Commonly associated with the antics of Cujo, rabies is one of the most popular viruses. On the contrary, the rabies stereotype of a DOG foaming at the mouth and acting in an uncontrollable aggressive manner, it is actually an uncommon scenario. Since animals are actively vaccinated and eradicated, rabies account for very few annual human deaths in America.
Barbara Bush wrote "Millie's Book", a book about her English Springer Spaniel, Millie. The book was an instant success. It was on the bestseller list for 29 weeks. Millie was the most popular "First Dog" in United States history.
Across the United States, mountain states such as: Colorado, Montana, Utah, Seattle and Portland report the lowest incidences of animal contracted rabies amongst humans. Across the prairie states (the Midwest), the Plains, and in the Big Horn, Texas, the major carrier of the rabies is the striped skunk.
West highland white terriers began their history as the undesirable white offspring of the dark-colored cairn terrier. With the dog's popularity today, it is hard to believe that the early westies were usually drowned or shot.
On the east coast, raccoons are contagious scoundrels of rabies. Both bats and foxes can transmit human exposure. In reality, the urbanized rabbit or even squirrel can pass on rabies to humans.
People are always taking their Yorkshire terriers to the groomer. Why? Well, Yorkshire terriers can grow hair up to 2 feet in length! Considering that they are nowhere near two feet tall, this makes regular grooming a must!
So, who is at risk of rabies? From veterinarians, to families who live in close proximity of wildlife and travelers, these groups rank as the highest risk. Vaccination for high-risk exposure people is the best protection. As for family pets are concerned, any non-vaccinated DOG, rabbit, ferret and any other animal that is in close range or contact with wildlife is at a heightened risk of exposure.
The bedlington terrier, a large, unique looking breed, is often described as looking like a lamb on a leash. This is probably because it has fur with a wooly texture. As a result of this fur type, the bedlington does not shed.
Outside of the United States, the death rates of rabies is staggering. Essentially, various estimations attribute rabies to the human death rate. For instance in southern Asia, more than 10,000 fatalities are caused by rabies. Throughout Africa, rabies is rampant amongst bullmastiffs, jackals, mongooses and cats. But in the British Isles, Antarctica and Australia, rabid animals are a rarity.
While adult dalmations are covered in cute black spots, dalmation puppies are actually born solid white. Their spots don't show up until they are at least a week old. Sometimes not until they are a month old.
Bloodhounds have dewlaps. What are dewlaps? They are strange looking, pendulous folds of skin on the back of the neck. They don't seem to serve any useful purpose to the bloodhound, but are rather interesting to look at.
Border collies are excellent at herding. But they don't descriminate between livestock and other things. This makes them great at things like fly-ball, obedience, tracking, fetching, Frisbee toss, and sheep herding. Sometimes they get out of hand though, several border collies have been known to try to herd small groups of children!
