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Lulu is starting to show
Posted 12/3/2008
Lulu is especially wide these days. She has even become much more sweet and just wants to be loved on! Of course, she wants to eat more too! Only a couple more weeks till the puppies are here!...
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Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, or PK Deficiency, is the lack of a critical red blood cell enzyme (pyruvate kinase), which regulates the final step in the conversion of glucose to energy. As a result, red blood cells are not able to metabolize the energy required for the cells to function normally, which leads to a change in the cell membranes, a buildup of sodium ions inside the cell, a resulting swelling of the cell (as water molecules follow the buildup of sodium), and an eventual lysing (bursting) of the cell. Furthermore, there is a shortened life span of red blood cells as the abnormal cells are destroyed by the spleen and liver. To make matters worse, PK deficiency, through the changes described above, can shift the normal process by which hemoglobin stores and releases oxygen to body tissues. The end result of these changes produces “hemolytic anemia,” which is a reduction in red blood cells and tissue oxygenation due to the rupture of abnormal red blood cells.

PK Deficiency Inheritance
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency is an autosomal recessive trait, which means that, for a dog to have PK Deficiency, both parents must be either affected dogs themselves or carriers. Affected dogs will have two copies of the bad gene, while carriers will only have one copy and will not clinically show symptoms, although studies have shown that carriers do have a reduction in normal red blood cell enzyme activity.
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Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are awesome and great dogs even though I don't have one!!!♥♥

German Pinscher
All German Pinschers should be health tested priod to breeding. You can find health testing results on the OFA website. The German Pinscher Club of America has more information about the club, and breeders of quality dogs. In the USA all German Pinschers should be registered with the AKC- the ONLY club recognized worldwide for our breed in the USA

Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers as a breed are very intelligent, beautiful little dogs. They make ideal companions for people in smaller homes, and travel well. They will fit in easily to a family with children, or happily be the "only child". Males are always cheerful, accept other animals well, and are happy, making them hard to resist. Females are also great companions, although sometimes less outgoing and playful. With their hypoallergenic silky coat,they require less grooming than you would think.

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Featured Breed -

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso At a Glance
Recognized By FCI
Country of Origin Italy
Life Expectancy 8 - 12 yrs
Height Range 22 - 27 in
Weight Range 80 - 135 lbs
Colors Black, lead-gray, slate, light gray, light fawn, deer fawn, dark fawn, brindle.
Trainability High
With Children Excellent when raised with them
With Animals Good if raised with them and socialized
Climate Any
Indoor/Outdoor Either
Exercise Reqd High; daily walks and plenty of play time
Grooming Reqd Low; occasional brushing
Cane Corso Information
The Cane Corso is a great guard dog, extremely loyal to its family and quite aloof with strangers. He has a very protective nature and yet is able to discern friend from foe. He instinctively knows when to become a terrifying, defensive and protective dog for its owner, his grounds, the house and the whole family. He should be submissive to his family and suspicious of strangers.

The Cane Corso is normally a quiet dog, barking only when alerted to a strange situation. Despite the breeds size they make excellent house dogs and are very athletic.

This breed needs socialization and as any large dog, owners should obedience train their dog. They get along well with children, protective yet gentle, seemingly aware of the childs helplessness and innocence. Their temperament is very stable. The Cane Corso devotedly loves his family.The Cane Corso requires a great deal of attention and training, so if your not prepared to make this commitment then maybe the Cane Corso is not the dog for you, also a person that doesn't have experience with a dominant dog. Corsos, especially males, can be very dominant and will challenge you for what he perceives to be leadership of the pack (your home and family). Considering there size and abilities it’s best that a person who has experience with this type of behavior should own one.

The Cane Corso is an excellent guard dog, generally staying on his grounds. He has a strong sense of territory. The Cane Corso loves attention from his family, he is gentle with the children seemingly aware of there vulnerability. His look is bold and noble. The Corso until a few years ago was bred just for his working abilities. Keep in mind that these dogs are only off the farms since 1988. The Corso has a dominant nature especially towards other dogs. If he's raised with other dogs he should be fine with them. He should be socialized with other animals at an early age. The Corso will not run from a fight and will not back down from a challenge. Most Cane Corsos have a reserved nature towards strangers. Basically they have to get to know you before they become overly friendly towards you. This behavior is totally acceptable given this breeds history as a guard dog.

Socialization is a must for the Cane Corso. The best place to start is puppy kindergarten, you can start as early as 8 weeks. Your Corso will learn to interact with adults, children and other dogs, as well as learn basic obedience (sit, down, come and stay) Your kindergarten instructor will also be able to help you with problems you may be having with your puppy such as housebreaking, dominance and destructive chewing habits. It’s basically a good way for you an your puppy to get off on the right foot and have a successful relationship. Your vet should be able to recommend a school in your area. It is strongly recommended that obedience training become a permanent part of your Corsos life. It doesn't have to be in formal school but you should continue to work with the dog. This will serve to keep you established as the pack leader.

The Cane Corso bonds quickly to his family and becomes quite attached especially to the children. They enjoy being included in the family activities. Their high level of athleticism lends itself to include such activities as bike riding, swimming, long walks, jogging, or just playing fetch. It is not a good idea to get a Corso and just throw him in the yard and forget about him. He can handle the weather but what he can not handle is being isolated from his family. Corsos (dogs in general) are social animals and need companionship. To deprive them of that is cruel. Corsos make excellent house or apartment dogs however keep in mind the dog requires daily excercise. Ask your community leaders about dog runs or dog friendly parks. If there are none in your area a long walk or a little jogging should do nicely for both you and your dog.

The Cane Corso bonds quickly to his family and becomes quite attached especially to the children. They enjoy being included in the family activities. Their high level of athleticism lends itself to include such activities as bike riding, swimming, long walks, jogging, or just playing fetch. It is not a good idea to get a Corso and just throw him in the yard and forget about him. He can handle the weather but what he can not handle is being isolated from his family. Corsos (dogs in general) are social animals and need companionship. To deprive them of that is cruel. Corsos make excellent house or apartment dogs however keep in mind the dog requires daily excercise. Ask your community leaders about dog runs or dog friendly parks. If there are none in your area a long walk or a little jogging should do nicely for both you and your dog.

Courtesy of Villagio Cane Corsos
Click to find:   Cane Corso Puppies For Sale   |   Cane Corso Breeders   |   Cane Corso Information

Dog Question of the Week

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This Week's Question:
Who is your favorite dog from TV or movies?
My dog Joey would take a soda bottle cap and stick on his nose and walk around.
Alicia from Kenosha, Wisconsin,53142, USA
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