Putin: my dog is bigger, stronger, and faster than yours

[Muzh]

Yeah, but can Putin's dog do this?
 

[Maxx2]

Yeah, but can Putin's dog do this?
 

That's the smartest breed.



Youtube of a Bull Terrier taking on a Mexican bull. He may have saved a man's life. The guy tripped and the bull was goring him until the dog attacked it.

[die_cast]

But my Min Pins demand attention (and give affection) as much or greater than all other breeds.

Many Americans have a tendency to treat pets as kids. it's cultural thing. Pets are not kids. Aminals are animals, they should have their own place in the family hierarchy. 

That amount of attention seems to be that which FSU women are willing to accord their pets.

Women are obligated to pay attention to their husbands, children and parents in the first place. Not to pets, no matter how demanding those pets can be. We keep pets not because we have nobody to give our attention to, we don't keep pets as best friends. Again, pets are pets, humans are humans, and they are not equal.

[TBear]

Many Americans have a tendency to treat pets as kids. it's cultural thing. Pets are not kids. Aminals are animals, they should have their own place in the family hierarchy. 
Women are obligated to pay attention to their husbands, children and parents in the first place. Not to pets, no matter how demanding those pets can be. We keep pets not because we have nobody to give our attention to, we don't keep pets as best friends. Again, pets are pets, humans are humans, and they are not equal.

Why keep a pet then?


I've got a big maine-coon cat. Larger than most small dogs. But his personality is a bit like a dog's, except he is still a cat, and doesn't need constant attention.

I have to say, he is essentially a member of my (small) family. Though I don't consider him my child or best friend. Life would definitely not be the same without him. He is definitely special to me.

[Dewed]

I guess just more examples of differences in culture..  Since I go to the market for meat, I don't need a dog to help me hunt and since I'm not really concerned about armed rebels breaking in my door I don't need a dog that can rip a man's throat open.

As long as the dog can bark when it senses something isn't quite right, it serves it's purpose and the fact that dog's are the most loyal living things to humans on the planet is just an added bonus. They were the first domesticated animal. Today's dog breeds are the result of thousands of years of a symbiotic relationship with humans. I guess I'm just too empathetic to think of them as nothing more than a 4 legged security system or some kind of status symbol. My dogs have been loyal to me and I let them know I appreciate it. That's just the way our two species evolved.

Cows on the other hand, arguably the 2nd domesticated species .. I prefer them medium well done with freshly crushed black pepper and a spash of A1  They are dumb and the only thing keeping them from wandering off is a fence and oh.. a dog.

[die_cast]

I just caught this post. I would like to hear your story....
but they are definitely not for everyone.

Your last statement is very true. BT are definitely not for everyone.
And around 20 years ago they were very popular in Russia, while most people knew nothing about them except that they were good in dog fights and were good defenders. People wanted to own them, but this breed was not numerous, so as a result all puppies who were born - were sold, the breed didn't have a proper rejection, the purity of the breed was damaged, dogs with issues (mostly mental issues - aggressive, coward dogs) were not culled.
As you know yourself, BT are not dogs with simple temper. They are banned in some countries, and owning them has some restrictions in others. BT can be considered as dangerous dogs and as a "weapon", there are people who train them to be killers. BT have a strong prey instinct and may cause injury or death to other dogs, even humans... BT can be over-protective and neurotic, they are very muscular, courageous, independent, stubborn, active, strong-willed... that all require an assertive owner and thorough training. But they were popular, different people owned them, most of them were inexperienced dog owners, some of them had small children.
A lot of inexperienced owners (some of them were bloodthirsty) + a lot of dogs with bad temper and without proper training = dog fights on the streets and victims among people (random strangers, owners, children). We regularly could read or hear new story about BT with victims and damage.
Nowdays BT are not popular anymore, people are afraid of them, and afraid of their owners.

[die_cast]

Why keep a pet then?

I've got a big maine-coon cat. Larger than most small dogs. But his personality is a bit like a dog's, except he is still a cat, and doesn't need constant attention.

I have to say, he is essentially a member of my (small) family. Though I don't consider him my child or best friend. Life would definitely not be the same without him. He is definitely special to me.

There are many reasons why people keep pets. You don't need to be lonely to have a reason to own a pet.  For example,
Some people are dog's/cat's/etc. fans.
Some keep cats because they have mice in the house.
Some keep dogs because they want to defend themselves and their houses.
Some keep dogs because they are hunters.
Many people keep pets because their children want to have a pet. They keep them as toys. That's why we have so many homeless dogs in Russia - people take a dog and when it is not a puppy anymore - they don't want it... that's very sad. People should be more responsible when it comes to pets.

Oh, maine-coon cats are awesome!  They are like small lynx. They are now popular here too. And expensive. 

That people keep pets for some purpose doesn't mean they don't love them and it doesn't mean they don't think their pets are special, they are a part of family quite often, but still people here don't care about them like about humans, we are more conservative and traditional in this part of our life too. 

[die_cast]

My dogs have been loyal to me and I let them know I appreciate it. That's just the way our two species evolved.

