People who talk to their pets are actually genius

Pet owners around the globe, if not all then most of them, have daily conversations with their pets, how they’d talk to normal human beings. They wish their pets good morning, ask them if they’re hungry and if they wish to go for a walk, almost as if their pets are understanding them and will talk back any second now.
Do you talk to your pets like you talk to your friends? Be it a dog, cat, parrot or a guinea pig. If so, we’re sure you’ve heard things like “Are you nuts?”, “You’ve gone cuckoo” and seen people get weirded out by your behavior.
Maybe you, too, sometimes wonder why you are the way you are. Why you prefer the company of your pets more than humans. Have you really gone cuckoo?
But, what if we tell you that your habit of talking to your pets, plants or any inanimate object, for that matter, is a sign of intelligence, rather than stupidity? You’re not a crazy cat lady, you’re just smart. The act is called anthropomorphizing, which is, the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. 
To quote Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago, - “Historically, anthropomorphizing has been treated as a sign of childishness or stupidity, but it’s actually a natural byproduct of the tendency that makes humans uniquely smart on this planet,”

The ability to perceive non-human things as a human is called anthropomorphism. Usually, when kids do it, we find it cute but when adults do it, it’s frowned upon and seen as something weird. Anthropologist experts believe that seeing human traits in a non-human thing or an object, is actually a sign of intelligence.
According to a study conducted in Harvard, in 2011, A group of people was shown pictures of baby animals and adult animals, to which most of the subjects chose the baby animals, and agreed that they would give them human names and would refer to them while using proper gender terms.
Not only that, if they could own a baby animal, they would name him and talk to him, like they talk to humans. No other living being beside humans has such an ability to identify human behavior in inanimate objects.

Even though naming your pets and inanimate objects are the most popular way of anthropomorphizing, it’s not the only one. Giving your pets character traits, like humans, also comes under anthropomorphism. Calling your dog your “baby”, your cat as a “grumpy old man” isn’t you being weird, it’s the intelligence talking.
Human brains are complicated beyond anyone’s explanation. Years of research and scientific studies, yet, we still are not sure what all our mind is capable of. Trying to find human characteristics in inanimate objects such as cars, pens, toys or anything at all is a sign of your brain’s creativity.

Anthropomorphism not only affects humans, it also affects our pets. Studies have shown that, if you keep talking to your dogs, they learn to differentiate between words and learn your gestures. These animals have been human companions for years and have evolved accordingly.
When you talk to your dogs, they can understand your words and the emotions situated with them. Cats, however, don’t understand your words, as much as dogs do, but they too have the ability to recognize their owner’s voice and commands. In fact cats use over 16 different ways to communicate.

There are three primal reasons why humans try to anthropomorphize an object: The inanimate object looks like it has a face, we’d like to be friends with it, or we can’t explain its unpredictable behavior and we’re curious. By understanding how each of these triggers works, we can understand why this tendency is both essential to human survival and intelligence.

Our brain gets confused when it sees an object with eyes and tries to perceive it as human. Put toy eyes on a fridge and you’ll want to talk to it, or at least name it! No, you’re not a delusional psycho, it’s basic science and as social animals, we wish to talk to everybody we can and befriend them, it’s in our nature.
To summarize, talking to your pets is very normal and natural, there’s nothing wrong with you. If anything, you’re smarter than those who do not talk to their pets as their brains aren’t functioning how they normally should!

Joanne Kiking - for Animalix

News From Other Sites | Creates Death and Panic by PetSmart and Petco Grooming Salons

SOURCE : PETA

When Henry’s guardian dropped him off at a California PetSmart grooming salon, he thought that his dog would be getting a simple, routine nail trim. But just three minutes later, a groomer reportedly emerged from the back room carrying the 1-year-old dachshund, who was limp, bleeding from the mouth, and struggling to breathe. An on-site veterinarian tried to save Henry, but within minutes, the tiny dog was dead. His guardian may never know exactly what happened in the back room of that PetSmart store, but a necropsy revealed that Henry had sustained two broken ribs and a punctured lung and died of strangulation.
Henry’s horrific ordeal is anything but an isolated incident. Big-box pet store chains like PetSmart, Petco, and others have a long laundry list of incidents involving animals who have been traumatized, allowed to escape, severely injured, and even killed in their grooming salons.

