is 7 to 10 years. Some major health problems the breed is susceptible to include skin-fold dermatitis, ectropion, entropion, otitis externa, gastric torsion, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and elbow dysplasia. The Bloodhound also suffers occasionally from hypothyroidism.

History and Background

According to legend, the Bloodhound was first bred in two variations: black and white. The blacks, first developed by monks at the St. Hubert Monastery in Belgium around the 8th century, and were later imported into England by William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D. In the 12th century, many English dignitaries began using these dogs as hunting companions, referred to as “blooded hounds,” indicating their noble breeding and pure blood.

In the United States, Bloodhounds were recognized in the mid-1800s, again for its ability to trace a scent -- helping their human masters track criminals or lost persons. (Once the Bloodhound locates a person, it never attacks him/her.) Today, the Bloodhound is considered a great and loyal companion.

Black Russian Terrier Dog

The Black Russian Terrier is a solid, large, powerful dog. It was developed in Russia as a guard dog. Today, the Black Russian Terrier is well known for its courage and strength, as well as its endurance.

Physical Characteristics

This well-muscled and large-boned dog can pull heavy loads and is agile enough to move over rocky land and overtake an opponent. It has a strong body, a powerful neck and head and can carry out its duties as a reliable guard dog. As the Black Russian Terrier is a strong and protective breed, reliability, intelligence, and courage are essential traits.

The dog's undercoat keeps it warm, and its outer coat, which varies in length from 1.5 to 4 inches, is weatherproof and does not hold water.

Personality and Temperament

The Russian Terrier is reserved with strangers and extremely attached to and protective of its family. Rightly described as daring, confident, and calm, the Black Russian Terrier is playful and gentle with kids; it is also sociable and affectionate.

The breed has a tendency to stick close to familiar people indoors and may not behave well with dominant or strange dogs, but is normal with smaller dogs and other pets. Although an independent thinker and fast learner, the Black Russian can get stubborn when forced to do something it does not want to.

Care

The Russian Terrier’s coat requires proper combing every week, even though it does not shed much. It should be trimmed once every six to eight weeks. Traditionally, a Russian Terrier's coat is given a tousled look. When giving it a show trim, however, the dog's form must be visible.

Mental and physical workout and social interaction are essential for the breed. Agility and obedience training are also useful to mold the dog's character and physique. Russian Terriers do not function well as kennel dogs, as it they are always in need of human contact.

Health

The Black Russian Terrier, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years, is prone to minor health issues such as elbow dysplasia and major problems like canine hip dysplasia (CHD). The breed may also suffer from progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and dwarfism. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, elbow, and eye exams for the dog.

History and Background

In the mid-20th Century, the Soviets had to find the right working dog for their military. As there weren’t good qualified dogs to suit their purpose, they imported mostly German breeds to their state Red Star kennels. Roy, a Giant Schnauzer born in 1947, was the most impressive import. This dog was mated with other breeds like the Moscow Water Dog, Airedale Terrier and Rottweiler. All the successful resultant crosses were black and could be differentiated from other breeds as the Black Terrier group. However, the best dogs were then inter-bred and by the late 1950s, the public could obtain the second- and third-generation dogs.

The principal criteria for breeding were versatility and working ability and steps were taken to improve the form. The functions of the Black Russian Terrier were performing military tasks like detecting explosives and mines, pulling sledges, transporting supplies, finding wounded soldiers, and border guard duty. The dogs were also used for military operations in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

A standard was registered in 1968 and, in 1984, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the breed. The popularity of the dog increased as Black Russian Terrier breeders were taken to other countries. The AKC accepted the breed as part of the Miscellaneous class in 2001 and it became a part of the Working Group in 2004.

Black and Tan Coonhound Dog

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a working dog. It is accustomed to difficult terrains and trails, and the tree games of summer or winter seasons. The Coonhound hunting skills are pure, working by scent alone.

Physical Characteristics

The eager, amicable, and alert expression of the Coonhound makes it very lovable. With its tail and head held high, the Coonhound moves about with graceful strides. Its long structure is moderately bony, but its build gives it strength, speed, and agility.

