Asian Koel

The Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. It is found in South Asia, China, and Southeast Asia. It forms a super species with the closely related Black-billed and Pacific Koels which are sometimes treated as subspecies. The Asian Koel is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of crows and other hosts, who raise its young. They are unusual among the cuckoos in being largely frugivorous as adults. The name koel is echoic in origin with several language variants. The bird is a widely used symbol in Indian poetry.

THIS IS A FEMALE ASIAN KOEL FEEDING ON CHINESE
FAN PALM.

The Asian Koel is a large, long-tailed, cuckoo measuring 39–46 cm (15–18 in) and weighing 190–327 g (6.7–11.5 oz). The male of the nominate race is glossy bluish-black, with a pale greenish grey bill, the iris is crimson, and it has grey legs and feet. The female of the nominate race is brownish on the crown and has rufous streaks on the head. The back, rump and wing coverts are dark brown with white and buff spots. The underparts are whitish, but is heavily striped. The upper plumage of young birds is more like that of the male and they have a black beak. They are very vocal during the breeding season (March to August in South Asia), with a range of different calls. The familiar song of the male is a repeated koo-Ooo. The female makes a shrill kik-kik-kik... call.Calls vary across populations.The Asian Koel is a bird of light woodland and cultivation.It is a mainly resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from India and SriLanka to south China and the Greater Sundas. They have great potential in colonizing new areas, and were among the pioneer birds to colonize the volcanic island of Krakatau. They first arrived in Singapore in the 1980s and became very common birds.

THIS IS A PICTURE OF A CROW FEEDING
AN ASIAN KOEL.

The Asian Koel is a brood parasite, and lays its single egg in the nests of a variety of birds, including the Jungle crow and the House crow.The Asian Koel is omnivorous, consuming a variety of insects, caterpillars, eggs and small vertebrates. Adults feed mainly on fruit. They will sometimes defend fruiting trees that they forage in and chase away other frugivores. 
They have been known to occasionally take eggs of small birds.They feed on the fruits of Thevetia peruviana which are known to be toxic to mammals.A number of parasites of the species have been described, including malaria-like protozoa, lice and nematodes.
These birds were once very popular in India as cagebirds. Feeding even on boiled rice, these hardy birds lived in captivity for as long as 14 years.This bird has a strong association with the Traditional new year celebrations of SriLanka. In the literature around the festival, the song of the bird is regarded as heralding the traditional new year. This bird is known as the'' koha ''in Sri Lanka by the Sinhala speaking community.

Maremma Sheepdog

This large, fluffy, white shepherding dog is native to the mountainous regions of the Apennine Mountains in the Italian region of Abruzzo. They are somewhat smaller than many similar working dogs, but they make up for it with fierce determination and intelligence. The Maremma Sheep Dog is well known for its endurance. Males and females are both quite strong.They are not very well adapted to heat.They've been bred for 2,000 to be fierce and smart guard dogs.The Maremma sheepdog can be quite fierce, given that they were bred to defend against human robbers and wolves. Though not typically aggressive, they are very defensive.They are fiercely loyal.

They have a thick coat and they are white in color.The Maremma's fur actually helps keep the dog cool.The-
Male Maremma sheepdogs height:25.5-29.5 inches (65-75 cm).
Female Maremma sheepdogs height:23.5-27.5 inches (60-70 cm).

THIS IS MAREMMA SHEEPDOG MOTHER WITH IT'S PUPS

They are more common in the UK.A fierce defender of life and property, this rather intelligent dog spends much of its time being very cheerfully methodical and thoughtful, while slow to anger. These dogs are proud and they don't tend to be particularly affectionate, but are sure to be loyal.They too have health problems as shown below:

1. Hip and joint disorders: Usually as a result of far too many calories, many Maremmas are placed on a low calorie and low protein Diet to keep from putting too much stress on the connective tissues.
2. Bloat: They should be fed in two small meals during the day to avoid this twisting of the stomach that's a consequence of eating too much, too fast.

They have to have to have the sufficient space to roam freely  and most of this breed prefer to sleep outside.They prefer to find their own spot to lie instead. Maremma sheepdogs needs to exercise.They need the freedom to run around.If people keep them as herding animals, it usually provides this breed the right amount and type of exercise.They will eventually take well to herd training and loves keeping a careful eye on things.They are clean dogs by nature.These are very strong and determined dogs.