Beaten, Bloodied, and Baked Alive in the ‘Back Room’

These giant corporations deal in volume. The animals they sell come from cruel mass-breeding mills, where they’re crammed into crowded bins; deprived of food, water, and veterinary care; and killed by being bashed against tables or gassed in coolers. The grooming businesses shove animals through quickly and often carelessly. Profit is their priority, and as a result, countless animals have strangled after being left unattended on grooming tables; overheated in cage dryers; been badly cut on the ears by clippers; and been screamed at, roughly handled, punched, kicked, and strangled by frustrated, impatient, and abusive groomers at these chains’ stores.

While PETA has been alerted to countless other incidents, and many have gone unreported, here are just some of the many animals whose suffering and deaths in PetSmart and Petco grooming salons have made the news:

May 2018

On May 22, Brandi Villarreal picked up her dog, Lexi, from a PetSmart store in San Antonio, Texas, and found her distressed and breathing heavily. Her tongue was blue, and her gums were purple. After multiple trips to the vet over the next two days—during which time PetSmart called the distraught Villarreal requesting the veterinary paperwork—the previously healthy dog was found to have a consolidation in her chest (fluid in the lungs), likely caused by trauma, and had to be euthanized because of her declining condition.

April 2018

Ollie, a 4-month-old Maltese mix, sustained a broken leg during a grooming session at a Petco in San Antonio.

March 2018

Oliver Buttons, an 18-month-old cairn terrier, needed stitches for lacerations to his face and neck as well as surgical glue for nicks all over his body inflicted by a Petco groomer in Appleton, Wisconsin.

A cat named Cloudy died during a grooming session at a Petco in Providence, Rhode Island.

Abby, an 8-year-old corgi, died during a grooming session at a PetSmart in Toms River, New Jersey.February 2018

A PetSmart groomer in Houston was fired after a video of her violently handling a small dog went viral.

December 2017

At least two dogs allegedly died, and a third sustained a back injury, after being taken to a New Jersey PetSmart for grooming:

Just over an hour after his guardian dropped him off, Scruffles, a healthy 8-year-old bulldog, was reportedly taken to a veterinary hospital, where he was dead on arrival. The store apparently refused to give any information regarding what took place during his fatal grooming session.

An 8-year-old shih tzu named George allegedly returned home in extreme pain and arching his back. Veterinarians found that he’d sustained a back injury and prescribed him heavy steroids and 10 days of cage confinement.

Another dog, named Ranger—who was reportedly lethargic after returning home—died two days later on Christmas Eve. His heartbroken guardian had to break the news of his death to her children on Christmas morning.

March 2017

Ollie, a 5-year-old pug in Newport, Rhode Island, died after a grooming session at Petco. E.J. Finocchio, president of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said that it was clear the Petco technicians were not trained to deal with an emergency. “It’s very troubling here, what happened,” he said. “We have an otherwise healthy dog that goes to have his nails clipped, and he ends up dead, and there’s not much we can do about it.”

When Pepper got home from a grooming session at a La Quinta, California, PetSmart, she wasn’t acting like herself. Her guardian immediately took her to the vet, who found that the dog had ruptured blood vessels as a result of “some sort of trauma.” While PetSmart denied wrongdoing, it paid for Pepper’s vet bills.

August 2016

When Demon’s guardian came to pick him up from a grooming session at an O’Fallon, Illinois, PetSmart, she immediately noticed that he had labored breathing. He was rushed to the vet, where it was discovered that his temperature was over 103 degrees. Within 20 minutes of arriving at the vet, he was dead.