The Black and Tan Coonhound's coat, meanwhile, is dense and short, which provides protection in all kinds of weather. Its deep muzzle provides sufficient room for its olfactory apparatus, while its deep voice assists the hunter in finding the dog when it has trapped the game. It also has long ears that help stir up ground scents.

Personality and Temperament

The Black and Tan Coonhound is not the typical house dog, but it still makes a notable and unusual pet. The dog remains quiet, calm, mellow, and friendly indoors, but outdoors, its hunting instincts become dominant -- once tracking begins, it is unwilling to let go of a trail.

This stubborn, independent, and strong dog sometimes howls and bays, shows reticence with strangers, though it is calm and tolerant with kids.

Care

Grooming a Black and Tan Coonhound consists of the occasional brushing of the coat and regular ear checkups. Exercise, meanwhile, may be satisfied with a long walk, short jog, or an excursion on a field. The Coonhound also loves to run a few miles and wanders on catching a scent. As the Black and Tan drools, it is a good idea to wipe its face regularly.

Health

The Black and Tan Coonhound, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, is prone to minor health concerns such as ectropion and hypothyroidism, and major issues like canine hip dysplasia (CHD). The Coonhound also occasionally suffers from Hemophilia B. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip and thyroid tests for the dog.

History and Background

Bred mainly in the Blue Ridge, Appalachian, Smokey, and Ozark Mountains, Black and Tan Coonhounds were originally used for hunting bears and raccoons in rugged terrain. It should be noted that the Black and Tan Coonhound is an American breed that was developed by crossing the black and tan Virginia Foxhound with the Bloodhound.

Much like their Bloodhound ancestors, the Black and Tan Coonhound trails with it nose to the ground, but at a faster pace. Trailing opossums and raccoons is its forte, but it is also good at trailing larger mammals. After trapping the quarry, the dog bays until the hunter arrives.

In 1945, the American Kennel Club recognized the Black and Tan Coonhound, though the breed has been more popular as a hunting dog than a pet or show dog. Although the United Kennel Club arranges several bench shows for the coonhound breeds, in which Blue Tick Coonhounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Redbone Coonhounds, Plott Hounds, English Coonhounds, and Treeing Walkers participate.

Bichon Frise Dog

The Bichon Frisé is a small-framed dog with a heavenly white coat that puffs up. After many centuries developing in Europe, it has become a lovable and cuddling addition to many families today.

Physical Characteristics

The small, sturdy, and agile Bichon moves with an efficient and effortless gait. Its soft and inquisitive expression makes it very easy for the dog to win the heart of its owners. The Bichon's powder-puff look is due to its double coat, which consists of a dense soft undercoat and a white coarse and curly outer coat that stands away from the body.

 

Personality and Temperament

With its happy-go-lucky attitude, the playful, vivacious, and bouncy Bichon delights everyone. It is good with kids and amicable towards pets, other dogs, and strangers. This affectionate, responsive, and sensitive dog also loves to play and be cuddled, but when it is left alone, it may bark excessively.

 

Care

The Bichon is an indoor dog that should not be allowed to live outdoors. It may be small, but it requires exercise daily, which can be easily fulfilled with a nice romp in the yard, a lively indoor game, or a short leash-led walk. The powder-puff white coat requires combing, as well as brushing on alternate days, to keep it dirt-free. It also needs trimming and scissoring once a month. Although the Bichon does not shed, its loose hairs tend to get knotted and may even mat in the coat. In addition, the coat's whiteness may be difficult to maintain in certain areas.

 

Health

The Bichon, with a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years, is prone to some serious health problems like hyperadrenocorticism, allergies, and patellar luxation, or from less serious conditions like cataract and canine hip dysplasia (CHD); Legg-Perthes and liver disease may also affect the breed. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip, knee and eye exams on the dog.

