African Cichlids

by Amy Tokic

Published: January 14th, 2014

About African Cichlids

Group

Freshwater

Size

Varies

Temperament

Aggressive

Aquarium Size

Large (50+ gal)

Swimming Region

Middle

Fish Water Condition

Varies depending on species

Suitable Tank Mates

Various species of African Cichlids

Difficulty Of Care

Weekly care

Top Breed

African Cichlids General Description

African cichlids are considered to be one of the most diverse, intelligent, active and colorful families of freshwater fish in the modern aquarium hobby. Most species are also fairly hardy and are perfect for both novice and experienced aquarists. They can be a bit more aggressive than your average tropical fishes, though, so not all types of African cichlids will get along well with other tank mates.

That said, it is very important that aquarists carefully research each species’ specific requirements before attempting to raise them.Whether it’s which other species they tolerate or what food they need to eat, it’s crucial to get all the details right if you want your cichlids to thrive. To find out if any of the varieties of African cichlids is the right choice for your aquarium, read on.

African cichlids are considered to be one of the most diverse, intelligent, active and colorful families of freshwater fish in the modern aquarium hobby.

Origins

As their name suggests, most species of African cichlids originate from one of Africa’s three great lakes – Lake Malawi, Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. Even though they make up just one branch of the enormous and diverse Cichlid family, these freshwater fishes come in many different types and varieties. Some African cichlids thrive in the depths of the Lake Malawi, finding their home 490 feet under the surface, whereas others prefer shallow waters.

Color

African cichlids come in a dazzling array of colors ranging from red, blue, orange, yellow, green, brown and black. In fact, it’s precisely their stunning variety of vibrant colors what makes this family of fishes so popular among aquarium owners.

Colors of African cichlid differ between sexes, and males will be much more flamboyant than females, who tend to be a bit toned down in comparison. The vibrancy of the colors of your fish will also be a good indicator of their health. Fishes whose colors are dull or seem faded are highly likely to be sick, as healthy African cichlid has bright scales.

Maintenance and care

Despite their highly exotic appearance, African cichlids are actually one of the hardiest families of freshwater fish. In fact, they are resistant to most diseases that plague other species of freshwater fish and can easily live for 5 to 8 years in a well maintained aquarium.

Whenever you’re introducing a new species of fish into your tank, you should pay attention to what their original habitat was and try to recreate the conditions as closely as possible. Of course, in the majority (if not all) cases, the fish you’ll be keeping are bred in captivity, but it doesn’t mean that their needs are not the same as they are in the wild. There are many different types of African cichlids, but, in general, they all have similar requirements.

The aquarium in which these fishes live should be spacious enough. Most varieties are around 6 inches in size when fully mature, and will do well in a 20 gallon tank. Those who are slightly bigger and grow to be about 8 inches in size should have a 30 gallon tank. As for the water inside your aquarium setup, these fishes need moving water to be happy. For some species, the current generated from the filter will be enough, but those like Lionhead Cichlid or Nigerian Green Cichlid will need a water or an air pump to mimic the stronger currents of their river habitat.

The water in the great African lakes is actually quite hard, and these cichlids will prefer it to soft water. The ph of the water should be between 7.8 and 8.5, depending on the specific variety you have. Naturally, the temperature of water in their place of origin is warm, so you’ll have to make sure the heater keeps water toasty at a temp of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29.4 degrees Celsius).

In their natural habitat, African cichlids dwell in lake bottoms littered with vast amounts of rock and rubble. It is advisable to recreate this type of atmosphere in the aquarium. Not only will this help most species feel at home, but it will also minimize territorial fights because each fish will have an ample number of hiding places to choose from to guard as its own. They will also like to dig at the bottom of the tank, so it’s advisable you choose a fine aquarium substrate that won’t cause injury.

Another important thing to keep in mind when keeping African cichlids is that they are aggressive and territorial. For this reason, they are best kept in aquariums with their own kind as they can often harass and sometimes kill easier going species of fish. When matching various species in an aquarium it is important to carefully research their specific water requirements, temperaments and regions beforehand. A general rule of thumb is not to mix fish from different regions of Africa.