Dogs are gregarious animals, they need to have a leader. You are the leader for your dogs, they are very devoted to you. That's how it should be. 

[TBear]

Your last statement is very true. BT are definitely not for everyone.
And around 20 years ago they were very popular in Russia, while most people knew nothing about them except that they were good in dog fights and were good defenders. People wanted to own them, but this breed was not numerous, so as a result all puppies who were born - were sold, the breed didn't have a proper rejection, the purity of the breed was damaged, dogs with issues (mostly mental issues - aggressive, coward dogs) were not culled.
As you know yourself, BT are not dogs with simple temper. They are banned in some countries, and owning them has some restrictions in others. BT can be considered as dangerous dogs and as a "weapon", there are people who train them to be killers. BT have a strong prey instinct and may cause injury or death to other dogs, even humans... BT can be over-protective and neurotic, they are very muscular, courageous, independent, stubborn, active, strong-willed... that all require an assertive owner and thorough training. But they were popular, different people owned them, most of them were inexperienced dog owners, some of them had small children.
A lot of inexperienced owners (some of them were bloodthirsty) + a lot of dogs with bad temper and without proper training = dog fights on the streets and victims among people (random strangers, owners, children). We regularly could read or hear new story about BT with victims and damage.
Nowdays BT are not popular anymore, people are afraid of them, and afraid of their owners.

Boy do I hate how some breeds were handled. Several really good breeds were completely ruined by breeders only looking out for money. I can think of several here that many places wont even allow you to have, because they are considered mean or violent. Which is funny, as it's usually caused by the breeder or owner.

There are many reasons why people keep pets. You don't need to be lonely to have a reason to own a pet.  For example,
Some people are dog's/cat's/etc. fans.
Some keep cats because they have mice in the house.
Some keep dogs because they want to defend themselves and their houses.
Some keep dogs because they are hunters.
Many people keep pets because their children want to have a pet. They keep them as toys. That's why we have so many homeless dogs in Russia - people take a dog and when it is not a puppy anymore - they don't want it... that's very sad. People should be more responsible when it comes to pets.

It seemed like you might have been one of those people that has something against people treating pets as more than animals. I don't believe thats the case though.

Oh, maine-coon cats are awesome!  They are like small lynx. They are now popular here too. And expensive. 

They are great pets. And stupid expensive. I was talking to a breeder, and she wanted $1000 for a single kitten, that I was required to have fixed, or they'd take the kitten back.... Crazy.

I managed to get mine by rescuing him from a tree in the middle of a cold winter night when he was probably only 6 weeks old. If he was out there much longer he would have died

That people keep pets for some purpose doesn't mean they don't love them and it doesn't mean they don't think their pets are special, they are a part of family quite often, but still people here don't care about them like about humans, we are more conservative and traditional in this part of our life too. 

I don't know that you can not care about them like you would some people, if they are also apart of your family

[die_cast]

I can think of several here that many places wont even allow you to have, because they are considered mean or violent. Which is funny, as it's usually caused by the breeder or owner.

There are dog breeds which are not for everyone. American Putbulls and Staffordshire Terriers are definitely not for average Joe, you know.  And some other special guard breeds, breeds are not about dog's apperiance, they are very much about their temper, most dog breeds have their purpose, otherwise they would not exist. Special dog needs special owner. But not everyone realize it, so some breeds are banned to protect people.

It seemed like you might have been one of those people that has something against people treating pets as more than animals. I don't believe thats the case though.

I owned both dogs and cats in the past.
Being a cat owner is a simple task, cats don't need training, they are peaceful and independent... as people are joking often "You don't own the cat, cat owns you." 
Dogs are different, they should be trained, you should show them you are the leader in the family (which they see as a pack), because if you failed as a leader of your dog's pack, even small dog will act as a leader, he even can bite you. They don't treat us as humans, they treat us as animals. That's why people have to remember that dogs are animals anyway, they are not humans, they don't get our logic and laws, they still live by their own animal laws.

And stupid expensive. I was talking to a breeder, and she wanted $1000 for a single kitten, that I was required to have fixed, or they'd take the kitten back.... Crazy.

  $1000 is crazy? Here they cost $2000!!! 

[TBear]

There are dog breeds which are not for everyone. American Putbulls and Staffordshire Terriers are definitely not for average Joe, you know.  And some other special guard breeds, breeds are not about dog's apperiance, they are very much about their temper, most dog breeds have their purpose, otherwise they would not exist. Special dog needs special owner. But not everyone realize it, so some breeds are banned to protect people.

Most of the banned breeds are banned because they have behavioral issues. Which were caused either by abuse, or inbreeding.

I owned both dogs and cats in the past.
Being a cat owner is a simple task, cats don't need training, they are peaceful and independent... as people are joking often "You don't own the cat, cat owns you." 
Dogs are different, they should be trained, you should show them you are the leader in the family (which they see as a pack), because if you failed as a leader of your dog's pack, even small dog will act as a leader, he even can bite you. They don't treat us as humans, they treat us as animals. That's why people have to remember that dogs are animals anyway, they are not humans, they don't get our logic and laws, they still live by their own animal laws.
  $1000 is crazy? Here they cost $2000!!! 