 

History and Background

The Bichon Frisé is descended from the Barbet (or Water Spaniel) and was originally known as “Barbichon," which was later shortened to “Bichon." The Bichon was divided into four types: Ilvanese, Bolognese, Maltaise, and Tenerife. It is said that the Tenerife was the original source of the Bichon Frisé. They were bred on the Canary Island of Tenerife, where Spanish seamen used them as barter items while on their travels. In the 1300s, Italian seafarers rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and brought them back to Europe. Soon thereafter, the dogs became a favorite among Italian nobles.

The "Tenerife" or "Bichon" became popular in France in the 16th century during the Renaissance. They also enjoyed considerable success in Spain and in many other parts of Europe, only to see their popularity wane. The breed enjoyed a brief revival under the rule of Napoleon III in the 1800s, but again its popularity did not last. At that point, the Bichon had become a mere “street” dog, surviving by entertaining a passerby, accompanying organ grinders and performing tricks in circuses. World War I left the Bichon in dire straits, but in 1933, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, with the help of French breeders, implemented a standard for the breed and named it Bichon Frisé.

The Bichon Frisé arrived in the United States in the late 1950s. There, it was well groomed, loved and accepted into the hearts of dog fanciers nationwide. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1971.

Bernese Mountain Dog

With similar coloring to the Saint Bernard, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the only variety of Swiss Mountain Dog that has a long, silky coat. Smart, strong, agile, calm and confident, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a versatile worker.

Physical Characteristics

The large, hardy, and sturdy Bernese Mountain Dog can easily manage work involving droving and draft as it has the right combination of agility, pace, and strength. It has a slightly long and square body, but is not tall. Its slow trot is characteristic of its natural working gait, but its driving power is good. The moderately long and thick coat is straight or slightly wavy, offering insulation from extremely cold weather. The dog’s striking tri-color blend (a jet black ground color with rich rust and clear white markings) and gentle expression make it affable.

Personality and Temperament

This loyal, sensitive, and extremely devoted breed is reserved with strangers and very gentle with kids. It also plays well with other pets and dogs, and is unhappy if isolated from family activities. The Bernese Mountain Dog is best described as an easygoing and placid family companion. These qualities are noticeable once it becomes an adult.

Care

A weekly brushing is enough coat care for this mountain dog. The breed loves the outdoors, particularly in cold weather. Though it can live outdoors in cold and temperate climates, the Bernese Mountain Dog is so attached to its family that it cannot live alone outside.

Moderate daily exercise, such as a leash-led walk or a short hike, is all the breed requires to remain fit. While indoors, it should be given plenty of space to stretch. The Bernese Mountain Dog also loves to pull things.

Health

The Bernese Mountain Dog is occasionally prone to health problems like von Willebrand's Disease (vWD), hypomyelination, allergies, hypothyroidism, hepatocerebellar degeneration and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). The minor diseases that the dog is likely to suffer from are cataract, sub-aortic stenosis (SAS),entropion, and ectropion. The more serious ailments affecting this breed include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplsia, gastric torsion, and mast cell tumor. A lot of care should be taken to prevent heat stroke.

DNA, cardiac, hip, eye, and elbow tests are advised for the Bernese Mountain Dog, which has an average lifespan of 6 to 9 years. (The dog's lifespan is, according to a Swiss maxim, "Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, and three years an old dog. Anything more is a gift from God.")

History and Background

The Bernese is famous for being the only Swiss mountain dog, or Sennenhunde, with a silky, long coat. Its true origin is often disputed, but some experts believe the dog’s history dates back to the time when the Romans invaded Switzerland, when native flock-guarding dogs and Roman mastiffs were interbred. This resulted in a strong dog, which could tolerate the harsh Alpine weather and be used as a drover, herder, draft dog, common farm dog, and flock guard.

There was little effort, however, to preserve the Bernese Mountain Dog as a breed, despite its versatility. The number of Bernese dogs were quickly diminishing by the late 19th century, when Professor Albert Heim, a geologist and dog fancier, began studying the Swiss dogs and identified the Bernese Mountain Dog as an individual type. Many of the remaining dogs were located in the valley region of the lower Swiss Alps.