New Forest Pony

The New Forest pony is one of the recognised mountain and moorland or native pony breeds of the British Isles. Height varies from around 12 hands (48 inches, 122 cm) to 14.2 hands (58 inches, 147 cm); ponies of all heights should be strong, workmanlike, and of a good riding type. They are valued for hardiness, strength, and sure-footed ness.The breed is indigenous to the New Forest in Hampshire in southern England, where equines have lived since before the last Ice Age. The New Forest pony can be ridden by children and adults, can be driven in harness, and competes successfully against larger horses in horse show competition.
 New Forest ponies are seldom less than 12 hands (48 inches, 122 cm).New Forest ponies should be of riding type, workmanlike, and strong in conformation, with a sloping shoulder and powerful hindquarters; the body should be deep, and the legs straight with strong, flat bone, and hard, rounded hooves.

THIS IS A NEW FOREST PONY MUM AND FOAL.

The ponies are most commonly bay, chestnut, or grey.New Forest ponies have a gentle temperament and a reputation for intelligence, strength, and versatility. On the whole, they are a sturdy and hardy breed.The one known hereditary genetic disorder found in the breed is congenital myotonia, a muscular condition also found in humans, dogs, cats, and goats.Today the New Forest pony and related crossbreeds are still the "working pony of choice" for local farmers and commoners, as their sure-footedness, agility, and sound sense will carry them (and their rider) safely across the varied and occasionally hazardous terrain of the open Forest, sometimes at great speed, during the autumn drifts.New Forest ponies also are used today for gymkhanas, show jumping, cross-country, dressage, driving, and eventing.

Barn Swallow

 The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is the most widespread species of swallow in the world.It  is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts, a long, deeply forked tail and curved, pointed wings. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. In Anglophone Europe it is just called the Swallow; in Northern Europe it is the only common species called a "swallow".There are six subspecies of Barn Swallow, which breed across the Northern Hemisphere. The Barn Swallow is a bird of open country which normally uses man-made structures to breed and consequently has spread with human expansion. It builds a cup nest from mud pellets in barns or similar structures and feeds on insects caught in flight. This species lives in close association with humans, and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by man; this acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest.The Barn Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia.

THIS IS A NEST OF A BARN SWALLOW.

The adult male Barn Swallow of the nominate subspecies H. r. rustica is 17–19 cm (6.7–7.5 in) long including 2–7 cm (0.79–2.8 in) of elongated outer tail feathers. It has a wingspan of 32–34.5 cm (13–13.6 in) and weighs 16–22 g (0.56–0.78 oz). It has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat, which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated, giving the distinctive deeply forked "swallow tail." There is a line of white spots across the outer end of the upper tail. The female is similar in appearance to the male, but the tail streamers are shorter, the blue of the upperparts and breast band is less glossy, and the underparts paler. The juvenile is browner and has a paler rufous face and whiter underparts. It also lacks the long tail streamers of the adult.The song of the Barn Swallow is a cheerful warble, often ending with ''su-seer'' with the second note higher than the first but falling in pitch. This species is fairly quiet on the wintering grounds.

THESE ARE THE EGGS OF A BARN SWALLOW.

The preferred habitat of the Barn Swallow is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water.It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere from sea level to typically 2,700 m (8,900 ft), but to 3,000 m (9,800 ft) in the Caucasus and North America, and it is absent only from deserts and the cold northernmost parts of the continents. The Barn Swallow typically feeds 7–8 m (23–26 ft) above shallow water or the ground, often following animals, humans or farm machinery to catch disturbed insects, but it will occasionally pick prey items from the water surface, walls and plants.The Barn Swallow drinks by skimming low over lakes or rivers and scooping up water with its open mouth.The female lays two to seven, but typically four or five, reddish-spotted white eggs. 

Havanese

The Havanese is a small and sturdy dog, and part of the Bichon family of breeds. This family also includes the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. They are just slightly longer than tall with untrimmed wavy hair. The Havanese has traditionally been a family pet in their native country of Cuba. In fact, for many years, theHavanese was the traditional lap dog of Cuban aristocracy. Throughout the years, this breed has also been used to herd poultry. They are recognizable for their especially springy gait in walking. This gait is caused by the fact that their front legs are slightly shorter than their hind legs.The Havanese is a toy dog, so they are quite small, though they don't appear fragile or delicate. Their eyes are set high on their heads and are dark brown and almond shaped. Their ears are of medium length and when extended, reach halfway to the nose. They are set high up and are folded and broad at the base. The rims around their eyes and lips should be black, except in a true chocolate dog. Their muzzles are fairly short and their noses are broad with a square shape. They typically have a scissors bite. 


