The Posavac Hound (FCI No. 154) (Croatian language: posavski gonič) is a breed of dog originating as a hunting dog of the scenthound dog type. Croatia is the home country for the breed. The name translates into English as the Scenthound From The Sava River Valley, but is usually translated as the Posavac Hound.

Health and temperament

No unusual diseases or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. The breed standard describes the ideal temperament as docile and an enthusiastic hunter.

The Pražský krysařík (Prague Ratter) is a small breed of dog from the Czech Republic that is rarely seen outside its country of origin. It is the smallest breed in the world by breed standard, because of the maximum height of the dogs, unlike Chihuahuas who are measured by weight.

History

The breed was popular in central European royal palaces in the Middle Ages. It was already an established breed by the time of the rule of the Polish king Bolesław II the Generous (1058–1081). He became fond of the Ratter and had two of them imported from Bohemia. As their name suggests they were also commonly used as rat catchers in rural and urban households.The popularity of the Prague Ratter started decline in the 19th century when the Miniature Pinscher became more fashionable. The breed went through a renaissance in the 1980s as Czechs and Slovaks started to breed them again.It is not yet an Fédération Cynologique Internationale acknowledged breed, as there is only about 2500 Prague Ratters registered and they usually only have 1-3 puppies per year. They are nevertheless presented at shows in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Health

Subject to bone injuries due to their small size. Also subject to patellar luxation, an ailment common to small breeds. Krysariks can also have retained baby teeth which may need to be pulled to prevent further problems with dentition.

Life expectancy

The Prazsky krysarik has a life span of 12 to 14 years.

The Pudelpointer is a versatile hunting dog breed from Germany. It is a pointing breed that came from a cross between the German hunting poodle (pudel) and the Pointer (dog breed).

The pug is a toy dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colours, although most often fawn or black, and a compact square body with well-developed muscles.Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century and were popularized in Western Europe by the House of Orange-Nassau of the Netherlands, and the House of Stuart. modern breed preferences are for a square Cobby dog body, a compact form, a deep chest, and well-developed muscle. Their smooth and glossy coats can be fawn, apricot fawn, silver fawn or black.Pugs' legs are very strong, straight, of moderate length, and are set well under. Their shoulders are moderately laid back. Their ankles are strong, their feet are small, their toes are well split-up, and their nails are black. Pugs are strong willed but rarely aggressive, and are suitable for families with children. The majority of the breed is very fond of children and sturdy enough to properly play with them. Depending on their owner's mood, they can be quiet and docile but also vivacious and teasing.
File:Pug 600.jpg|The breed has strong, straight legs set well under the body and a tail that curls over the hip
File:Pug portrait.jpg|Eyes should be large with a rounded shape and dark in colour
File:Sad-pug.jpg|Clearly defined, un-exaggerated wrinkles feature on the forehead

History

Chinese origins

Although the early history of the pug is not attested to in detail, it is accepted that modern pugs are descended from dogs imported to Europe from China in the 16th century. Similar dogs were popular in the Imperial court during the Song Dynasty.

16th and 17th centuries

Pugs were popular at European courts, and reportedly become the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572 after a pug named Pompey saved the life of the Prince of Orange by alerting him to the approach of assassins. The pug was also well known in Italy. In 1789, a Mrs. Piozzi wrote in her journal, "The little pug dog or Dutch mastiff has quitted London for Padua, I perceive. Every carriage I meet here has a pug in it." The popularity of the pug continued to spread in France during the eighteenth century. Before her marriage to Napoleon I of France, Joséphine de Beauharnais had her pug Fortune carry concealed messages to her family while she was confined at Les Carmes prison, it having alone been given visiting rights.In nineteenth century England, the breed flourished under the patronage of Queen Victoria. Her many pugs, which she bred herself, included Olga, Pedro, Minka, Fatima and Venus. While the eye can usually be pushed back into its socket by the owner or by a vet, veterinary attention is usually advisable. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery or in a worst-case scenario have the eye removed.Pugs have many s in their faces, so owners will often clean inside the creases to avoid irritation and infection.An abnormal formation of the hip socket, known as Hip dysplasia (canine), affected nearly 64% of pugs in a survey performed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals; the breed was ranked the second worst-affected by this condition out of 157 breeds tested.Pugs are one of several breeds that are more susceptible than other dogs to Mange, also known as "demodex". This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a Systemic disease form of the condition. This vulnerability is thought to be genetic and breeders will avoid producing puppies from adults who have this condition. Pedigree Dogs Exposed carried out by the BBC found significant inbreeding between pedigree dogs, with a study by Imperial College, London, showing that the 10,000 pugs in the UK are so inbred that their gene pool is the equivalent of only 50 individuals.

Serious issues

Pugs can suffer from necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), also known as pug dog encephalitis (PDE), an inflammation of the brain and meninges. NME also occurs in other small dogs, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Chihuahua. The piece Satire pugs and their breeders by writing of the dog and its characteristics as a faulty product, "evidenced" by a fictional quote from the American Pug Breeders Association director: "While pug owners are accustomed to dog malfunction, the latest animals are prone to more problems than just the usual joint failures, overheating, seizures, chronic respiratory defects, and inability to breed without assistance. The latest model pug is simply not in any way a viable dog."

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The Puli is a small-medium breed of Hungarian herding and livestock guarding dog known for its long, corded coat. The tight curls of the coat, similar to dreadlocks, make it virtually waterproof. A similar looking, but much larger Hungarian dog breed is called Komondor.

The Pumi is a medium-small terrier-type breed of sheep dog from Hungary.

Health

Pumis are a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, but Pumis have been known to live up to 19 years. Known medical problems are patella luxation and canine hip dysplasia.

The most extensive health records of the breed can be found from Finland and Sweden, and around 80% of the Pumik born there have healthy hips.

The Pungsan or Poongsan (Hangul: 풍산개; Hanja: ) is a breed of hunting dog from North Korea. They receive their name from the mountainous northern county of Pungsan, now Kimhyŏnggwŏn, where they were first bred. They are a very rare dog, and are hardly known outside of North Korea.

History

Though the origins of the Pungsan dog is not known, it is believed they were bred as hunting dogs as early as the Joseon. It is known that they originated in the mountainous north of Korea in Pungsan county (now known as Kimhyŏnggwŏn. Their thick coat is a protection against the freezing temperatures of northern Korea, and they were bred to be resistant to the cold. In old Korean tales, the dogs were famous for their cleverness and loyalty, as well as their hunting ability; there is even a famous story of a Pungsan defeating a Siberian tiger.

The Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastín del Pirineo) is a large breed of dog originally from the Aragón Pyrenees in Spain. It should not be confused with the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

The Pyrenean Shepherd (known in France as the Berger des Pyrénées) is a medium-small breed of dog native to the Pyrenees mountains in southern France and northern Spain, bred since at least medieval times for herding livestock, especially sheep. It worked as an active herder together with the Great Pyrenees, another mountain dog, which acted as the flock's guardian.

Cat owners should keep in mind that most cats will not be happy about the travel process and may be easily stressed by change. Here are some quick tips that will help make travel with your feline friend more pleasant.