Dr. Heim's efforts ensured that the dogs were promoted across Switzerland and even Europe. The finest breeds were first seen in the Durrbach area, thus their original name was the Durrbachler. But as the breed began to spread to other regions, it was renamed the Bernese Mountain Dog.

The first Bernese Mountain Dog was introduced in the United States in 1926, later gaining recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1937.

Bergamasco Dog

The Bergamasco, with its large matted coat, may seem rather imposing. However, it is a quiet and eager-to-please companion. Intelligent as it is versatile, the breed was developed from Asian sheepdogs brought to the Italian Alps.

Physical Characteristics

The Bergamasco is a muscular yet compact herding dog with a large head and long tail that curves slightly upward at the end. The Bergamasco's feature characteristic, however, is its shaggy coat. In fact, some would argue that it is the shaggiest dog in the world.

Its coat is made up of three kinds of hair, which combine to form dense, flat, felt-like mats that cover the dog's body and legs. These mats of hair will continue to grow over the course of the dog's life, only reaching the ground after approximately five years. The Bergamasco's hair is typically colored gray, black, or gradiations of gray (including merle). It can also be found in solid white, though this is considered unacceptable according to breed standards.

Many people who are allergic to other dogs find that they are not bothered by the Bergamasco's coat.

Personality and Temperament

Though stubborn, the Bergamasco is a very intelligent dog. It has a strong protective instinct but is not aggressive without cause.

Care

Contrary to what many think, the Bergamasco's coat is not too difficult to maintain. For the first year, the dog will have a soft puppy coat. The coat will gradually become coarser and fuzzy "wool" will begin to appear. Around the age of one, the coat must be "ripped" into mats. This process can take a few hours, but once it is done, it is done for life. A weekly checkup to make sure the mats have not grown back together is all that is required for the next months. After that, the mats will become dense enough that few things will get caught in them.

Bathing is not required more than 1-3 times a year. Though, as the coat gets longer it does take longer to dry. Fortunately, there is no brushing required.

Health

The Bergamasco has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. It is considered a healthy breed with no specific genetic illnesses.

History and Background

The Bergamasco's Asian sheepdog ancestors are believed to have been brought to the mountains near Milan from the Middle East by Phoenician traders before the rise of the Roman Empire. There they worked closely with their shepherds and developed into an independent herding dog. While the Bergamasco took its lead from the shepherd, it learned to identify problems and accomplish goals in whichever way seemed best, which was a challenge in the mountain valleys. It was in this way that the Bergamasco developed its high level of intelligence and its desire to work closely with its master.

The Bergamasco was in danger of becoming extinct when World War II drove down the need for wool, and thus shepherds and their dogs found themselves with lack of employment. Dr. Maria Andreoli, an Italian breeder, is credited with saving the breed in the early 1960s. Thanks to her careful breeding and founding of the dell'Albera kennel, a reliable bloodline was re-established. Although it remains rare when compared to other breeds, the Bergamasco standard has been upheld by a number of enthusiasts in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, United States, Canada and other countries.

Belgian Tervuren Dog

A well-balanced, medium-size dog, the Tervuren is elegant, with proud carriage. It is a strong, agile, well-muscled breed. Courageous, alert, intelligent and a natural herder, the Belgian Tervuren is also a breed that is usually on the move.

Physical Characteristics

Belgian Tervuren dogs are square-proportioned, displaying great body strength. The breed moves majestically and has a highly sophisticated and intelligent expression, which sometimes reveals its questioning nature.

The Belgian Tervuren also possesses a dense undercoat and a straight, long outer coat, which is fawn in color with black overlays. Its gait, meanwhile, is effortless and majestic, due to its lightweight medium-sized bones.

Personality and Temperament

The Belgian Tervuren is smart and highly obedient. It displays an independent nature and likes to keep away from strangers. It is also very protective of its human family.

Always alert and aware of its surrounding, the Tervuren remains gentle and calm indoors. Some Tervurens, however, will occasionally nip at the heels of kids when playing. Curiously, dogs of this breed tend to move in a circle instead of a straight line.