June 2016

When 5-year-old Casper was taken to a Petco groomer in Moses Lake, Washington, his guardian, Desiree, had no idea that he’d never make it back home. Instead of getting a call from the store to let her know that her dog was ready to be picked up, she got a call informing her that he was “non-responsive” and being taken to the vet. Sadly, he passed away.

April 2016

Shortly after Buff, an 11-year-old golden retriever, went in for grooming at a Poway, California, Petco, he began to have trouble walking and developed an infection. Soon after, he died.

March 2015

An employee of an Atlanta Petco was fired after reportedly being caught on a cell phone video violently yanking on a dog’s paw and shoving the terrified animal around on a grooming table while trying to clip his or her nails.

https://twitter.com/peta/status/991482444242128896

July 2014

When Sierra was taken to a Beckley, West Virginia, PetSmart for grooming, she came home with razor burns and a cut on her foot pad that needed suturing. PetSmart paid for the dog’s vet bills.

July 2011

A California woman reportedly sued Petco after her dog Sadie suffered from heat stroke, internal bleeding, and burns when a groomer at a California store left her locked inside a cage dryer. Sadie had to be euthanized because of the extent of her injuries.

Don’t Trust Just Anyone With Your Animals’ Lives

If it isn’t possible to groom your animals yourself, hire a groomer who makes house calls, and insist on staying with them at all times during the process. Groomers who have nothing to hide should welcome your presence, and it’ll help your animals to feel at ease, too.

Always thoroughly research and screen potential groomers, and don’t hesitate to get your animals and leave if something seems suspicious or “off.”

Becoming a Dog Breeder

There is more to becoming a good #dog breeder than getting a male and female dog together and letting them "hook-up"!
Anyone ever tell you that all you need to do is get a #male and #female dog and let them breed and you can sell the puppies and make money?
Well that may be true somewhat. Then you will be known as a "backyard breeder". Backyard breeders do not get the respect of other breeders or the buying public. They are usually not the expert on the breed.

There are some basic rules or guidelines that people look for when buying a puppy.

The breeder knows and loves the breed they are selling. The breeder is an expert on the breed they raise and sell, or at the very least, a very dedicated student. He/she will be able to answer any question you might have about the breed, or be able to find the answer for you. They will know the history of the breed and for what purpose they were bred. They know about any particular health problem that might be common with the breed, temperament, breed behavior, etc.

The breeder will focus on their breed. If the breeder is truly dedicated to this breed, then you will know when you talk with them. You will hear the excitement and enthusiasm in their voice. You will not see this breeder selling several different breeds of dogs. You might see this breeder selling a large dog for one market and a smaller dog (or lap dog) for a completely different market. For example; if you see a breeder selling Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers, does this person truly believe in one breed? They are both large dogs and pretty much serve the same market. But, if a breeder is selling a Rottweiler and a Yorkie, then they are selling a large guard type dog and a lap dog. There is no real conflict of opinion there.

They put their dog’s health first. These people do not use cheap dog food, you will find that they are using premium dog food. Dogs get all their nutrition from only one source and that food needs to provide everything the dogs needs to promote good health. They will usually give their dogs a vitamin supplement as well.

They care about good homes for the puppies. Responsible breeders know that they have only one chance to find that perfect home for their puppy. They don’t rush to get the puppies out of their house when they are 6 weeks old or right after they are weaned. We have found that the puppies will better adjust to their new homes if they are 8-9 weeks old before being placed. They seem to develop mentally after 7 weeks and are ready to bond to their new family.

Good Dog Breeders (SEE:http://animalix9.blogspot.com/2018/03/finding-good-dog-breeder.html) will have a Contract or Purchase Agreement.It is always better to have everything in writing when making a purchase. This will clearly state what is expected from the breeder (seller) and of the buyer. This protects everyone involved in the transaction. Included in the agreement will be any health guarantee.

