To find peace in an audio domain under a noisy life, noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones are a refuge for devotees of audiophiles and simple people. Regarding the numerous models available in the market, the 900 Legacy, 900 Legacy+, and BonoBeats Lite headphones stand out due to their desirable features. This article aims to cue users through the features and benefits of selecting the best noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones, concentrating on three models to make a peaceful journey.
Understanding Noise-Canceling Technology
Before explaining each type, we must familiarize ourselves with the fundamentals of noise-canceling technology. Noise-canceling technology does this by getting the signals from the external sounds and then producing the counter waves to counteract them. This technology has completely revolutionized how people in noisy places can relax.
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting noise-canceling headphones, consider things like comfort, battery life, sound quality, and the noise-cancellation functionality itself. The ideal pair does this in a way that complements and completes you to deliver the epitome of a listening experience.
The 900 Legacy: A Class Apart
The 900 Legacy headphones have an ANC (Advanced Noise Cancellation) system that blocks noise from disturbing your immersion. These headphones are stylish and sleek in design, but comfort is not compromised in the making.
Comfort: The 900 Legacy was built for long-term use with soft ear cushions and an easily adjustable headband.
Sound Quality: High-resolution audio deftly displays crisp and sharp sound, making up the music’s depth and the singer’s vocals.
Battery Life: The headphones have very good battery life and are perfect for fellow travelers and busy professionals.
900 Legacy+: Elevated Excellence
Building on the 900 Legacy’s existing foundation, the 900 Legacy+ features improved technologies that further the possibility of an immersive listening experience.
Enhanced ANC: In noisy spaces, the 900 Legacy+, which has a more advanced noise cancellation system, is a great option.
Additional Features: With Bluetooth 5.0 onboard for stable connection, rapid charging, and fast charging, the 900 Legacy+ is the headset of choice for the modern listener.
BonoBeats Lite: Light on the Ears, Heavy on Sound
BonoBeats Lite is designed specifically with lightweight comfort in mind and offers sound quality and noise cancellation performance as a value-add without compromise.
Portability: These headphones are designed with an urban lifestyle in mind, so they are small, lightweight, and have a foldable design that makes them convenient to carry around.
Efficient Noise Cancellation: I could keep the Lite at the same weight but not compromise on the sound isolation for its structure.
The 900 Legacy in Daily Commutes and Work Environments
As we approach the review of 900 Legacy, 900 Legacy+, and BonoBeats Lite, it’s crucial to mention how well they intertwine our lives. This part covers the practical use of the models. It provides real user stories demonstrating how the models work in different environments, from the urban thoroughfare’s raucousness to the office’s calm.
The 900 Legacy
Users find that the 900 Legacy makes their commutes calmer than ever. High-grade ANC can completely cut away the sounds of the subway and the office, not solitude, and focus on music or a podcast. Along with telecommuters and office employees who appreciate the comfort of wearing it for a long time, it is indispensable for promoting productivity and relaxation.
The 900 Legacy+
The 900 Legacy+ puts the travel joy back in business trips and travels through the creation of a bubble of calm. Thanks to its ANC and great audio quality, travelers will enjoy their favorite music without paying attention to the roar of airplane engines or the commotion of crowded airliners. The audiophiles who opt for high-fidelity sound admire the rich and sharp audio, as it enables them to grasp even the smallest details in the music.
BonoBeats Lite
This music player is an asset for people who like to keep moving; the BonoBeats Lite works miracles. Its compact, lightweight construction is perfect for fitness fanatics, city excursionists, and more. The headphones have enabled them to narrate tales of smooth transitions from outdoor activities to noisy cafes, and they do so with the headphones, which provide the needed noise cancellation and auditory quality despite their diminutive size.
Making the Right Choice
In this regard, selecting noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones revolves around personal taste and needs. 900 Legacy and 900 Legacy+ models offer top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality, and there is simply no better alternative. On the other hand, the Lite Version of BonoBeats offers a perfect selection for customers aiming at portability and convenience with some of the basic noise cancellation features intact.
Conclusion
In our era of noise pollution, where silence is a real treasure, the right Bluetooth headphones with a noise cancellation capability can redefine your whole listening experience. Whether you choose the 900 Legacy, the 900 Legacy+, or the BonoBeats Lite, each offers different features to embrace your thirst for calmness in an audio haven. Make sure to consider what you want from headphones—isolation from noises, sound quality, comfort, or portability—to make an informed decision that will improve every note of your tracks.