Care

The Belgian Tervuren loves human companionship and should therefore be kept indoors. Its favorite activities include playing, running, and herding outdoors. The occasional brushing is required to keep its coat bright and sheen, more so during the shedding season.

Health

Belgian Tervuren, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, is prone to minor health issues like hypothyroidism, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), allergies, and elbow dysplasia, and major problems such as seizures. Belgian Tervurens can also be occasionally affected by hemangiosarcoma, persistent pupillary membranes (PPM), cataract, and pannus. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend frequent elbow, eye, and hip exams for the dog.

History and Background

Belgian Tervuren dogs are known for their versatility and are great herding dogs. Though it is only considered moderately popular, the Tervuren is the most elegant of the three Belgian sheepdog breeds: the short-haired Malinois, the wire-haired Laekenois, and the long-haired Groenendael.

The origins of the Belgian Tervuren are a little vague, but many believe the breed belongs to the family of Belgian or Continental Shepherd dogs; the Tervuren, however, does have a different coat type and color to its suspected relations.

The breed received its name from the village of Tervuren, which was the home of one of the earliest proponents of the breed. First recognized as a breed in 1891, the Tervuren registered in the United States in 1918. After the end of World War II, the breed's lineage was reinforced by crossbreeding efforts with the long-haired Belgian Malinois.

Though currently not as popular as other shepherd breeds, the Belgian Tervuren has become a favorite among search and rescue teams and families seeking highly energetic, intelligent dogs.

Belgian Sheepdog Dog

The Belgian Sheepdog is elegant, with proud carriage of the head. It is a strong, agile, well-muscled dog that is alert and full of life. The Belgian Sheepdog is also recognized for its endurance and ability to learn quickly.

Physical Characteristics

The Belgian Sheepdog is a breed that is square-proportioned with moderately heavy bones in the body. A gait that is effortless, tireless, and smooth enables it to herd for a long time. Its intelligent facial expression, meanwhile, is striking and gives the dog a sophisticated look.

The Belgian Sheepdog's undercoat is dense, and its outer coat, which is black in color, is straight and long. Curiously, many Belgian Sheepdogs tend to move in a circle instead of a straight line.

Personality and Temperament

The Belgian Sheepdog is best defined as "intense." It exhibits an independent nature and is highly protective of its human family. That is why this breed is a great choice for a house dog.

It is somewhat conscious of strangers, and at times show signs of aggression towards other pets and dogs. Extremely obedient, the Belgian Sheepdog is also playful, alert, intelligent, and a quick learner. Some Belgian Sheepdogs, however, display a dominating character.

Care

The Belgian Sheepdog loves to live inside the house with its human family, although it can adapt to outdoor living. It also performs best when given access to the yard. Apart from that, exercise on a regular basis is essential for the breed and should ideally combine long hours of play and jogging. The Belgian Sheepdog's coat requires the occasional brushing to keep away dead hairs, even more so during times of shedding.

Health

The Belgian Sheepdog, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, is not prone to any major health concerns. However, it is susceptible to minor issues such as hypothyroidism, seizures, allergies, and skin disorders. Ocassionally,elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), hemangiosarcoma, pannus, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are seen in this breed. To identify these issues early, a veterinarian may recommend that the dog undergo regular thyroid, elbow, hip, and eye exams.

History and Background

The Belgian Sheepdog, sometimes referred to as Groenendael, is known for its versatility and hard-working nature. It is one of the variations of the Belgian Shepherd (or Continental Shepherd); the others being Belgian Malinois andBelgian Tervuren. However, the Belgian Sheepdog has a longer black coat compared to the other Beglian shepherd dogs

Between 1891 and 1901, a time in which the Belgian Shepherd became registered by the Societe Royale Saint-Hubert, there was a concerted effort to develop a standard for the breed, as well as improve its type for exhibition shows.

The earliest Belgian Sheepdogs were used for herding and guarding purposes. They later became popular police dogs in the United States and played a significant role in the First World War as watchdogs. It was not until 1959 that the Belgian Sheepdog got its current name, after the three Belgian Shepherd types were separated into distinct breeds.