Registration papers. Professional dog breeders will sell dogs with AKC (American Kennel Club) or CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) registration papers. I would not buy a dog without these registration papers, and do not suggest that you do this either. This includes you; if you become a breeder then sell quality, sell a puppy with AKC or CKC registration papers.
Good breeders will be there after the sale. But in order for the good breeders to be there after the sale they must make a profit on the dogs they sell.

Making a profit is not a crime! Don't feel guilty or intimidated by other breeders or the "inner circle" for making a profit breeding dogs. Breeders should not be expected to do a good job and not make any money for their efforts. The feeding, shots, worming, imprinting and socializing of a puppy cost money and takes time. You are providing a service to the people that want to have a beautiful, quality puppy and companion. A superior breeder does not have a day job, this is their job. Be responsible and be professional. (Also See: http://animalix9.blogspot.com/2018/03/socializing-is-basis-of-future-behavior.html)

What is a cat muzzle?

What is a cat muzzle?

A cat muzzle is a device that goes around a cat's face used to prevent them from biting. It is primarily used in veterinary hospitals to prevent cats from biting when they are in pain or when they acting aggressive.



For people at home, muzzling a cat can be a very difficult thing to do. Cats typically do not like things on their face and will try to paw it off as soon as the muzzle was placed on. There are commercially available muzzles that prevent the cat from biting. The best type of muzzle is one that covers the eyes as well as the mouth. This can sometimes calm the cat if he/she cannot see. Muzzles are only for temporary use and you must watch your cat closely and be ready to remove the muzzle immediately if the cat starts to vomit or has difficulty breathing.



Muzzle can be a part of a first aid kit for cats or something to carry in your trunk along with a towel and a cat carrier. A muzzle can come in very handy if you happen upon an injured cat that is in pain in order to take him for help.


If you are looking to buy a muzzle for your cat, buy the type that covers eyes as this can be soothing. The style that is nylon, machine washable, with an adjustable Velcro closure seems to work very well. It should also have a good hole by the snout area that allows your cat to breath. After you place the muzzle on your cat, make sure the nostrils can be seen, and thus your cat can breathe, with the muzzle on.

American Curl

Boasting head adornments that could have easily been fashioned by a legendary hat designer, along with their opulent plumed tails reminiscent of a luxurious ostrich-feather boa, the American Curl has audiences in awe worldwide. Distinguished by truly unique ears that curl back in a graceful arc, offering an alert, perky, happily surprised expression, they cause people to break out into a big smile when viewing their first Curl. Designed exclusively by Mother Nature, the ears can be likened to those of a Lynx with long tufts fanning outward, accentuating the swept-back look while complementing the Curl’s overall sophistication, stylish elegance, and dynamic presence.

Wake-up call! The alarm rings, and emerging out from under the covers, eager to start the day, is your Curl buddy. Eyelid pats, nose kisses, and hair licking prompt a gentle awakening. Then your eyes focus on that exuberant little Curl face, and another day begins. The Curl personality is truly unique. If not sleeping up high somewhere in a large salad bowl, figuring out with great determination just how to get into the shower with you, or assuming their right spot in front of a favorite TV show, they are patting at your glasses while you try to read the paper.

Needless to say, Curls are very people-oriented, faithful, affectionate soulmates, adjusting remarkably fast to other pets, children, and new situations. People say they are very dog-like in their attentiveness to their owners, following them around so as not to miss anything. When introduced into a new home, Curls seems to have an inherent respect for the current pet occupants, giving them plenty of room to adjust to the new kid on the block. Not overly talkative, the Curl’s curiosity and intelligence are expressed through little trill-like cooing sounds. Because they retain their kitten-like personality well throughout adulthood, they are referred to as the Peter Pan of felines.

When Curls are born, their ears are straight. In 3 to 5 days, they start to curl back, staying in a tight rosebud position and unfurling gradually until permanently “set” at around 16 weeks. This is the time breeders determine the kitten’s ear quality as either pet or show in addition to the kitten’s overall conformation. The degree of ear curl can vary greatly, ranging from almost straight (pet quality) to a show quality ear with an arc of 90-180 degrees resembling a graceful shell-like curvature.