Feeding

African cichlids are gregarious eaters and will readily devour most types of foods. They should be fed on a varied diet consisting of both frozen and processed foods like pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms and beef heart.

Despite their highly exotic appearance, African cichlids are actually one of the hardiest families of freshwater fish.

Breeding

The various species of African cichlids have vastly different and extremely interesting breeding habits. For the most part they are parental and zealously guard their eggs and young from other fish.

Aquarium varieties

Electric Yellow Cichlid, Electric Blue Cichlid, Lake Victoria Cichlid, Red Zebra Cichlid, Moorei Cichlid, Blue Peacock Cichlid, Hap Cichlid, Buffalo Head Cichlid, Mbuna Mixed Cichlid, etc.

Photo credit: Julian Matz/Wikimedia; Chrumps/Wikimedia

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Lake Tanganyika Cichlids

Lake Tanganyika Cichlids General Description It is estimated that 98% of all Lake Tanganyika cichlids are endemic to the lake. The largest genus of Lake Tanganyika cichlid is the Tropheus genus, though there are also numerous Goby Cichlids and cichlids from other genuses including Neolamprologus, Julidochromis, Cyprichromis, and Altolamprologus. Though the details vary from one species to another, most Lake Tanganyika cichlids are aggressive fish that should be housed separately or as a breeding pair. It is sometimes possible to keep different types of Lake Tanganyika cichlid together in a very large tank as long as they are not conspecific. With more than 250 species of cichlid living in Lake Tanganyika, these fish exhibit a wide variety of colors and patterns. Origins Lake Tanganyika is one of the African Great Lakes and it is the second largest body of water in the world as well as the second deepest. This lake is home to at least 250 different species of cichlid as well as 75 other species. Color With more than 250 species of cichlid living in Lake Tanganyika, these fish exhibit a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some of the colors you may see in these cichlids include red, yellow, blue, green, black, and brown. Many Lake Tanganyika cichlids exhibit splotches of color on the sides with or without dark vertical bars or white spotting. Maintenance and Care

Hap Cichlids

Hap Cichlids General Description Malawi Cichlids are those endemic to a rift lake in Africa called Lake Malawi. There are a number of different genus of cichlids that can be found in Lake Malawi but one of the largest is the Haplochromis genus – fishes belonging to this genus are commonly called Hap cichlids. Though many of the species that were once categorized in this genus have since been recategorized, the name Hap cichlid is still used as a general term for any non-Mbuna cichlid from the African Rift Valley. These cichlids are generally moderately aggressive and somewhat territorial, especially for males of the same species, though they can sometimes be kept with large, non-aggressive species. Hap cichlids exhibit a wide variety of colorations and patterns ranging from solid blue to multicolored combinations of red, orange, and purple. Origins Lake Malawi is located in Southeastern Africa and it is the second largest and the second deepest of all of the African Rift Valley lakes. It is the ninth largest lake in the world and home to more species of fish than any other lake, including an estimated 1,000 species of cichlid – approximately 230 of these species are Hap cichlids. Color Hap cichlids exhibit a wide variety of colorations and patterns ranging from solid blue to multicolored combinations of red, orange, and purple. Many Hap cichlids exhibit stripes or bars of color as well as mottled or spotted patterns in some species. Hap cichlids are generally silver or gray when they are juveniles – they do not develop their color until later. Females are generally more dull in coloration than males. Maintenance and Care

