Why Do Akita's Dig? Have you ever wondered what your akita�s fascination with digging is? The Giant Schnauzer is known in german as "Riesenschnauzer", meaning "the giant". It should closely resemble the other Schnauzers, miniature and standard. However, they are really completely unique and unrelated breeds. They have just developed in such a way, over time, that they look similar to each other. In general, most of a canine�s behaviors are based on conditioning or instinctual. Digging, excavating and unearthing are instinctive behaviors. Not to mention, certain breeds are more prone to dig than others. The role of Toto, the male dog in the Wizard of Oz was actually played by a female Cairn Terrier named Terry. Cairn terriers are known for their brightness and cuteness. That, combined with their small size, made the breed perfect for the role. For instance, both Dachshunds and Terriers were bred originally for their exhuming skills. Otters, foxes, badgers and other game were the objects of these DOGS digging pleasures. Nonetheless, all canines dig for different purposes. From boredom, escaping or to acquire shelter, a akita will dig for a myriad of reasons. The Papillon is a small dog breed with distinctive large, fringed ears that earned it its name, the French word for butterfly. The Papillon is believed to be one of the oldest of the toy breeds. When akitas are left alone in the confines of the backyard, they will dig commonly out of boredom. Intelligent akitas require activities to busy their mind. If your akita is left outside for extended periods of time and you wish to discourage their digging behavior, give them toys where treats are buried inside. For example, interactive toys such as a Pet Planet or Kong produce rubber, chewy toys with delicious akitagie treats buried inside( These can be bought at http://www.scrooby.com ). The springer spaniel breed is well-known for having very high energy levels. In fact, the "spring" in "springer spaniel" referred to this dog's ability to spring out at, or startle game. They are excellent hunting dogs. On the contrary, other canines dig to escape the enclosure of a fenced yard. Since a akita's hearing is astute to say the least what lie beyond your back yard is quite compelling to your akita. For the non-neutered or spayed akita, digging represents the opportunity to escape to mate. Border collies are excellent at herding. But they don't descriminate between livestock and other things. This makes them great at things like fly-ball, obedience, tracking, fetching, Frisbee toss, and sheep herding. Sometimes they get out of hand though, several border collies have been known to try to herd small groups of children! For Owners who do not plan to breed their DOGS, neutering and spaying are the best alternatives to preventing the digging and escaping behaviors. Rhodesian ridgebacks have an actual ridge along the top of their backs. The ridge is made up of forward-growing hairs. This ridge gives the rhodesian ridgeback a unique and easily recognizable look. For other akitas, digging is a means of finding relief. Deep layers of soil are usually cooler. In hot weather, your akita may use digging to relieve its heated discomfort. The best way to prevent your akita from digging for cold soil is to provide an area of shade � so your akita can be healthy and comfortable. The Skye Terrier's origins are connected with a centuries old shipwreck. Early in the 1600's a Spanish ship wrecked on the Island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. Some of the survivors of the shipwreck were Maltese dogs that mated with the local terriers, creating a new and unique breed. Inbreeding causes about 3 out of every 10 dalmations suffer from some sort of hearing loss. The good news is that, like deaf people, they can easily be taught to recognize words in sign language and still make excellent companions.