Although the distinctive feature of the American Curl is their uniquely curled ears, the medium-sized rectangular body, silky flat-lying coat, and expressive walnut-shaped eyes are equally indicative of the breed. They are available in both long and shorthair color and pattern varieties, and since there is minimal undercoat, the Curl sheds little and requires hardly any grooming.

On a typical hot June day in 1981, a stray longhaired black female cat with funny ears mooched a meal from Joe and Grace Ruga in Lakewood, California, and moved in. “Shulamith” is the original American Curl to which all bona fide pedigrees trace their origin. No one ever suspected that from that simple encounter, and the birth of some kittens 6 months later, would grow a worldwide debate about the genetics behind those unusual curled ears. When selective breeding began in 1983, fanciers bred the American Curl with an eye toward developing a show breed. In analyzing data on 81 litters (383 kittens), renowned feline geneticist Roy Robinson of London, England, confirmed that the ear-curling gene is autosomal dominant, which means that any cat with even one copy of the gene will show the trait. In the December 1989 Journal of Heredity, Robinson reported finding no defects in any of the crosses he analyzed. This information provided the pathway for a new and healthy breed…and one with an outstanding temperament.

Indeed, the discovery of a novel cat is an event of great importance to feline fans and fanatics, and especially true when it’s inherently born to radiate well-being and good things to all fortunate enough to hold one. As the founder of this amazingly spiritual breed says, “They are not just ‘decorator’ cats. You might say that they are ‘designer’ cats, perhaps even signed masterpieces of a humor-loving Creator.’”

Pricing on American Curls usually depends on type, applicable markings, and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National or Regional winning parentage (NW or RW), or Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or the sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying, and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing of tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long, and joyful life.

Animal Quotes 2

"If there is no heaven for dogs, then I want to go where they go when I die."

    -Anonymous

"The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."

    -Samuel Butler

"If dogs could talk, perhaps we would find it as hard to get along with them as we do with people."

    -Capek

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."

    -Billings

"The dog who meets with a good master is the happier of the two."

    -Maeterlinck

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."

    -Ben Williams

"Whoever said you canÂ’t buy happiness forgot about little puppies."

    -Gene Hill

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as much as the dog does."

    -Christopher Morley

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."

    -Josh Billings

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."

    -Andrew A.

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."


-Unknown

"I've seen a look in dogsÂ’ eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts."

    -John Steinbeck

"If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either."
-Unknown

"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well."

    -Bonnie Wilcox

"The more people I meet the more I like my dog"

    -Unknown

"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog."

    -Edward Hoagland

"I once decided not to date a guy because he wasn't excited to meet my dog. I mean, this was like not wanting to meet my mother."

    -Bonnie Schacter

"No Matter how little money and how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

    -Louis Sabin

"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail."

    -Josh Billings

"A piece of grass a day keeps the vet away"

    -Unknown Dog

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

    -Roger Caras

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear."

    -Dave Barry

"The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic."

    -Henry Ward

"To his dog, every man is Napolean, hence the constant popularity of dogs."

    -Aldous Huxley

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that is how dogs spend their lives."

    -Sue Murphy

"Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends."

    -Alexander Pope

"Do not make the mistake of treating your dogs like humans or they will treat you like dogs."

    -Martha Scott

"Every dog must have his day."

    -Jonathan Swift

"I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who have not got the guts to bite people themselves."

    -August Strindberg

"I have always thought of a dog lover as a dog that was in love with another dog."

    -James Thurber

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."

    -Ann Landers

The Noriker or Noric horse

The Noriker or Noric horse is one of the oldest mountain draft horses in Europe, originating in the foothills of the highest Austrian mountains, Grossglockner, and being indigenous to the Central Alpine regions. Initially used for transporting a lot of goods from one place to the other, they are immensely popular in the present times because of its pleasant temperament, surefootedness, and agility.

