@raventreeranch

Rosettes to RuinMaking & Breaking Dogs in the Show RingChanges in the shape of the Bull Terrier head, 1930, 1950, 1980Photos courtesy of the Albert Heim Foundation for Canine Research, Berne, SwitzerlandThe pictures above are a physical and visible monument to what the show ring did to one terrier breed in less than 50 years time.Bulldog and terrier crosses, which once had powerful jaws well-placed to do important work (gripping and holding semi-wild bulls and pigs so they could be altered or slaughtered), were rapidly transformed at the turn of the 20th Century to the point that the jaws of today's Bull Terrier, while still massive, are now no longer set at a proper angle to do the work

First of all, the site looks great Gary. This is Tonedog from back in the day. I decided to just randomly see if molosserdogs was still around, fearing the worst, but wow, looks good.  Maybe some controversial debate will help liven the place up a bit? lol Over the last few years I've been continuing my recreational research into dogs and dog history (which has now spanned many decades), and I've stumbled onto a realization that "mastiffs" basically don't exist and never did.   Hear me out...  I believe the mastiff category is merely comprised of retired dogs from various other functional types. They have no real genetic foundation making them a group and no real ancestral function. If you n

From signs and symptoms to what to do if your dog's been diagnosed, get the important dog cancer information you need.Posted: May 29, 2014, 2 p.m. PST While too many dogs still get diagnosed with cancer each year, new research and treatments are helping increase the quality and quantity of life for dogs with the disease. Education also works as a powerful tool in preventing and dealing with canine cancer. In observance of Pet Cancer Awareness Month in May, the staff at The Veterinary Cancer Center in Norwalk, Conn., offers information on the disease that can benefit both you and the dogs in your life. Do Dogs Get Cancer?Answer By Gina Olmsted, D.V.M.Not only do dogs get cancer, but cancer is

Beware! Plants Poisonous to DogsKnow which plants and foods are no-nos for your dog.By DC Editors | Posted: Mar 19, 2013, 3 p.m. EDTPeople are often surprised to learn that there are actually hundreds of plants potentially poisonous to dogs many of which could be in your home, or yard.The following is a list of some plants, trees, flowers, and foods that are poisonous to dogs:American bittersweet roots, leaves, berriesApple seeds, in large amountsApricot seedsAutumn crocus - Its active ingredient, colchicines, triggers an anti-metabolic effect that can cause rapidly dividing cells, shedding of the gastrointestinal tract, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Learn more>>Avocado leavesAzalea -