Asian Cichlids

Asian Cichlids General Description Cichlids are one of the largest families of freshwater fishes with more than 2,000 unique species having already been described. Most cichlids are located in Africa or in the Americas, but there are a few species that are endemic to Asia. Several Asian cichlids remain fairly small, under 5 inches, but there are some like the Mango Tilapia which can grow to lengths exceeding 15 inches and the Nile Tilapia reaching 24 inches in length. Many of the cichlid species found in Asia are raised as food sources, but some species like the Green Chromide can be kept as pets in the home aquarium. Aquarium species can generally be kept with other cichlids of similar size as well as other fish that have similar water condition requirements. Most cichlids are located in Africa or in the Americas, but there are a few species that are endemic to Asia. Origins There are nine species of Asian cichlid which can be found in Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Iran, India, and Sri Lanka. Two species of Tristramella simonsis have been labeled extinct and one species, Tristramella sacra, may be extinct, though it has not been confirmed. Color Many of the Asian cichlid species are fairly dull in coloration though the Chromides (genus Etroplus) can exhibit different shades of green and orange. Some Asian cichlids also exhibit gold spots on the body or a gold tint overall with or without dark vertical bars. Maintenance and Care

Peacock Cichlids

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Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

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By rubbing against them, they aren’t showing affection or telling you that they like this person – they are still checking them out to figure out whether they deem them trustworthy and welcome in your home. As such, they may also appear nervous or unsettled with wide eyes, ears flattened back against their head, or a twitching tail. Asking for AttentionThis is the reason most people associate with head rubbing. It’s quite possible your cat is feeling affectionate and asking to be pet. In these cases, your cat will likely show other signs of love and affection, such as: Purring Meowing Slow blinking Licking you (ask grooming or “giving kisses”) Love bites Kneading Rolling on their back before/after to show their bellyFollowing you aroundWhen your cat is being affectionate like this, petting them may not stop the behavior. In fact, giving them attention can encourage further head rubbing as they enjoy this bonding moment. Letting You Know They Need SomethingCats are creatures of routine. They will notice if you are late for something typically scheduled, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they let you know. For example, if you are late filling their food dish, they may try to remind you that it’s mealtime. The head rubbing may be accompanied by little nips demanding your attention. My two cats, Pippen and Jinx, will use head rubbing to ask for many different things, including letting me know they would like a treat, alerting me that their water dish is running low, or asking me to clean the litterbox. Pay attention to whether your cat is just head rubbing against you or if their attention appears to be torn between you and something else. A cat asking for treats may rub against the cupboard where they are kept, while a cat wanting their water dish filled may wander over to check the dish. Marking Their “Territory” As I mentioned above, pheromones are often used to communicate with other cats. When it comes to head rubbing, your cat is leaving pheromones that tell others that you have been claimed. You are their person, and they aren’t afraid to make it known! The truth is that cats are territorial creatures and want to make sure they are marking their territory, even if that territory is another living, breathing being. This head-rubbing approach may also be used to establish ownership over other members of their family, regular visitors/friends they love, or even inanimate objects throughout your home. Be warned, if you have multiple cats in the home, this marking behavior may lead to some fights and turf wars. Whether you are introducing a new cat to the house or seeing territorial behavior arise between two existing cats, you can use pheromones to relieve the tension. Pheromone diffusers have been found to calm conflict, helping create a more peaceful home. In our house, we have had a lot of luck with the Feliway MultiCat Calming Pheromone Diffuser in the early days of introducing new cats, including the foster cats that have come into our home temporarily over the years.