Pineberries, with their quirky appearance resembling strawberries but with a hint of pineapple flavor, have certainly captured attention in the fruit world. But, what if your fur baby gives you those pleading eyes when you’re enjoying them? Good news: in moderation, pineberries can be a delightful treat for dogs. As they are a hybrid between two varieties of strawberries, they are unlikely to cause any problems that strawberries do not.
Too many pineberries might upset a dog’s stomach. Thus, when introducing these unique fruits to your dog, start small, monitor their reaction, and always ensure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking hazards.
What Are Pineberries and How Do I Feed Them to My Dog?
Pineberries are hybrid fruits that look like white strawberries but have a flavor reminiscent of pineapples. While pineberries are safe for dogs, it’s best to give them in moderation. A few small pieces once or twice a week is a good guideline, but always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Always wash the berries thoroughly. To avoid potential choking hazards, dice the pineberries into bite-sized pieces before serving them to your dog. While pineberries are not toxic, eating them in large quantities might upset a dog’s stomach. Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive distress, and if you’re concerned, consult with your veterinarian.
Image Credit: Janis Petranis, Shutterstock
Benefits of Pineberries for Dogs
Now that you know that these fruits are safe to offer to pets, we bet you’re wondering if there are any benefits to including them in your pet’s diet.
Pineberries have four main benefits:
Fiber: Pineberries are high in fiber, helping your dog to feel fuller for longer.
Folate: Folate has plenty of health benefits and tends to be beneficial for their skin, fur, immune system, and cognitive health.
Vitamin A: This is an essential vitamin. It can help create a health coat and boost health for bone, vision, and immune health.
Vitamin C: This vitamin helps boost energy levels and fights illness-causing free radicals.
What Other Fruits Are Safe for Dogs?
While pineberries can be a safe and tasty treat for your dog in moderation, they aren’t always easy to come by. So, what are some more common fruits that could be included in your pet’s diet?
Most of these fruits are rich in vitamin B, C, and K. However, remember that fruits are full of sugar, so your dog shouldn’t have too much. A good rule of thumb is that treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Image Credit: Zuzanna Paluch, Shutterstock
Fruits to Stay Away From
Dog owners should stay vigilant, as there’s a slew of fruits that can harm their furry companions, including grapes, unripe tomatoes, and citrus fruits. One of the most dangerous fruits you can offer your pet is grapes (and also raisins). These are toxic to dogs and even tiny amounts could have serious consequences.
As already noted, several fruits are dog-friendly like banana, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, but moderation remains the rule of thumb. On a side note, while fresh fruits, including pineberries, are fine, remember to steer clear of canned fruits and those drenched in syrup for your pup. It’s a no-go, especially if it contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all parts of fruits are safe for dogs. For example, you need to avoid the seeds, stems, and core of apples since they contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds, while also avoiding the pits of stone fruits, such as peaches and cherries. As a general rule, you should avoid the seeds and pits of all fruits, as all of them are choking hazards.
Conclusion
Pineberries not only excite our taste buds but also intrigue our pets. They are a tasty treat in small amounts but as with any other food, there are protocols to follow.
Firstly, always consult with your veterinarian about any new addition to your pet’s diet. Ensure the pineberries are fresh, firm, and stored properly. Before serving, wash these berries thoroughly and dice them up to prevent choking. And while it may be tempting to offer a generous helping, it’s advisable to limit pineberries to a few small pieces once or twice a week.
Monitor your dog for any unusual behavior or reactions after they eat them. With the right precautions, pineberries can be a refreshing, occasional treat for your canine friend.
Featured Image Credit: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock
British architecture studio Al-Jawad Pike has used colourful marble for the interiors of trainer brand Athletic Propulsion Labs’ second flagship store in Soho, New York City.
The interior of the 3,900-square-foot space (1,188 square metre) was laid out in a curving amphitheatre design, which the studio designed to be “simple yet severe” while creating a “completely immersive experience,” Al-Jawad Pike studio co-founder Jessam Al-Jawad told Dezeen.
The centrepiece of the Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) store is five “vanity rooms” in a radial design, each clad in different-coloured onyx or marble stone with matching stone stools and back-lit mirrors.
The rainbow-colour array of stone, chosen by the client from different quarries, was “intended to represent the five boroughs of New York,” Al-Jawad said.
