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Sporting Dogs

Historically, hunter's companion was one of the most important canine jobs. Most of the hunting (or sporting) breeds were developed between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries for different types of game and terrain.
Pointers and setters, the earliest sporting dogs, were bred to sniff out game and then freeze into a "point" or "set" position, alerting the hunter to the exact location of the prey.
Pointers (German shorthaired and wirehaired pointers, pointer, Spinone Italiano, vizsla, weimaraner, and wirehaired pointing griffon) stiffen their bodies, stretch their necks forward, and raise a forepaw.
Setters crouch down. The control these dogs display on the job gives no hint of the high-strung behavior they often exhibit when not working.
The development of spaniels and retrievers began in the 1700s, when firearms were introduced into hunting. Spaniels could flush birds up into the air or out from beneath dense underbrush; retrievers could bring downed birds back to the hunter from land or water.
To this day these breeds are among the most cooperative in obedience training and are generally friendly and outgoing. Nearly all sporting dogs are high energy. Without several hours of aerobic-level exercise daily, they may become destructive in the home.
Once regarded essentially as country dogs, the sporting breeds actually adapt well to life in urban environments.
The development of spaniels and retrievers began in the 1700s, when firearms were introduced into hunting. Spaniels could flush birds up into the air or out from beneath dense underbrush; retrievers could bring downed birds back to the hunter from land or water.
To this day these breeds are among the most cooperative in obedience training and are generally friendly and outgoing. Nearly all
sporting dogs are high energy. Without several hours of aerobic-level exercise daily, they may become destructive in the home.
Once regarded essentially as country dogs, the sporting breeds actually adapt well to life in urban environments.
Breeds

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Spotted Rafael

Common Name
Spotted Rafael
Other Common Names
Talking Catfish, Spotted Talking Catfish
Scientific Name
Agamyxis pectinifrons
Family
Doradidae
Community
General
Class
Catfish
Temperature
78 ºF
Swimming Range
Bottom
Adult Length
6 inches
Feeding Habits
refers small live foods such as brine shrimp, blood worms, glass worms and tubifex worms. Frozen brine shrimp, plankton, beef heart, glass worms and blood worms. Freeze dried, pellet and tablet food will be accepted on occasion.
Compatibility
A peaceful fish that tolerates their own kind and other catfish species. May eat any smaller fish in the aquarium.
Habitat
Ecuador-Peru: Moderately decorate with live plants, rocks and driftwood.
Breeding
Unknown
Additional Comments
They are very active in the evening which is the best time to feed them. They may make audible clicking noises in the evenings. Handle these fish with care, as there sharp spines will cause damage.

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Spotted tabby

A tabby coat pattern with dark blotches or spots against a background of agouti hairs.

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Spotted Dojo

Common Name
Spotted Dojo
Other Common Names
Weather Loach, Weather Fish, Spotted Weather Loach
Scientific Name
Misgurnus auguillicauda
Family
Cobitidae
Community
Goldfish
Class
Loach
Temperature
68 ºF
Swimming Range
Bottom
Adult Length
8-10 inches
Feeding Habits
Frozen blood worms, brine shrimp, glass worms, beef heart and plankton. Live brine shrimp, blood worms, glass worms and tubifex worms.
Compatibility
Peaceful with the same sized fish, but may eat smaller fish.
Habitat
Japan-China: Moderately decorate with rocks, live plants and driftwood.
Breeding
Adult male's are smaller than females and the second ray of their pectoral fin is thicker.
Additional Comments
Spotted Dojos have periods of time were they go into a frenzy of swimming action. They will madly dash around the tank for no apparent reason, and then settle down again after a few laps around the aquarium.

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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Red Staffordshire bull terrier
Photo: Kent & Donna Dannen

Height: 14-16 inches.
Weight: 24-38 lbs.
Life Span: 11-13 yrs.
Breed Group: Terriers
Overview
Staffordshire bull terriers are devoted family members and adore children. They are friendly to strangers, especially if a dominant family member is present, and get along with other family pets as long as they are exposed to them while young. Note, however, that two male dogs in the same household may continually challenge each other for dominance. Staffordshires may not get along with strange dogs and should always be walked on a leash because of their tendency to fight. They become restless if they don't get a lot of exercise. Never play aggressive games with them. These powerful and athletic dogs respond well to early socialization and obedience training when handled by experienced owners.
Appearance
The Staffordshire's smooth coat lies close to the skin. Color is red, fawn, black, blue, any of those colors with white, solid white, brindle, or brindle and white.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Staffordshire bull terriers need to be brushed once a week and taken on several brisk long walks daily.
Origins
The Staffordshire bull terrier was developed in Staffordshire, England, in the 19th century for dog fighting and ratting. It is thought to be descended from the larger, old-fashioned bulldog and a terrier similar to today's Manchester terrier.
Special Alerts
Breed-related health concerns include cataracts.

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Spay

To sterilize a female cat by surgically removing the ovaries and most of the uterus.See Neuter.

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Sphynx

Brown mackerel tabby and white Sphynx
Photo: Marc Henrie, ASC NUJ

Weight: 8-10 lbs.
Overview
This all-but-hairless breed may look bizarre, but all sources indicate that the Sphynx's easygoing disposition quickly wins over many detractors. Very loving and affectionate, the Sphynx makes an amiable and patient companion to dogs, other pets, and children.
Appearance
Barrel-chested and muscular, the Sphynx has a medium-long body. Oversize ears give the breed a batlike appearance, while large, round eyes give the face a startled expression. The whiplike, tapered tail may end in a surprising puff of hair. The Sphynx's wrinkled, chamois-soft skin is covered with nearly imperceptible down; short, soft, densely packed hair is sometimes found on the ears, muzzle, feet, tail, and scrotum. Whiskers and eyebrows may be broken or absent. All colors and patterns are possible.
Special Grooming Needs
Because the Sphynx's skin quickly becomes greasy, weekly sponge-bathing with an anti-seborrheic shampoo (which you can obtain from a veterinarian) is recommended.
Origins
In 1975 in Wadena, Minnesota, a farm cat named Jezabelle bore two hairless kittens in two succeeding litters. The ancestry of many of today's Sphynx cats can be traced to one of these cats. A few years later, three hairless strays were rescued from the streets of Toronto. The two females were sent to a breeder in the Netherlands, who crossed them with a Devon Rex. The descendants of these cats became the foundation for the Sphynx in Europe.
Special Alerts
Sun and extreme temperatures can be hazardous for the Sphynx, so indoor living is vital for its survival. Some cats enjoy the extra warmth of a sweater in the winter.