Teeth Grinding in Cats: Why It Happens

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Winter weather can be harsh for our feline friends, even those with the luxury of spending the cold winter months indoors. As temperatures drop and the wind howls, it’s crucial to ensure your cat stays warm and cozy. After all, you wouldn’t want your best friend to be uncomfortable!In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and tricks to keep your cat comfortable during the colder months. These steps will help your kitty feel warm and toasty, from providing cozy nooks to adjusting their diet.Plus, I’ll explore tips for keeping your cat warm while traveling in winter to help you prepare for the upcoming holiday season.What is the Ideal Temperature for Cats? Cats naturally have a higher body temperature than humans do. A healthy adult cat’s temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result of this, they tend to prefer warmer temperatures than we would. This is great in the summer months but can make it challenging to keep your best friend comfortable during the colder temperatures of the winter. A healthy cat is happies in temperatures between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. During the cooler months, an adult cat can adjust comfortably to temperatures as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit. But this can vary if your cat is a young kitten or senior, as their tolerance isn’t as high. There are also several medical conditions that may make your cat more sensitive to cold temperatures, including diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, Cushing’s disease, and some forms of cancer. If your cat is living with joint pain or similar conditions, the colder winter temperatures may also cause them to experience more aches and pains. Signs You Cat is Feeling Cold Recognizing when your cat is starting to feel chilly will help you make the necessary adjustments to keep them comfortable. It would be so helpful if our cats couple talk to us in English, letting us know how they feel and what they need. Unfortunately, that’s not reality. As cat parents, we must become masters of non-verbal communication including body language and behavioral changes. Some of the more common signs your cat is feeling cold include: ShiveringBreathing slowlySlower heart rateCurling up into a ballHunching down close to the groundExtremities cold to the touch (ears, paws, tail)Lack of activityAppearing confused or disoriented Muscle stiffness Weakness Seeking warm spots in the houseThe sooner you recognize that your cat is feeling cold, the faster you can respond and make sure they are feeling comfortable. This is also key to preventing cold-related medical conditions and complications like hypothermia. Take steps to warm up if you notice any of the above warning signs. If you are trying to warm your cat up and they are still showing signs they are cold, contact your veterinarian. 8 Tips to Keep Your Cat Warm This Winter As cat parents, we love our cats and want to give them the best possible quality of life. With that in mind, we need to find ways to keep them warm and cozy even when the temperatures drop. If your furnace is running all winter keeping the temperatures within their ideal temperature range, this may not be a problem you need to worry about. However, in many parts of the United States, keeping the temperatures in your house over 77 degrees Fahrenheit can be quite costly! Plus, there are those of us who use alternative heating sources like baseboard heating and woodstoves that can make it challenging to keep all areas of the home at the temperatures your cat would prefer. If you’re concerned your cat may be feeling a little chilly, here are a few steps you can take to help keep them cozy: Stick to Indoors Do you have a cat that indoors spending time outdoors? While I am a huge fan of safe outdoor adventures with my furry family members (camping, hiking, etc.), there are times when it is better to stick to the more comfortable environment indoors. This isn’t to say your cat can’t enjoy some on-leash time exploring the ice and snow. My one cat, Pippen, adores playing in the snow. But it’s our responsibility as cat parents to keep an eye on the temperatures and limit their time outdoors when it could be unsafe. Offer Warm and Cozy Bedding One of the easiest ways to keep your cat comfortable is by offering extra bedding to allow them to snuggle in and create a cozy place to nap. There are several great options to consider, depending on your cat’s personal preference. Donut style beds have higher sides, like a warm hug. Not only have these beds been found to keep cats warmer, but they are also said to have calming properties. The Bedsure Calming Cat Bed for Indoor Cats is a favourite in our house. With two cats, we had to pick up multiple beds to avoid fights over who got to sleep in the fluffy, comfy spot. Another option for cozy cat beds that I have seen several pet parents sharing is a covered bed or cat cave. This helps keep your cat warmer by trapping the warm air inside the bed with your kitty. The smaller the entry to your cat’s bed, the less warm air will be able to escape while they are sleeping inside. However, some cats find being in an enclosed space like this frightening as they are trapped and can’t escape if threatened. Finally, make sure to include plenty of cozy blankets they can snuggle into. The more blankets they have to move around and nest in, the better. They will arrange their sleeping space to best suit their needs. Use a Heated Bed or MatAnother great solution for creating a warm, cozy sleeping spot for your cat is to use a heated bed or mat. There are two options to consider, depending on the availability of nearby sockets and your personal preferences/comfort level. The first is a typical plug-in heated bed similar to heated blankets and mattress covers used on our own beds. These heated beds have controls giving you the ability to easily change the temperature to suit your cat’s needs. They can also be set to turn off after a specified time to avoid the bed becoming too warm or drawing too much power. An alternative is to use a self-heated design. Self-heated beds and cat mats reflect your cat’s own body heat when they are lying on them. This creates a warm, heated sleeping spot without the need for electricity. Not only are these great for locations with no available nearby socket, but they are also the perfect solution for cats who tend to chew electrical cords.

