Rabbit Breed: American Fuzzy Lop

Origins: These rabbits were descended from Holland Lops, as a result of attempts to develop different markings (Holland Lops initially only had solid colors). Crossing with English Spots and French Angoras apparently had varied effects, such as the "right" markings but "wrong" fur type, and a "wool" fur type from a recessive gene. Around 1980, America breeder Patty Greene-Karl worked with the recessive "woolly" gene to breed "fuzzy" Holland Lops. From there, she developed a new breed, the American Fuzzy Lop, officially recognized in 1988.

Size: Small to medium, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds.

Physical Appearance: This cute bunny has a round and cobby body, short lop ears that hang about one inch below the jaw, and a flat wide face. It has a "no neck" appearance, with a proportionally large head. Fur is dense and long.

Characteristics: Affectionate, loving, sweet-tempered.

Colors: Nineteen recognized colors, including tortoiseshell, chocolate, lilac, chinchilla, squirrel, fawn, and others.

Special Facts: Adult American Fuzzy Lops are easier to groom than juvenile ones. Youngsters have soft coats that matt easily, so they need careful daily grooming. Once they mature and grow their "woolly" adult coats, these will be easier to care for.

Do You Buy Pets On Impulse?

Impulse pet shopping is always a bad idea!

Pet store animals are irresistible. They look like soft toys, and as they press their button noses and little paws to the glass, they seem to be pleading with you to take them home.

Many people succumb to the appeal without a thought. The credit card is pulled out, and the pet handed over in a pretty carrier. This happens especially often when the purchaser has children who are begging; "Pleeeeeeeeeease buy it for me, I promise to look after it forever!"

Unfortunately, "forever" usually lasts until the pet does its first poop on the bed, falls sick, starts to smell, or grows big and ugly. If only more people would just think carefully, do their research, and prepare the home and family first!

Pets are not toys to purchase and discard. They have emotions. They need stability, knowledgeable care and patient affection as well as proper diets, clean drinking water, baths, training, medical attention, toys, treats, walks, grooming, and clean living quarters.

When you tire of a toy, you can neglect it, sell it, destroy it, trash it, or give it away. But a pet is a living creature. It should never have to be neglected, killed, or passed around like a sack of unwanted goods just because someone did not think carefully before taking it home.

Pets need years and years--not weeks--of commitment. Think about that before you buy one. And please obtain the whole family's consent before acquiring a pet. "Mom doesn't approve" is a pathetic reason for giving away, killing. or abandoning an animal that depends on you to survive and sees you as its whole world.

Dog Breed: Shih Tzu

Origins: The Shih Tzu was bred from Tibetan and Chinese dogs, and kept as a pet by royalty and nobility.

Size: Small. About 26cm tall at the shoulder.

Physical Appearance: Double-coated, with a long, dense outer coat and thick undercoat. The hair is luxurious and flowing, usually straight but sometimes with a slight wave, and needs a tremendous amount of care. Owners are advised to tie the hair on the dog's head into a topknot to keep it neat and out of its eyes. Face has a sweet expression.

Characteristics: Intelligent, alert, active, happy, affectionate, friendly.

Colors: All colors.

Special Facts: Because Shih Tzus have similar origins to Lhasa Apsos the two breeds were confused in Europe adn the USA when they first reached the Western world in the 1930s. In the USA, Shih Tzus were even initially registered as Lhasa Apsos and interbred with them!