Five vanity rooms are each clad in distinctive coloured onyx or marble
A teardrop-shaped column is located in the centre of the store, while boulder-like plinths positioned around the space are used for product displays.
The textured display plinths were developed with a bespoke fabricator based in New York, who CNC-carved the forms.
The studio incorporated various other materials into the scheme such as textured sprayed plaster on the walls, Romano travertine for the floor, and champagne-coloured anodised aluminium for the display boxes.
Al Jawad Pike completed the interiors for Athletic Propulsion Lab’s flagship store in New York
The aim of the store layout was to allow customers to see all the products from all parts of the store.
“We approached this by creating an architectural form that displays the product in a pan-optical array to provide visibility in completeness from almost any part of the store; whilst maintaining a seamless link between staff back-of-house functions at the basement level with the main retail space,” the studio explained.
The space features a layout designed in a curvilinear amphitheatre style
The shoes are displayed in simple box frames, which are raised and lit up like artwork in a gallery. Ensuring that the trainers on display were the focal point was a main objective for the architects.
“The goal was to make sure the products were the main attraction in the store, while also making everything work smoothly for both customers and staff,” Al-Jawad Pike said.
The studio devised a store layout enabling customers to view all products from any part of the store
The store’s semi-circular layout has street-facing windows that let in the light, and the studio also added adjustable warm lighting from the back-lit, semi-circular ceiling to provide additional illumination.
“We wanted to create a wash of light from above to bath the space in a warm and comfortable ambience,” said Al-Jawad.
“At its top, the perimeter wall banks into a semi-circular, back-lit stretch ceiling with adjustable warmth to dramatically alter the atmosphere in the space.”
Sculpted boulders are dotted around the store space
Al-Jawad Pike was founded in 2014 by Al-Jawad and Dean Pike and aims to create spaces that “engender a sense of well-being and intrigue, as well as fun”.
Air defenses are essential to Israel’s security. Much of its population is within reach of rockets and missiles fired by Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the ballistic missiles fired by Yemen’s Houthis. These defenses are also expensive.
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Earlier this year, Israeli officials amended its 2024 budget to allocate $15 billion more in war spending as Israel’s war in Gaza stretches the country’s budget thin.
The Seppala Siberian Sleddog is a very rare dog breed with origins in Siberia. Built to withstand the unforgiving northeastern Siberian climate, the Seppala Siberian Sleddog was developed to pull sleds across snowy and dangerously icy terrain, up rugged mountains, and through seemingly bottomless valleys in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
Read on to learn all about a very special breed that, though uncommon, has survived extinction against all odds.
Breed Overview
Colors:
White, black, varying shades of gray, fawn, reddish-brown, sable
Suitable for:
Active individuals or families committed to exercising, training, and socializing the dog well
Temperament:
Hardworking, eager to please, high-energy, positive, friendly, companionable
The Seppala Siberian Sleddog’s appearance is a true representation of what they were originally developed to do: work. There are no frills and fancies about this dog, and they remain in their primitive form, untouched by show-standard breeding and development. Seppala Siberian Sleddogs come in a variety of colors ranging from white to very dark shades, and the International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club does not view any colors as faults—all are permitted.
Seppala Siberian Sleddog Characteristics
Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.
Seppala Siberian Sleddog Puppies
Before we go any further, there is a somewhat confusing but very important distinction to make in regard to Seppalas, so bear with us! Pure Seppala bloodlines are exceedingly rare, though one Siberian Husky breeder registered with the American Kennel Club produces Huskies with what they call the “Seppala strain”.
However, as explained by Jeffrey Bragg at Seppala Kennels (a kennel that once bred Seppalas but stopped in 2008), dogs bred with the “Seppala strain” are actually “mixed lineage racing Siberian Huskies” rather than pure Seppalas. The American Kennel Club does not distinguish between the Seppala and the Siberian Husky.
Is the Seppala a Husky?
The Seppala does indeed share ancestry with Siberian Huskies but is considered by many, including the Continental Kennel Club, to be a distinct breed in its own right with its own breed standard separate from that of the Siberian Husky. According to information from Cold Mountain Siberians, the only pure Seppala Siberian Sleddogs are in Canadian provinces, but their numbers are low.
In short, your chances of buying or adopting a pure, original Seppala Siberian Sleddog are incredibly slim. However, you may consider a Husky with the Seppala strain like those mentioned above or a similar-looking dog like a Husky or Husky mix. If adoption is something you’re open to, check around with shelters as there are all kinds of dogs waiting for a home.