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Can You Leash and Harness Train a Rabbit?

Rabbits, with their adorable faces and curious personalities, are growing in popularity as companions and family members. While setting up a comfortable habitat with your rabbit’s basic needs is essential, we can’t overlook the importance of mental and physical enrichment.There are many great products to incorporate enrichment in their cage or pen. The options are endless, from adorable food puzzles and enrichment toys to climbing structures and tasty chews. One form of enrichment I have heard discussed more lately is using a leash and harness to take your rabbit outdoors safely.Leash training a rabbit is possible, but you must approach it with patience, understanding, and respect for their natural instincts. It’s a delicate process that requires a gentle hand and a deep understanding of your rabbit’s needs and limitations. You want to open the door to enjoyable experiences while keeping them safe.Let’s discuss the steps to successfully leash training a rabbit and how to know if your best friend will be comfortable with this.What Are the Benefits of Leash Training a Rabbit? If you’re hearing about leash training a rabbit for the first time, you may be wondering why you would consider teaching your rabbit to walk on a leash. While this activity is common with dogs, seeing other pets exploring while wearing a harness is less common. Still, it is gaining popularity with a growing number of adventure cats, leash-trained small animals, and even birds and reptiles learning to use these tools to go outdoors safely. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider introducing your rabbit to a harness and leash: Enjoy the Outdoors Safely There are many benefits a rabbit can enjoy from spending time outdoors, from the fresh air and sunshine to grazing on the fresh grass and clover. The new sounds, sights, smells, and experiences are a great way to enjoy mental and physical enrichment, but letting your rabbit run loose could put them at serious risk. Unless you have a secure outdoor cage to keep your rabbit safe, leash training is the only way to take them outside while avoiding danger like potential predators, toxins, traffic, and more. Keeping your bunny on a leash means you can take steps to keep them safe if a problem arises. Get Them Moving Many pets today struggle with obesity. While there are several potential causes of this obesity epidemic, one problem that veterinarians and experts often see is a lack of physical activity. You can incorporate more exercise into your schedule indoors, but this could introduce risk factors like small enclosures that don’t allow enough room to hop around freely or concerns about rabbit-proofing.The outdoors is a literal playground with plenty of space to play. Taking your rabbit out on a leash allows them to enjoy that area freely. Prevent Boredom Can you imagine spending all day, every day, in a small cage or enclosure? Unless you take steps to offer mental and physical enrichment opportunities to enhance your rabbit’s life, they run the risk of suffering from boredom. In time, boredom can lead to behavior problems. Some common signs of boredom in rabbits include: Over-grooming Excessive chewing on cage bars, furniture, or other things they shouldn’tDigging/shredding obsessivelyLoss of interest in usual activities Overeating (eating out of boredom)Weight gain Uncharacteristic aggression (growling, scratching, biting)Taking your rabbit out to spend some time outdoors on-leash is an excellent way to provide the mental stimulation they need. Each new smell and sound expands their world just a little further. The training process is another great way to challenge your rabbit’s mind. We often think of training dogs to sit or roll over, but rabbits can also be trained to do many things. From functional “tricks” like leash training or teaching your rabbit to use a litter box to introducing tricks like “spin” and “beg,” rabbits are intelligent animals who may just surprise you! Controlled Socialization Nothing is wrong with your rabbit meeting and engaging with other animals, but it must be done in a controlled and safe environment. This includes meeting with humans when out and about. That said, an introduction in their cage or habitat can be stressful as they feel cornered or unsafe. It can also create ongoing stress as they no longer see their habitat as a safe place where no one else can put them in harm’s way. Taking your rabbit out on a leash in an open space where they feel they have plenty of escape routes is a great way to approach this (assuming they are comfortable being on a leash by the time you do the introductions). It allows you to control the introductions while giving the illusion of freedom, allowing everyone to move at their own pace. Opportunities for Quality Time Of course, when we bring a pet into our lives, one of the most significant benefits we experience is the love and companionship they offer us. But that’s a two-way street! Spending time interacting and engaging with you is also incredibly important for your rabbit. It’s not necessary to go outdoors to spend time together. However, if you and your rabbit both enjoy spending time outdoors, it’s a great opportunity to spend some time together and strengthen that special animal-human bond. Are Some Rabbit Breeds Better Suited for Leash Training? Any rabbit has the potential to enjoy spending time outdoors. However, some breeds may have natural personality traits that give them a little edge. For example, an anxious or uneasy rabbit won’t enjoy being forced into a new situation. Instead, you want to choose a rabbit that is calm even when faced with something new and unknown. Plus, some rabbit breeds are said to be easier to train. Based on the most common personality traits of each breed, some options you may want to consider include: Rex Holland Lop Dutch Himalayan Flemish GiantOf course, within each of those breeds will be some who aren’t suited for a life of outdoor adventure. Take time to get to know your rabbit, including their personal quirks and traits. Consider whether this is an activity they will enjoy, adding to the quality of their life, or one that will put them in an unpleasant and uncomfortable situation. After all, like people, no two rabbits are the same – some rabbits are homebodies and introverts, too!

