Breed analysis Breed analysis is based on comparing your dog’s DNA with the DNA of dogs from over 350 breeds, types and varieties.
All dogs are related and share some DNA. Siblings share lots of their DNA (half of it in fact), cousins share a bit less (an eighth), and so on. Because dog breeds are made up of a closed group of dogs, all dogs in that breed share a lot of their DNA, typically about as much as second cousins, though it varies by breed. Different breeds that are closely related share somewhat less DNA, and dogs from very different breeds share even less DNA (but still much more DNA than either dog shares with a cat).
DNA is inherited in pieces, called chromosomes, that are passed along from parent to offspring. Each generation, these chromosomes are broken up and shuffled a bit in a process known as recombination. So, the length of the segments your dog shares with her ancestors decreases with each generation above her: she shares longer segments with her mom than her grandma, longer segments with her grandma than her great-grandma, and so on.
2. They finally found their star in a shelter in Tennessee. Shelby was discovered at the Cheatham County Animal Control Center in Tennessee when she was one-and-a-half years old. She was originally found scavenging for food at a nearby landfill. Though she was skinny and malnourished, “Shelby’s tail never stopped wagging, she was always happy,” Animal Control Officer T.J. Jordi told Inside Edition.
“When I met Shelby, we were instant BFFs,” says Howard. “I think that’s something you feel whenever you meet any kind of animal, because they’re so present, but there really is something special about Shelby. She’s a beautiful, sincere, brilliant, super adorable dog.”
Shelby, the dog who plays Bella, the lost dog trying to find her way back to her owner in “A Dog’s Way Home,” was herself a stray at one point.
The movie received an “Outstanding” grade from Humane Hollywood. You can read production details here. (Including which animals were real, which were CGI and which were taxidermied.)
The production also rescued Amber, Shelby’s stand-in, from another facility, in South Carolina. At the time of filming, Amber was about two-and-a-half. “Amber definitely has specialties, which is what you want in a team,” says Miller. “She loves to do fast things, like digging in the sand much more quickly. Shelby’s a little bit more relaxed, a little bit more casual and natural for what we do.”
Keeshonden: What a Unique Breed!
Your dog is special! She’s your best friend, companion, and a source of unconditional love. Chances are that you chose her because you like Kees and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle:
However, no dog is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics:
Is it all worth it? Of course! She’s full of personality, and you love her for it! She is a cheerful and amusing companion who enjoys being the center of attention.
The Keeshond originated in Holland in the 1700’s and was bred for companionship and as a watchdog for riverboats, barges, and farms. The Keeshond is known for its lip-curling grin, inspiring the nickname “the smiling dutchman.” In Europe, the Keeshond is called the German Wolfspitz. Keeshonden crave attention and are friendly to all people as well as most pets. The Keeshond has a stable temperament making a playful and lively family companion. Kees are natural watchdogs but rarely aggressive.
We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Keeshond. By knowing about health concerns specific to Keeshonden, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks.
Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet’s breed. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions we’ve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Keeshonden to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. Of course, we can’t cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms.
This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Keeshonden. This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Kees looking and feeling her best. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.