Seppala Siberian Sleddog Origin & History
Seppala Siberian Sleddogs were originally developed in Siberia as sled dogs that could pull light loads over long distances, though it’s not clear when the breed first came about.
They were developed for traits like strength, speed, and sheer endurance, but their close relationship with humans also worked in characteristics like an eagerness to please and companionability. People in northeastern Siberia once relied heavily upon Seppala deliveries for survival in the treacherous conditions. The Seppala was also—and is still to this day—used in sled racing.
Among the Seppala’s many accomplishments include the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, the 1932 winter Olympics, and the 1925 Nome serum run. Check out the facts section further down to learn more about this.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog
Seppala Siberian Sleddogs are hardworking dogs with bags of determination, perseverance, and high energy. As dogs that were bred to work and move quickly, they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and out of trouble, so think carefully about whether or not you can consistently provide this before taking in a “Seppala strain”, standard Husky, or a Husky mix.
In fact, one breeder of “Seppala strains”, Thomas Hahn from Cold Mountain Siberians, has said that he refuses to sell dogs to an apartment life “environment” because of these dogs’ intense exercise needs. Seppalas are also known for their trainability due to their people-orientedness and quick brains.
Image Credit: Reimar, Shutterstock
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Original Seppalas made excellent companion dogs and, according to the Continental Kennel Club, their descendants continue to do so today when raised in the right environment. They are described by the club as cheerful, exuberant dogs that, when socialized, make “joyful” companions that are “never aggressive towards people”.
However, any dog of any breed or size can become aggressive if provoked or treated unkindly in any way. No matter the breed, the dog’s family must create an environment in which socialization, training, bonding, and respect are front and center to avoid issues like aggression or unmanageability. Bear in mind that Seppalas can be a little reserved around new people.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Yes, but to reiterate, socialization with other dogs (and cats if you have them), training, and careful supervision when you bring a new dog home are all-important to ensuring that this is the case. Also, bear in mind that the Seppala and dogs with the Seppala strain have a high prey drive and will likely give in to the urge to chase smaller animals, so keep your dog apart from them if you have these kinds of pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Seppala Siberian Sleddog:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Proper nutrition is of paramount importance for this high-energy, always-on-the-go dog. They’ll need a high-quality formula that fits their age range, weight, and activity levels.
Working dogs need to have their protein levels adjusted depending on how active they are. On its Siberian Husky information page (just a reminder that the AKC refers to Seppala strains as “Huskies” rather than “Seppalas”), the AKC mentions that harness dogs working during winter “may need 32% protein”. Please ask your vet what the appropriate protein level would be.
Exercise 🐕
It will no doubt be very clear to readers by this point that the Seppala Siberian Sleddog is not for the faint-hearted! Any potential Seppala parent must be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to exercising this exuberant dog—possibly up to several hours per day, though individual exercise needs vary from dog to dog.
Long walks and access to a secure area to roam are best for Seppalas and Seppala strains so they can burn off some of that endless supply of energy. They also make fantastic jogging and hiking buddies and enjoy taking part in agility, obedience, and rally events.
Image Credit: Reimar, Shutterstock
Training 🎾
Renowned for their trainability and devotion, the Seppala/Seppala strain responds well to kind but firm and consistent leadership, and they need frequent, short, snappy, and exciting training sessions to prevent boredom from setting in. They’re really smart and could quickly become destructive if they don’t feel challenged enough by training sessions.
Several sources advise not letting Seppalas off the leash in unsecured areas due to their natural urge to run. Your dog may bolt unexpectedly in these areas which can be an unpleasant surprise, especially if they have poor recall.
Grooming ✂️
The Seppala/Seppala strain has a thick double coat. You can expect this coat to “blow” twice yearly. You can help this process along by deshedding the coat with a tool dedicated to the purpose, like an undercoat rake or a similar deshedding tool. Throughout the rest of the year, a standard pin brush and mental comb can help keep regular shedding under control.