Why Do Dogs Burrow in Their Blankets?

Have you ever watched your dog bury themselves beneath a mountain of blankets, only to peek their head out with a look of pure joy and bliss? It’s a behavior that’s incredibly common. Yet it leaves so many dog parents confused – especially when your dog chooses to disappear into the blankets in the middle of the summer heat!Why are dogs so drawn to burrowing under their blankets? Is this a quirky habit, or is there a deeper reason for this cozy behavior?Let’s take a look at the fascinating world of canine behavior. We’ll talk about the instincts that encourage your dog to dig into their bedding to create that perfect “nest” and other interesting behaviors related to puppy bedtime.Why Do Dogs Love to Burrow?Like many dog habits, burrowing can be traced back to their evolutionary roots and the survival instincts of their wild ancestors. In the wild, dogs burrow in the ground to create a safe space to rest or raise their young. We still see these dens being used by foxes and wolves. Dens not only offered a place to hide from potential predators but also protected them from the elements. Today, domesticated dogs obviously aren’t faced with the same risks. However, this doesn’t take away from the natural desire to keep themselves safe. Burrowing into the blankets to create a den creates a space where your dog feels safe and secure. It makes sense to snuggle under the blankets in the winter for a little added warmth. But what about the summer? Next time you are outdoors on a hot summer day, dig away a little dirt, and you’ll find that while the surface is warm, the ground a little further down is much cooler. Therefore, they associate this behavior with finding a cooler spot shielding them from the summer heat. Can Dogs Breathe Comfortably Under the Covers? One concern I often hear when people see my dog Lucifer snuggling happily under the covers (his favorite place to sleep) is whether he can breathe safely. When assessing whether your dog’s burrowing behavior is safe, take a moment to consider their survival instinct. If a dog gets into a situation where they can’t breathe, they aren’t going to choose to remain there – instead, they will make an effort to get back out to safety as quickly as possible. A dog snuggling happily under the blankets feels safe and secure, meaning they can clearly breathe well enough to feel comfortable there. If you’re still concerned about the safety of your blanket-loving dog, take a moment to look at the blankets that are available to them: Are they thick, heavy blankets that can be stuffy, cutting off airflow? Are they thinner or designed in a way that allows airflow? Consider offering multiple blankets of varying thicknesses. This will allow your dog to burrow in and find the blanket (or combination of blankets) that makes them feel the most comfortable. Which Dog Breeds Are More Likely to Exhibit Burrowing Behavior?Some dog breeds are more likely to engage in this behavior. This is usually due to the roles your dog’s ancestors were bred to perform. For instance, Huskies and Malamutes are often burrowers. These are Arctic breeds that lived and worked in subzero temperatures. Creating dens in the snow was a necessary part of their survival when living in those conditions, making it an instinctual behavior. While your northern dog may no longer live in the land of ice and snow, they still exhibit many of the same instincts. Dogs that were bred to hunt rodents are also natural burrowers. During their hunts, they would often dig to help them squeeze into the small dens and tunnels created by their prey, flushing them out. This includes smaller breeds like Dachshunds and Terriers. Any dog, regardless of breed, may embrace the joy of burrowing – either digging a den outdoors or burrowing into the blankets. Just ask my German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog, Lucifer. He loves nothing more than to snuggle comfortably under the blankets!