Their necks are moderately long and arch slightly. They have a deep chest and a high set tail with a plume of long hair that arcs forward over their backs. The tail does not curl completely around, but rests naturally above and slightly over the back.The Havanese has very well boned and muscular legs with round feet. These dogs have a double coat that is designed to protect them from the tropical heat.They have long hair over their eyes, and unlike other toy dogs this hair is never gathered up in a topknot, as it is also part of their unique heat fighting design.Havanese come in three coat types:
1.smooth. 
2.curly. 
3.wavy.

THIS IS A HAVANESE FAMILY.

Their coat grows to about 6-8 inches in length and has a pearly sheen.Their coat is thick, but light since it is designed to act as a sunshade. It is not protective from the cold. The hair has a very silky feel.He short coated Havanese is considered a mutation, and is not recognized by any breed registries. These cannot be shown or bred, but are perfectly healthy for house pets. Havanese with these short coats, however, do shed, and are not considered hypoallergenic.The original Havanese Silk dogs were all white, but today'sHavanese can be found in any color, including gold, cream, white, silver, blue and black. Some dogs are tri or parti-colored, as well. A preferred color in North America is chocolate. In order to qualify as a chocolate Havanese, the dog must have at least a one inch patch of chocolate colored hair. For years, chocolate and black Havanese were not recognized in Europe, but today all colors are recognized all over the world.

The Havanese breed originated in Cuba.The havanese is a playful dog and a very great family dog.They love children and make very good playmates for them. Havanese are intelligent dogs. Havanese has a variety of health problems,they are:
1.Cataracts

THIS IS A PAINTING OF A HAVANESE FAMILY.

2.Dry skin and many other severe diseases.The Havanese needs a moderate amount of exercise. They are quite energetic, but are small enough to be able to run off some of their energy in the house. They'll be quite happy with a small yard area where they can run around some each day. They can also get sufficient exercise from accompanying their owner on a daily walk.The Havanese is well suited to living indoors, though they are a very active breed. They will be happiest indoors where they can be part of the family, but they will do best with an outdoor area where they can be allowed to run off some of their energy.These good qualities of this breed makes the owner very easy to train.Havanese are said to never eat alone. This is because they want to always be in the same room with their owners. So, if your Havanese is eating and you leave the room, you can expect him to follow you, likely with food in his mouth, which he will drop on the floor and eat.

Australian Mist

The Australian Mist is also  known as the Spotted Mist is a breed of cat developed in Australia.This breed was developed by Truda Straede in Australia.The breed was developed by crossing the Burmese,Abyssinian, and miscellaneous domestic short-haired cats to create a short-haired cat with a spotted coat. The name was changed from "Spotted Mist" to "Australian Mist" in 1998, when cats with marbled coats, rather than spots, were accepted as part of the breed.

Australian Mists are medium-sized short-haired cats, with a round head and large eyes. The coat is very short, without an undercoat. It doesn't need much brushing because of minimal hair loss. The coat patterns have three levels of definition;



 (1) ground color, paler than pattern;
 (2) pattern, delicate though distinct from ground color;
 (3) appears to wear a misted veil, caused by random ticking in the solid color areas.

THIS IS AN AUSTRALIAN MIST KITTEN.

The legs and tail are ringed or barred, and the face and neck also have delicate lines of color.They are tolerant of handling, and are not inclined to scratch. As kittens they are lively, but sober up a little on maturity. Their life expectancy is in the mid to late teens.Australian Mists thrive on human contact, making them happy to remain indoors between dusk and dawn or to be wholly indoor pets, an advantage as most people now prefer to keep their pets indoors. This also protects native wildlife. Some Mists can be trained to go for walks on a lead.They make excellent companions with home workers and those house bound due to illness or disability.Neutered/spayed cats and kittens fit in easily with all sorts of cats and dogs. Selective breeding has further enhanced these qualities, creating a truly companionable pet, which quickly becomes a member of the family.Australian Mist is a very friendly breed.

As a relatively new breed, most Australian Mist catteries are in Australia; however, there are a few in the UK, and some neutered/spayed cats have been introduced to America and several other countries.The UK breeder who brought the first Australian Mist cats to the UK was Mary Stuart.This cat breed is so intelligent and are recommended for families and elderly people and children too!.

Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk terrier was raised to be a working dog. The breed, small enough to chase down even smaller vermin, is efficiently stocky enough to hold its own. A mere 10 to 12 inches (or approximately 25 centimeters) at the shoulder, its petite stature allowed for getting into and under the smallest of spaces, including burrows when necessary.Males and females are of comparable size and stature, with females weighing only slightly less than males. No longer used for its original purpose, the dog makes a perfect small sized pet for homes with a limited amount of space.