Up to the end of the 19th century, Noriker horses were an important link in the trade between central Europe and the Adriatic. Very early in the breeding history of the Noriker horse, baroque horses also played an important role. With the establishment of the stud farm Rif, near Salzburg in 1565, the phase of the refinement by Neapolitan and Iberian stallions began, which exerted their influence on the Noriker horse until 1806. Down to the present day this influence is visible in the conformation of these horses: Roman heads with a powerful and compact topline, long manes and tails. Baroque influence is also visible in coat colours, with a large number of black horses as well as blue roans, called mohrenkopf referring directly to the Italian expression testa di moro or capo moro, meaning "dark head" or "Moor (dark) head". Besides Mohrenköpfen, the leopard spotted coat colour, named tiger (reflecting the linguistic absence of a distinction between "tiger" and "leopard" cats), is still an active breeding objective of the breed as well, which is unusual for nearly all other European horse breeds.

In 1903, the stud book was closed. Since then, Noriker horses are strictly purebred. The years between the two world wars were when the popularity of the Noriker horse peaked, and the population grew constantly. However, after the second World War, mechanisation started to take over, though in the poorer mountainous regions of Austria the machinery was not affordable, so horses in the Alps have continued to be part of everyday life until about 1968, when the Noriker horse population, then at 34,510 head, began to decline.

The late 1970s were called the crisis of horse breeding in Europe, and within about twenty years, 80% of the Noriker horses disappeared, a fact that was directly connected to the third wave of mechanisation. By 1985, only 6,996 Noriker horses survived. While today, many draught horse breeds of Europe are endangered, the Noriker has rebounded to some extent, and currently about 10,000 Noriker horses are living in the Austrian countryside. The Noriker is also bred in Italy, predominantly in the Puster Valley and the five Ladin valleys,[1] areas formerly in Austria-Hungary. Under the name Norico-Pinzgauer, it is one of the fifteen indigenous horse "breeds of limited distribution" recognised by the AIA, the Italian breeders' association, which also publishes the Italian breed standard.[3] The regional breeders' federation is the same as that for the Haflinger, the Provincial Federation of South Tyrol Haflinger Horse Breeders.

Breed development history
The baroque horses played a significant role in influencing the development of the Noriker breed. The stud farm the Rif was established in the year 1565 with which the refinement procedure of the stallions belonging to the Neapolitan and Iberian breed started. Both these breeds have had their influence on these horses (Noriker) up to the year 1806. The Roman heads, a powerful topline, long manes as well as tails, makes this influence more evident even in the present times. They also had a resemblance to the baroque horses as far as the coat colors were concerned. After the stud book for these horses had been closed in 1903, they were completely purebred. Though they were in high demand in both the World Wars, with their population continually rising, after World War II, the introduction of machines marred the need for horses. However, in the mountainous terrain it was difficult to afford the expensive machines, thus, these horses continued to be an integral part of people’s life until after which their population began to decline. Mostly because of the third wave mechanization, by the year 1985 there were only 6996 Noriker breeds left. Though most of the draft horses of Europe are getting endangered at present, there are about 10,000 of these horses dwelling in the countryside of Austria. It is bred in Italy specifically in the Puster Valley as well as the 5 Ladin valleys. The Association for Italian breeders’ AIA, recognizes it in the category of “breeds of limited distribution”, under the name of “Norico Pinzgauer.”The five sire lines influencing the development of this breed are as follows:

Vulkan-Line: This line is the most popular one with the founder stallions as well as their descendants represent the heavy draft horse kind.

Nero-Line: The Noriker stallion, 1378 Stoissen-Nero V/977, foaled in the year 1931 was a part of this line.

Diamant –Line: This line began during the first part of the 20th century, and the horses belonging to this line were agile.

Schaunitz –Line: Horses hailing from this line in the present times are small-sized along with proper movements.

Elmar-Line: The influence of the baroque horses are seen in breeds belonging to this line as most of them possess a unique coat color along with a smaller-stature and lighter build. The leopard spotted coat color is also visible.