5 of the Rarest Cat Breeds

There are many cat breeds that you can choose from, and some are much more common and easy to find than others, including in shelters and rescues. Rarer cat breeds, such as those listed below, are harder to come by. They might not be as well-known or as popular as other breeds, and there may not be as many breeders as a result. Once you get to know the defining characteristics and features of these breeds, though, you might want to find a way to bring one into your family.

A Month of TLC Transforms a Practically Feral Dog Into a Loving Pet

A two-year-old Great Pyrenees, named Wesley, arrived at Austin Pets Alive with a nasty-looking neck wound. One look at the fluffy pooch would surely melt your heart, but a month ago Wesley desperately hoped no one would look his way. According to a post from Austin Pets Alive, rescuers found a practically feral Wesley running with a pack of stray dogs. A concerned citizen called Austin Animal Center after they spotted a fluffy dog with a serious-looking neck wound. After receiving the call, Austin Animal Center picked up the injured Great Pyrenees and removed a piece of old rope that was embedded in the dog’s neck. Since Wesley still required medical assistance after the rope was removed, Austin Animal Center transferred him to Austin Pets Alive.   Wesley arrived at the rescue frightened and in pain. “He needed lots of medical care, attention, and his favorite snack, cheese, which he prefers to enjoy when no one’s watching,” said Clare Callison, the director of national programs at Austin Pets Alive. Thanks to donations, the rescue was able to cover the cost of Wesley’s wound care, which totaled hundreds of dollars. “Our community’s love for pets is immense and generous donations help cover Wesley’s medical expenses and ensure he receives the best care possible.”While donations helped heal Wesley’s flesh wounds, Alex, an Austin Pets Alive staff member helped mend the dog’s broken heart. “The fluffy boy was in need of our Medical Triage & Wellness Clinic due to a large wound around his neck, but he was practically feral, so giving him medical attention required some added patience,” wrote Austin Pets Alive in a Facebook post. Over the next several weeks, “Alex showed up for Wesley day in and day out, patiently showing this injured soul that people can be good and offer love. Gradually trust was gained and these two formed a friendship that will last a lifetime,” the rescue wrote in a post. When Wesley first arrived at the rescue, he was shut down and scared. The poor pooch didn’t want to be seen or touched, shying from any physical affection. Over time and thanks to Alex’s continued efforts, Wesley started to open up. Gradually, the pup began to acclimate to love and affection, starting with gentle touches and petting and working up to real play sessions. At first, Wesley was terrified of wearing a harness and walking on a leash. But thanks to Alex’s patience and a lot of delicious treats the fluffy pup is no longer scared of being leashed and enjoys going on long walks. Only a month after he arrived at the rescue in a horrifying condition, Wesley has blossomed into a trusting and loving dog. Soon after, Wesley was deemed healthy and placed in a foster-to-adopt home, handpicked by Alex. The pup’s new family has spent weeks getting to know him and learning about his routine and the things he likes and dislikes. According to Austin Pets Alive, Wesley has settled nicely into his new home and has adjusted to his new family.This pooch made a 180 transforming from a practically feral stray dog to a loving and affectionate companion to his new family. This goes to show that a little patience, love, and determination can make a huge difference in the life of a stray dog.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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