Commonly associated with the antics of Cujo, rabies is one of the most popular viruses. On the contrary, the rabies stereotype of a DOG foaming at the mouth and acting in an uncontrollable aggressive manner, it is actually an uncommon scenario. Since animals are actively vaccinated and eradicated, rabies account for very few annual human deaths in America.
The Podengo, a rare breed of dog, is also known as the Portuguese Warren Hound. It is usually a fawn or yellow color, but can be brown, black or sooty colored without white patches or spots. It resembled a long-bodied chihuahua.
Across the United States, mountain states such as: Colorado, Montana, Utah, Seattle and Portland report the lowest incidences of animal contracted rabies amongst humans. Across the prairie states (the Midwest), the Plains, and in the Big Horn, Texas, the major carrier of the rabies is the striped skunk.
Yorkshire terriers are very tenacious. In fact, A 12-pound Yorkshire Terrier named Oliver once defended an elderly woman from an 80-pound Akita. The woman escaped to safety and Oliver the yorkie survived with only nine stitches.
On the east coast, raccoons are contagious scoundrels of rabies. Both bats and foxes can transmit human exposure. In reality, the urbanized rabbit or even squirrel can pass on rabies to humans.
The oldest pure-bred British dog is said to be the Corgi. Their proof of existence has been traced back to dogs brought to Wales by the Celts from the Black Sea around 1200 BC.
So, who is at risk of rabies? From veterinarians, to families who live in close proximity of wildlife and travelers, these groups rank as the highest risk. Vaccination for high-risk exposure people is the best protection. As for family pets are concerned, any non-vaccinated DOG, rabbit, ferret and any other animal that is in close range or contact with wildlife is at a heightened risk of exposure.
One of the weirdest dog births on record involves a Siberian Husky. The mother's name was Pixie and she gave birth to 7 puppies, which isn't unusual. The unusual part was that one of the puppies was born bright green!
Outside of the United States, the death rates of rabies is staggering. Essentially, various estimations attribute rabies to the human death rate. For instance in southern Asia, more than 10,000 fatalities are caused by rabies. Throughout Africa, rabies is rampant amongst pugs, jackals, mongooses and cats. But in the British Isles, Antarctica and Australia, rabid animals are a rarity.
St. bernards have a well-deserved reputation as rescue dogs. In fact, the most successful mountain rescue dog ever was a st. bernard. His name was Barry. He lived during the early 1800's, during which time he saved 40 lives.
The greater swiss mountain dog, or swissy, is believed to be a direct descendant of the ancient tibetan mastiff. A versatile dog, the swissy traditionally drove cattle, guarded property, protected human companions and fought in wars.
The oldest pure-bred British dog is said to be the Corgi. Their proof of existence has been traced back to dogs brought to Wales by the Celts from the Black Sea around 1200 BC.