THIS IS A NORFOLK TERRIER PUP

The wiry, waterproof coat of the Norfolk terrier comes in colors such as wheaten, black, red or grizzle and actually consists of two layers. A soft protective coating underneath becomes the hard, straight hair of the outer layer. The head, as well as the perky folded ears, have short hair that is smooth and gives way to expressive intelligent brown eyes. The ears are folded over and carried forward, giving a curious and intelligent expression to the fox-like face of the Norfolk. The terrier has noticeable whiskers and eyebrows that add to the various expressions this breed will exhibit. They have a sturdy looking body and well developed legs, making them solid little dogs rather than delicate in appearance.The coat of the Norfolk Terrier is coarse, and waterproof on the outside and dense and thick on the inner layer. The topcoat is very resistant to moisture as well as helps to protect the dog when going through dense brush or vegetation.

THIS IS A PAINTING OF
TWO NORFOLK TERRIER PUPS.

The Norfolk terrier, like its close relative the Norwich terrier, were bred for hunting rats and other vermin in farm areas and urban centers.The Norfolk was used as a fox bolting dog, trained to go into the caves and dens where foxes would hide during a hunt to get them back out into the chase.They are avid hunters and chasers. The Norfolk terrier loves to play fetch and chase after small objects.The Norfolk terrier is a remarkable breed of dog that enjoys a high level of exercise but can also tolerate a day or two of relaxation every now and again.They are eager to go out for a walk, run or a ride in the car to the park or for a hike. Many owners of Norfolk terriers enter these small dogs in various types of events as a form of both mental and physical exercise for the dogs. Two such events are flat racing and flyball.

East European Sheperd

The East European Shepherd—also called the Byelorussian Ovcharka, Owczarek Wschodnioeuropejski and Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka (EES)—is a breed of dog that was created by cross-breeding original German Shepherd Dogs with Husky types of Russian origin.These dogs were bred initially for military use; the dogs were bred specifically for their intelligence.This is a rare breed and is not so popular in western countries.

A 2 YEAR OLD EAST EUROPEAN
SHEPERD

The East-European Shepherd is larger than an German Shepherd: males are 66-71 centimetres (26–28 inches) at the withers, while females are 58-66 centimetres (23–26 inches). Along with a short coat of dense fur, they have strong (but not coarse) bones and well-developed muscles. Their coat is medium in length with a well-developed undercoat. They are heavy shredders and shed lots of fur. The acceptable colors for these dogs include saddled (that can be saturated to give an almost black-and-tan or black-and-red appearance), blanket-back black and tan, solid black, and solid liver. Some rare colors include: blue (saddle, blanket-back, and solid), silver, and solid white. Agouti—gray and red is permitted for breeding but not desired.The head of an East-European Shepherd is of a 'wolfish' appearance, resting on a long neck in rather massive collar fir; it is proportional to the rest of the body. It is triangular and wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded forehead. The muzzle is equal in length to the skull, and the lower jaw is well developed. With large teeth in full complex and powerful jaw muscles, the dog is capable of a very strong hold and scissor-cutting bite . Their ears are medium in size and pricked. Their eyes are medium, oval, and dark, with close-fitting, well-colored eyelids. Acceptable colors for breeding are amber, brown and hazel.Their backs are strong, wide, and long. The loins are long and wide, well-muscled and slightly arched. Their croup is wide, long, and slightly sloping towards the tail. The tail is long, bears thick fir, erected in a form of a sword when the dog's excited. The chest is moderately wide, while the belly is reasonably tucked up. The chests are scimitar in form, reaching the hocks or slightly longer in some cases. The legs are strong and straight; feet are oval and compact. The dog's pace is of a trotter, rather than of a skid, sliding just above the ground so typical to other German Shepherds' cousins.

THIS IS AN EAST
-EUROPEAN SHEPERD

The East-European Shepherds are very agile, sensitive, loyal, and devoted to their owners. The East-European Shepherd is balanced, confident, intelligent, and playful; however, it is known to be unsure of strangers. It is a tough breed, and can be aggressive, making it a great guard dog.East-European Shepherds are working dogs and need to be exercised regularly. They were bred for their intelligence and they are quick learners. Their ability to stand many extreme climates allows them to live outside, as well as inside. They perform well as hunting dogs and can work as draught dogs in a group of the same.One of the main reason to create this breed was to remove hip and elbow dysplasia, that is a common disease in German Shepherds which may lead to the dog experiencing pain in later life and may cause arthritis. Due to the large and open nature of their ears, East-European Shepherds are not prone to ear infections.