Trimming your dog’s nails when needed is also important as mobility issues can arise from overgrown nails, and it’s ideal to clean your dog’s teeth every day with a dog-safe toothpaste to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Breeder Tom Hahn from Cold Mountain Siberians describes Seppalas as “generally robust and healthy” but does mention that they may be prone to health conditions that have been linked to other northern breeds. When you bring your dog home, get them registered with a local vet so they can monitor the dog’s health throughout their lifetime and offer advice. Potential health issues include:
Minor Conditions:
Mild allergies that are addressed and managed
Serious Conditions:
Eye conditions
Severe allergies
Cancer
Male vs Female
The only apparent physical difference between male and female Seppalas is that males may be slightly taller and heavier. Personality-wise, there are no known distinctions, but this is the case for every breed. Just like people, personality types are numerous and very diverse, and Seppala breeders are likely to pair dogs with owners based on who they see being a good fit rather than allowing the owner to choose the dog.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Seppala Siberian Sleddog
1. Seppalas Took Part in the 1925 Nome Serum Run
When a child contracted diphtheria and passed away in Nome in 1925, Leonhard “Sepp” Seppala, a sled dog breeder and musher, and John “Iron Man” Johnson, led a team of Seppalas on the 658-mile journey to Nome with diphtheria serum. It took 5 and a half days to complete the mission. The infamous Seppala named Togo was the lead dog on this expedition, cementing his place in the history books as a hero.
2. Seppalas Are Sometimes Mistaken for Wolves
The Seppala is a beautiful dog that’s a little less refined and more wolfish in appearance than the Siberian Husky, leading some to wonder if they are wolf hybrids—they are not. They are also described as being more athletic than standard Huskies.
3. The Leonhard Seppala Strain Nearly Went Extinct
Leonhard Seppala’s strain of sled dog was the foundation for what we know today as the Siberian Husky. By 1969, this original strain was on the verge of extinction, but Markovo Kennels (Canada) and Seppineau Kennels (USA) took action and managed to prevent this from happening. Today, the pure strains are incredibly rare and mostly found in Manitoba, Canada.
Image Credit: Reimar, Shutterstock
Final Thoughts
The history of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog is as complex as it is gripping, so thanks for bearing with us! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this unique and natural dog with a rich history and long-lasting legacy that many breed experts are clearly determined to preserve as much as we enjoyed researching them.
This massive comet is the size of Mount Everest, burns bright green, and gets its name for the horn-like shape of its coma. So, of course, I wanted to see it.
Not only that — I wanted to try to get a picture of it. But I knew photographing a comet would be no easy feat. They’re unpredictable, moving objects that can either be stunningly visible or near impossible to spot.
To create his striking images, he uses high-tech equipment, including huge telescopes with sky-tracking scopes, and advanced photo-processing software.
This is one of Bartlett’s most recent photos of 12P/Pons-Brooks, taken using a telescope and a sky tracking scope.
Dan Bartlett
Even with his professional skills and equipment, photographing comets can be difficult. Bartlett said he encounters “every challenge you could imagine,” from his scope not working to not being able to get the comet in focus.
As for me, I’m an amateur with only a standard DSLR, a tripod, and my iPhone. But if the weather was clear and the comet was visible, I’d still have a chance of getting the shot, Bartlett said, as long as I paid attention to three things:
Knowing where to look. A comet is hard to photograph if you don’t know where it is.
ISO rating. Bartlett suggested I set my ISO around 1,000 – 1,600.
Choose the right exposure. When photographing comets, your exposure should be short enough that the comet isn’t blurry, but the right setting depends on the speed of the comet and the focal length of the camera.
Where it all went wrong
Even in the darkness of totality, I wasn’t able to spot the “Devil comet” with my naked eye or my camera.
If I’d had a telescope or binoculars, I might have been able to use them to locate the comet on the horizon, and then direct my camera’s zoom lens toward it. But instead, I shot vaguely in the direction of where I thought the comet might be, and only captured darkness.
Plus, I was amazed by how quickly totality whizzed by. During this window, I was also trying to snap photos of the sun’s corona, which left me only about one minute to search for the comet and adjust my camera settings before the sun began to emerge from the moon’s shadow.
All in all, I learned that photographing a comet with a standard DSLR is tricky. Ideally, you should use a telescope with a sky tracking scope to help pinpoint its position and zoom in on its features.
And in general, I wouldn’t recommend trying to snap a picture of a comet during a total solar eclipse. The fleeting minutes of darkness afforded by totality make it challenging to locate the comet, adjust your settings, and frame the shot before the sun reappears.
When you hear the name Shar Pei, their wrinkled skin and “hippopotamus” head are likely the first things that spring to mind. However, you’ve also likely heard that these dogs have a reputation for being aggressive.
It’s true that Shar Peis were bred to be fighting dogs, and in the wrong hands, they can be aggressive. However, like with any dog breed, it comes down to their upbringing, socialization, and training.
