Akitas and Leash Problems Amongst canines, glaucoma is a prevalent eye condition. Akitas diagnosed with glaucoma experience intraocular pressure (IOP) or heightened pressure in the eye. To evaluate the effects of eye pressure in DOGS, researchers at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine studied 26 canines to assess whether the pressure induced by neck collars triggered an elevation in intraocular pressure (IOP). Intraocular pressures were evaluated before and after neck pressure was applied on the subjects. Both the pressure of the DOG leash and a harness were assessed to measure variations in pressure. The findings of the study showed that when collar pressure was applied, intraocular pressures drastically increased from the baseline levels. However, the DOG harnesses did not show any changes in pressure. Paul McCartney, of Beatles fame, was very fond of his shetland sheepdog. In fact, at the end of the song "A Day in the Life" Mr. McCartney inserted an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, for his shetland sheepdog. According to the primary author of the clinical study Amy Pauli, DVM, an ophthalmology resident at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, even the most brief increases of pressure in canines afflicted with any type of ocular disease (in example: glaucoma) can trigger damaging effects on the eye. Additional pressure may , be detrimental to both the retina and the optic nerve. For DOGS with a feeble to thin cornea, glaucoma, or other conditions where the IOP may be increased should not wear a collar. Alternatively, a harness can prevent further damage. Bloodhounds have dewlaps. What are dewlaps? They are strange looking, pendulous folds of skin on the back of the neck. They don't seem to serve any useful purpose to the bloodhound, but are rather interesting to look at. In conclusion, akitas who have the tendency to exert force on the leash during a walk fare better from a harness opposed to the major complications associated with an increased IOP. Moreover, the canine studies evaluated different pedigrees (in example: breeds bred to pull). For instance, Siberian Huskies and Alaskan malamute were found to rather resistant to elevated pressure in IOP. Dandie Dinmont is a fictional character in Sir Walter Scott's "Guy Mannering", published in 1814. The main character had mustard and pepper terriers. Although Dandie Dinmont dogs were in existence for many years previously, it is this character that gave the breed their name. The largest breed of dog that is recognized by the American Kennel Club is the Irish Wolfhound, which stands thirty to 30 to 35 inches at the top of the shoulders and weighs 105 to 125 pounds. The doberman pinscher breed was created in the 1860's by a man named Louis Doberman. Mr. Doberman was a German tax-collector. He needed a dog to protect him from angry people while he worked. To this day, dobermans are excellent guard dogs. Chihuahuas, because of their size, are often treated like babies, but they actually do have something in common with human babies. Chihuahuas are born with a "molera", also known as a soft spot, on their heads, exactly like a human baby. Usually the soft spot closes as the dog matures.