Interesting Facts

The Noriker horse is an integral part of the Kufenstechen, a traditional festival in the Feistritz an der Gail region of Austria, where young men who are unmarried ride on the back of these horses and attempt to hit on a wooden barrel using an iron hammer.
Though historically known as the Pinzgauer they underwent a name change by the end of the nineteenth century because of the Romanophile attitude, after which they were called as Noriker horse.
The Pinzgauer High-Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle was named after this breed.

Wrote by

Yolananda Rodriguéz.

Why do dogs lick you

Understanding why your dog licks can help you in curbing this behaviour. So why do dogs lick? The following are some of the reasons: 

They like the taste of your skin

The presumption in many people’s minds is that their dogs lick them to show affection. While this may be true, dogs may also lick you because they like the taste of your skin. This may be caused by traces of food on your skin or just the taste of salt and scents on your skin. In other cases, a new scent on your skin can also compel the dog to sniff and lick you. This will give the dog a lot of information regarding where you have been.

To attract attention

In other cases, dogs will lick people to attract attention. There are many ways through which a dog can attract your attention, including a tap using its paw, a nose nudge and barking. But if the dog has noticed that you do not pay attention to these attempts, it may result into licking. To seek attention, a dog will lick your arm, hand or your face. If your dog starts licking you, you should try to establish whether he is trying to tell you something. For instance, the dog may be trying to tell you that he needs a potty break, the water bowl is empty or that he wants to play because he is bored. 

To relief stress

Licking in dogs releases endorphins, which play a role in relaxation. As such, a dog may lick itself, nearby objects or humans to stay calm. The majority of dogs find licking soothing and relaxing. Additionally, when nervous, a dog will smack its lips or lick to calm its nerves and show other dogs around that it is not a threat to them. 

When hungry

The question in the minds of many dog owners is "why do dogs lick?" There are many reasons as to why dogs lick, but your dog may be licking you simply because it is hungry.

 It has been ascertained that wild dogs tend to lick the face of their pack leader to beg for food. Additionally, puppies will lick their mother’s lips when hungry. This stimulates a regurgitation reflex and the puppies will feed on the food vomited by their mother. Therefore, if your dog starts licking you around its feeding time, it may be telling you that it is hungry. 

To show affection

Sometimes, dogs may lick your face to show affection. They learn this when they are young. Licking among littermates, in addition to maternal licking helps in strengthening family bonds among the dogs. Therefore, the dog may be licking you to show its affection for you and to strengthen the family bond it has with you. 

To investigate

Why do dogs lick? Answering this question is the starting point towards curbing your dog’s licking behavior. A dog may lick you just to ascertain your feelings. They use special receptors in their mouth and nose to interpret and process, scented molecules that exist in human sweat. This information will help the dog determine whether you are stressed or happy. 

To clean up

Just like the cats, dogs lick to clean themselves. This is because dogs are also concerned about their hygiene. However, if your dog constantly licks itself, it might be an indicator that its glands need to be expressed. 

To aid in wound recovery

There are enzymes in a dog’s saliva that get rid of bacteria. As such, licking wounds on their skin helps in cleaning and killing the bacteria on the wounds. Additionally, licking helps the dog get rid of the dead tissues of the wound. However, you should be concerned if your dog is overdoing it, because that may reopen the wounds and harm itself. 

Impulsive licking

If you notice that the dog is licking the same place or object over and over again, you may need to contact a vet. You should be equally concerned if the dog licks the same object whenever it is nervous or scared. This is mainly because obsessive licking can easily reinforce anxiety or worsen the condition.

To explore

Why do dogs lick you? If this is your dilemma, you have nothing to worry about because dogs may lick just to acquaint themselves with their environment. To explore their world, dogs lick new people and things in their surroundings. Additionally, if the dog detects something new on you, however small, it will lick you because it is curious. This is also why a dog you have met for the first time will lick your hand if you offer for the dog to sniff.