Here, we look at the origins of the Shar Pei, as that helps explain their potentially aggressive tendencies, along with how essential socialization is for these dogs.
The Shar Pei’s Origins
The Chinese Shar Pei originated in ancient China about 2,000 years ago (at least since 200 B.C.). Statues of dogs were discovered that bear a definite resemblance to the Shar Pei, which have been dated to that time.
Shar Peis were initially bred as working dogs for the peasants to guard and protect livestock, as well as for hunting and herding. While they were used predominantly on farms as versatile working dogs, this is where they developed their fierce loyalty to their owners and wariness with strangers.
Dogfighting
Since Shar Pei skin is wrinkled and thick, they became favorites in dogfighting rings. These thick folds of skin helped protect the Shar Pei from other dogs or predators from reaching their vital organs. Shar Pei tenacity, in addition to their skin, made them favorites for a while. However, they are medium-sized dogs, and the Shar Pei fell out of favor after the introduction of larger Western dog breeds.
Gradually, these dogs almost went extinct, but a breeder from Hong Kong sent out a plea worldwide to save the Shar Pei. In 1979, Life magazine published an article about the Shar Pei, and the American public fell in love with them, and the rest is history.
Image Credit: Natalia Fesiun, Shutterstock
The Shar Pei’s Temperament
When a dog is developed to guard, protect, hunt, and fight, it’s only natural for them to have aggressive tendencies. Shar Peis were bred to be fierce and independent dogs, and along with their tough skin and being quite solidly built, they continue to have the instincts to protect their people and property.
They can be possessive and overly protective of their family but wary of anyone they don’t know. It can be said that being friendly with strangers does not come naturally to them and must be trained into the Shar Pei.
Training
If you train and socialize a Shar Pei well, they are more likely to be a well-adjusted dog. That said, owning a Shar Pei is best for experienced dog owners. This is not a breed for someone who is a first-time dog owner.
Training a Shar Pei is a challenge because they can be strong-willed and independent, but they’re also intelligent, so the task is possible. Plenty of patience and consistent training using positive reinforcement is the only way with the Shar Pei. Using any form of punishment and harsh words will only trigger aggression.
Image Credit: Pixel Shot, Shutterstock
Socialization
Socializing a Shar Pei from a young age is critical! The more places, animals, and people that a Shar Pei puppy meets and experiences, the more well-adjusted and accepting they will be.
Studies have shown how imperative socialization is for puppies to reduce undesirable behaviors. It should occur with the breeder from the earliest age and continue with the owner well into adulthood.
Typically, Shar Peis that are aggressive haven’t been socialized or trained well.
Other Methods for Reducing Aggressive Behavior
There’s no question that a Shar Pei that has been trained and socialized well will be far less likely to react aggressively to a stranger than a dog that hasn’t received the appropriate training. So, this is the first and most important step.
Exercise
Providing your Shar Pei with the right amount of exercise can also go a long way toward reducing their wary and suspicious nature. Dogs that aren’t given an outlet for pent-up energy resort to destructive behavior, and some will become aggressive. Some Shar Peis can do well with moderate exercise, but you’ll want to aim for about 1 hour of exercise every day.
Since Shar Peis are intelligent, they’ll also need mental stimulation, so spending time playing with them will help significantly. Consider participating in activities like tracking, rally, and agility. Enrolling them in obedience classes is a great way to train and socialize your dog at the same time.
Work
Shar Peis are working dogs, so give them a job to do. You should base what your dog seems to enjoy doing already before giving them a task. Since Shar Peis are versatile and were bred to do various jobs, you just need to figure out what your dog will enjoy and respond to.
Stay on top of your Shar Pei’s health. A study found that health problems in a dog can trigger fear and aggression. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as anyone in poor health can be in a terrible mood!
Shar Peis are susceptible to several health conditions, including:
Entropion: All the heavy folds of skin cause the Shar Pei’s eyes to sit farther into the skin, causing the eyelids to roll in and rub against the eyes. As you can imagine, this is painful and needs surgery.
Familial Shar Pei Fever: This only affects Shar Peis; fever and swollen hocks (the backs of the legs) are signs. Without treatment, it can lead to liver and kidney failure.
Ear infections: Shar Peis have narrow ear canals, making them prone to ear infections.
Pododermatitis: This occurs when dogs lick and chew their paws too often, which causes infection and inflammation.
