Traits of the English Pointer

The dog does not chase game, but points to the animal.

The origin of the English pointer is traced back to the 17th century. Great Britain is accredited for developing the breed, and it is believed the pedigree was crossed with the line of the Spanish setter. The dog was initially used for tracking game during hunting; today the breed is used as a gun dog. The breed is known to be a trusted companion with a disciplined disposition. The dog grows to a height of 24 to 27 inches and weighs between 44 to 66 lbs. The canine has an average lifespan of 13 to 14 years, so you will have a committed buddy throughout the decades.

1. Features

   • The ears are high-set and hang loose, even when the dog is alert. You can see a long straight line extend downward from the dog's lean shoulders to its foot. The breed is toned and muscular with oval feet, arched toes and cushioned pads. The muzzle is distinctly separated from the dome of the skull, with a well-defined stop that enhances jaw definition and adds to their chiseled and alert appearance. The coat is short, easy to maintain and can be a solid color such as liver, lemon, black, orange, or mixed with white.

   Personality

   • The pointer has an even temperament, an obedient character and a noble appearance, but tends to be overly sensitive. The breed is highly intelligent and active, so regular physical and mental exercise is required. It should never show timidity towards humans or other animals. Its gentle disposition makes an ideal friend for the family.

   Gait

   • The pointer has a smooth walk emphasised by strong hindquarters. The tail rhythmically sways side to side with the pace of their stride. The breed is capable of great speed and stamina. The dog has a good reach with its long front legs and a powerful drive from their prolonged hindquarters.

   Health Problems

   • The breed is prone to hip dysplasia; which is a hind-end limp that is caused from wear or tear, hypothyroidism; which is an under-active thyroid gland that does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone, arthritis and deafness. Deafness typically is genetic, or as a result of loud noises, such as gun shots.

     Despite such health problems, the breed has a low susceptibility to illness. As a dog ages, as with any breed, the risk of developing physical problems increase. Keep in mind that pointers are relatively healthy dogs with few inherited problems. Knowing the family line of a particular dog can indicate whether health issues are part of the their background.

     
     

     References

     • "The Encyclopedia of the Dog"; Bruce Fogle, D.V.M.; 1995
     • American Kennel Club: Pointer
     • United Kennel Club: English Pointer
     • Dog Adoption and Training Guide: The English Pointer

     Resources

     • Whistling Wolf: English Pointer

     
     

About Giant Poodles

Standard poodles participate in dog competitions.

Skin Allergies

• If you are typically allergic to dogs, then the Standard poodle might be the dog for you. The breed has a hypoallergenic coat and does not shed skin, which may reduce allergic reactions. The Standard poodle has a single coat of thick and curly fur that make it unlike most dogs that have a double coat of fur.

Grooming

• The Standard poodle's coat is corded, a tight loop-like appearance and requires grooming. The fur can hang in a variety of lengths. A Standard poodle used for water retrieval has shorter fur along its tail; however, a ball of fur is left on the tail-tip to provide buoyancy while swimming. According to the American Kennel Club, the 'poodle clip' was designed by hunters to help the dog move through the water easier. Patches of fur are left around vital organs and joints to protect the dog from the cold.

Work Skills

• Standard poodles are known for their pointing ability. The dog indicates a flock of hidden birds, remains still until the precise moment, then chases the birds out of hiding. The breed's original purpose was to retrieve ducks from the water. The French refer to the breed as the Caniche, which means duck dog. The Standard poodle can also make a caring guide dog. It has an expansive memory that aids its ability to be an attentive work dog for the visually impaired. Standard poodles are also used during search and rescue missions to retrieve humans from incidents of natural disaster.

  Temperament

  • Easy to train and a reliable companion, the Standard poodle is responsive to human commands. It is an intelligent breed and responds well to obedience training. It is known for its activity level and requires exercise on a regular basis. It often carries itself with dignity but can inhibit shyness or sharpness in personality. Socializing your poodle with other animals and humans, is recommended for a well-rounded disposition for your dog. A dog park is a way to introduce the poodle to other dogs, but make sure supervision is maintained at all times.

  
  

  References

  • "The Encyclopedia of the Dog"; Bruce Fogle, D.V.M.; 1995
  • American Kennel Club: Poodle

  Resources

  • Poodle History: Guide Dogs

  
  
  
  

Neem Oil Versus Vinegar

Vinegar was used to treat scurvy during the American Civil War.

Introduction

Neem oil and vinegar are both known for their medicinal properties. Both have been used for thousands of years. Although both come from natural resources, such as seeds, sugars and fruits, the techniques that transform the natural resources to the finished product are different. Once developed, neem oil and vinegar can be used to treat a wide variety of problems including skin infections, bug infestations and warts.

Origin

• Vinegar and neem oil have histories connected with agriculture. The French once referred to vinegar as sour wine. Vinegar was discovered when a barrel of wine had fermented past its time. The ancient Babylonians used vinegar as a food preservative and as a condiment, and they were among the first to add herbs and spices to the liquid. Vinegar has also been used as a household cleaner, as a sunburn remedy and as a vegetable wash. Neem oil originated in India. The specific tree, known as the azadirachta indica, produces neem oil and is indigenous to India. Neem oil has been an important part of the Indian way of life for centuries, and the people of India have improved the extraction process throughout the millennium. In India, neem oil is used as a medicine to treat ailments such as skin allergies, malaria and diabetes.

  Regulations

  • There are several types of vinegar, such as cider, malt and wine, manufactured throughout the world. The United State's Food and Drug Administration requires that vinegar have four grams of acetic acid per 100 milliliters for the product to be labeled vinegar. The FDA does not regulate neem oil. The safety of the oil, pertaining to the use as a food or drug, is not controlled within the United States. Neem oil is supervised under the United State's Environmental Protection Agency and classified as a pesticide.

    Process

    • Vinegar is usually produced from apples, grapes or sugar. Historically it has been made from a wide variety of foods -- anything that could be fermented, in fact. Making vinegar requires fermentation. The fermentation of fruit involves a chemical process that changes the fruit carbohydrates into alcohol. A second fermentation yields acetic acid, which is the key ingredient in vinegar. Neem oil is made by either pressing or extracting the neem seed kernel. Pressing the kernel involves squeezing or crushing the seed until the oil separates from the seed. Extracting the oil also concerns crushing the seed but then soaking the seed in a solvent such as Hexane. Hexane is relatively safe, but caution is required since the solvent is a component of gasoline.

      Warning

      • Consult the advice of a naturopathic physician, a medically accredited doctor trained in natural therapy, before you use neem oil as a health remedy. Applying a large quantity of neem oil could cause kidney damage. Children should not ingest neem oil, as the oil can cause symptoms similar to Reye's syndrome and could lead to death.

        
        

        References

        • The Vinegar Institute: Vinegar Lore
        • Neem Foundation: About Neem Tree
        • United States Food and Drug Administration: Vinegar, Definitions-Adulteration with Vinegar Eels
        • United States Environmental Protection Agency: Cold Pressed Neem Oil Fact Sheet