That is crazy maybe they are harder to get there? But yes, $1000 cad is crazy for a cat

[Larry1]

Many Americans have a tendency to treat pets as kids. it's cultural thing. Pets are not kids. Aminals are animals, they should have their own place in the family hierarchy. 
... Again, pets are pets, humans are humans, and they are not equal.

I've noticed this too.  Some years ago I worked with a girl who mentioned something about "my kids".  I had worked with her for about a year and was under the impression that she had no kids.  I told her that I didn't realize she had kids.  She said she meant her dogs.

Some dog owners here let their dogs sleep in their beds.  Some guys have related that their FSUW girlfriends have not liked this, which I can certainly understand.

Edit to add this excerpt from an article I just came across:

If you’re wondering why playgrounds around the city are so quiet and dog runs are packed, a new report has an answer: More and more US women are forgoing motherhood and getting their maternal kicks by owning handbag-size canines.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that a big drop in the number of babies born to women ages 15 to 29 corresponds with a huge increase in the number of tiny pooches owned by young US women, reports the business-news site Quartz.

Dog-crazy New York ladies told The Post that they aren’t surprised by the findings — and that they happily gave up diaper changes, temper tantrums and college funds for the easy affection of their doggy “child.”

“I’d rather have a dog over a kid,” declared Sara Foster, 30, a Chelsea equities trader who says her French bulldog, Maddie, brings her more joy than a child. “It’s just less work and, honestly, I have more time to go out. You . . . don’t have to get a baby sitter.”

... “Dogs are better! Look at Toliver! He’s great, except he snores a lot. He even has his own Instagram,” Smith said during a walk with the pooch. “A dog is easier to transport than a child. It’s less final than having a child.”

http://nypost.com/2014/04/10/more-young-women-choosing-dogs-over-motherhood/

Here's a photo of a birthday party one of these AW threw for her little dog:

[Maxx2]

I kicked around the idea of getting a Siberian Lynx for a pet








But I read that if they get loose they rarely come back plus the diet of a whole chicken or rabbit as the mess seemed like too much hassle.

[jone]

I kicked around the idea of getting a Siberian Lynx for a pet








But I read that if they get loose they rarely come back plus the diet of a whole chicken or rabbit as the mess seemed like too much hassle.

I can eat a half chicken sometimes.  And you don't want to get in between me and my food. 

[die_cast]

I wonder if she purrs? 

Siberian Lynx is gorgeous, but it's wild animal, which should not be kept in the house, it should be free.

[Slumba]

I can eat a half chicken sometimes.  And you don't want to get in between me and my food.

Yes, but the lynx is easier to house-train!

[Larry1]

I kicked around the idea of getting a Siberian Lynx...

I would far prefer to have a Siberian Minx around the house.

[TBear]

I would far prefer to have a Siberian Minx around the house.

I see what you did there.

[alex330]

Yes, but the lynx is easier to house-train!

Speaking of house trained cats my wife was horrified to find that cats used indoor litter boxes here in the US. She says that in Ukraine you just let your cat out the front door and he runs down the six flights of stairs to go outside. When done the cat just meows at the door to be let back inside.

[jone]

I see what you did there.

TBear >>>> Meet Larry. 

Larry, could you give some photographic evidence of any of the Minxes that you would consider to be acceptable?

[TBear]

Speaking of house trained cats my wife was horrified to find that cats used indoor litter boxes here in the US. She says that in Ukraine you just let your cat out the front door and he runs down the six flights of stairs to go outside. When done the cat just meows at the door to be let back inside.

If I had to let my two cats out every time they needed to go, I'd never get a moment of peace also, at least here, it shortens their life noticeably on average. could lose 5+ years due to some disease caught from strays.

[Larry1]

TBear >>>> Meet Larry. 

Larry, could you give some photographic evidence of any of the Minxes that you would consider to be acceptable?

The lovely Dasha Zhukova would be awfully nice.  Unfortunately, she is taken. By a guy with a big boat.

[die_cast]

also, at least here, it shortens their life noticeably on average. could lose 5+ years due to some disease caught from strays.

And this is not hygienic... how many people wash their cats when they back home? I guess none. And nobody knows what they bring home, cats can transmit some diseases.
Not to mention you never know who your cat will meet there... one day he/she just would not back home because the dog she/he met wasn't cat-friendly or because someone stole your cat.

[Photo Guy]

Hi dog is DEFINITELY FASTER. 

[Larry1]

A husky puppy who was left alone in a Russian car while its owner was running an errand on Tuesday caused a series of fender benders around a parking lot in the southwestern Siberian city of Barnaul.

The dog, waiting for its master to get out of a construction goods store, started to impatiently jostle around in the Zhiguli's front seat and somehow managed to put the vehicle in motion, the Interfax news agency reported.

The car crashed into several other parked cars before it slowed to a standstill... 

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/impatient-dog-crashes-car-in-siberia/498714.html

I'm not quite sure how this happened.  Presumably the dog knocked the gear shift and put the car in neutral.  Perhaps the parking lot was on a slight slope.