Skin Fold Dermatitis: Their heavy skin folds can harbor bacteria and yeast. The folds also trap moisture, which can lead to infections. It’s critical to keep those folds dry and clean.
Many of these conditions can definitely lead to a cranky dog until they are restored to full health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Shar Peis Get Along With Other Dogs?
Not all that well, usually. If trained and socialized well, Shar Peis can tolerate other dogs, but the same rule applies to dogs as it does to strangers.
They also don’t do well around small pets because of having a high prey drive. Things will be better with the training and socialization, but it might be best to keep the home a single-dog-only one.
Why Do Shar Peis Have Blue-Black Tongues?
Another dog breed that has a blue-black tongue is the Chow Chow. In Chinese folklore, it was believed that the black tongues would ward off ghosts and evil spirits. It was also believed that having a black tongue added to the viciousness of the dog, making them intimidating while doing guard duty.
What Is a Bone-Mouth and Meat-Mouth Shar Pei?
If you’ve ever heard this term and wondered what it means, in a nutshell, the Bone-Mouth Shar Pei is also known as the Chinese Shar Pei and traditional Shar Pei. They are considered the original Shar Pei before breeders added other breeds, which created the heavily wrinkled Shar Pei that you’re likely familiar with.
The Meat-Mouth is also called the American Shar Pei or the Western Shar Pei. These are the dogs most people know best. They have “meatier” jowls, which is where they get the name.
Conclusion
The Shar Pei can be considered an aggressive breed, and it all goes back to what they were initially bred for. But how they are raised is a significant factor. If you raise a Shar Pei with love and respect and plenty of training and socialization, you will have a well-adjusted dog that is less likely to react aggressively to strangers and other dogs.
These dogs make fantastic family pets when raised appropriately. They are calm, quiet, affectionate, and loyal, so the Shar Pei also has many positive qualities for the right owners.
Our latest lookbook explores homes where flooring details and materials help to create the impression that a living space extends out beyond a house’s exterior walls.
A range of different techniques can be used to create the sense of a continuous floor surface.
The most obvious is to use the same flooring material, or one that looks very similar, for both interior and exterior spaces.
However, this isn’t always necessary. By combining level thresholds with floor-to-ceiling glazing, it’s also possible to create that sense of continuation by simply maintaining a consistent surface.
Many of these examples use continuous floor surfaces to connect a living room with a garden or patio, but some explore other rooms where the effect can be applied.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring chocolate-brown interiors and minimalist bathrooms.
Mexico City-based Estudio Atemporal designed this house in a densely forested area of Valle de Bravo with the aim of allowing residents to live “more organically”.
The large-format flooring tiles inside the house give way to brickwork paving outside, but sliding glass doors with level thresholds create a clean junction that allows the two spaces to feel connected.
Terrazzo flooring features both inside and outside this extension to a Georgian house in southeast London, designed by architecture office Studio Octopi.
Sourced from British manufacturer Diespeker, this material is speckled with colours that complement the mint-green tone of the building’s metal walls.
Kitchen and terrace become a single space divided only by levels in this extension to a home in Dulwich, London, designed by architecture studio Proctor & Shaw.
Glass doors slide open on two sides – with one disappearing into a wall – to completely open up the building’s corner. The sliding mechanism is set into a continuous porcelain tile floor surface, resulting in a flush threshold.
Minimal glazing plays a key role in connecting the kitchen of this renovated stone farmhouse in Normandy with an adjoining patio.
Designed by Paris-based Studio Guma, the renovation involved installing the kitchen in a space that previously functioned as a cart shed. Although the floor surface changes from concrete to stone from inside to outside, the slender-framed glass doors help the two surfaces to be read as one.
Copenhagen-based Norm Architects chose handmade ceramic bricks for the flooring of this vacation house, built on the edge of a fjord just outside the city.
They form stairs that lead down from the main house to a terrace, then continue inside to give the interior living spaces a casual, rustic feel. At the main entrance, the linearity of the brickwork pattern acts to draw the eye.
Using the same flooring surface for both indoors and outdoors can become costly, but this low-cost infill house in Monterrey offers a clever solution.
Designed by locally based Práctica Arquitectura, the house features a stepped living space with an adjoining courtyard.
Most of the courtyard is landscaped, but the edges are lined with the same square saltillo tiles that provide interior flooring. This helps to extend the living space outdoors without requiring quite as many tiles.
Full-height glazing features in many of the rooms of this rural holiday rental on the outskirts of London, a former pig shed renovated by Hutch Design. This results in a strong connection with the surrounding patio.
The effect is particularly effective in the primary bedroom, which features a bath set into the floor. Here, it’s possible to observe the clean line running between the end-grain timber flooring inside and the paving tiles outside.
Melbourne-based Edition Office selected very different surfaces for the shower room of this house in Mossy Point, New South Wales, but they appear to merge thanks to the use of frameless glazing.
A similar effect can be found throughout the house, but the contrast between the wooden decking and the blue tiles of this room is the most striking.
Roughly polished white concrete flooring unites both the interior and exterior of this house on the island of Menorca, designed by Barcelona-based Nomo Studio.
This creates a feeling of continuity from the building’s entrance, located on the uppermost storey, all the way across to a balcony terrace on the opposite side of the main living room.
The level thresholds of this house in Oxfordshire, England, create a visual connection between the polished concrete flooring inside and the paving tiles outside.
Architecture office Richard Parr Associates carefully matched the colours of these two surfaces so that they appear to be made of the same material.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring chocolate-brown interiors and minimalist bathrooms.
Ex-Colorado Rep. Ken Buck said many conservatives have compromised their values over populism.
“The Constitution is just a thing of the past to the very same people who were Tea Party patriots,” he told WaPo.
Buck retired from the House in March, leaving months before his term was set to end.
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During his nearly decadelong tenure in the US House of Representatives, Ken Buck was well-known for his conservatism.
But the former Colorado congressman recently told The Washington Post that over the years, some of his fellow conservatives shifted their focus from curtailing government spending to shielding former President Donald Trump from criticism — while becoming more partisan in the process.
“I think that the populist wave has eroded the conservative values that I had when I came to this place,” the former lawmaker told the newspaper. “Now we’re impeaching people like it’s some kind of carnival and the Constitution is just a thing of the past to the very same people who were Tea Party patriots 10 to 12 years ago.”
Last month, shortly before he left Congress, the House Freedom Caucus voted to remove Buck from the group for “nonattendance,” according to Axios.
During his interview with the Post, Buck also stressed that the desire for ideologically pure pieces of legislation has been detrimental to the GOP’s ability to secure conservative victories, adding that “you have to have consensus” to find success on Capitol Hill.
How concerned should we be about dehydration in dogs? Can it cause neurological issues such as seizures? Thankfully, dehydration is an uncommon cause of seizures in dogs. The main situation in which vets observe dehydration and seizures together is heat stroke. However, in episodes of heat stroke, there are other severe internal or metabolic derangements that may be causing the seizures.
Seizures are caused by rapid and abnormal electrical firing in the brain, resulting in what is colloquially referred to as a “fit”. While epilepsy is one of the more common causes of seizures in dogs, there is a long list of other things that can trigger seizures.
Dehydration and Seizures in Dogs
Dehydration alone is a rare cause of seizures in dogs. Most vets would agree that if a dog is eating and drinking less, and becomes dehydrated, this is very unlikely to cause seizures. In theory, the elevated sodium levels that occur due to dehydration can cause changes in the brain that lead to seizures. In practice, however, dogs must be extremely dehydrated for this to occur, and most people have intervened or sought veterinary attention before the situation gets this bad.
One instance where dehydration and seizures occur together is heat stress or heatstroke. However, dogs suffering heatstroke also have a very high body temperature (hyperthermia) and can suffer organ failure; this is more likely to cause seizures than dehydration.
Image Credit: Edgar Feliz, Shutterstock
My Dog Isn’t Drinking – Should I Be Worried About Seizures?
If your dog is drinking less than usual, you should seek veterinary attention. Reduced thirst is a sign of a number of diseases, including pain or discomfort, gastroenteritis, kidney disease, and many more. Reduced thirst is not characteristic of any one problem. However, you don’t need to be too concerned about dehydration causing your dog to have a seizure unless your dog is known to have a prior seizure disorder.
If your dog has had seizures before, due to a condition such as epilepsy, it’s worth being more alert to changes in their thirst and appetite. Any other diseases, stresses, or changes can lower the “seizure threshold”, leading to the recurrence of seizures.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration in Dogs?
Reduced thirst
Reduced appetite
Sunken eyes
Dry gums
Panting
Weakness/lethargy
Image Credit: Vera Larina, Shutterstock
What Are the Signs of Seizures in Dogs?
Most people will know a generalized or grand mal seizure when they see one. However, partial seizures or petit mal seizures can also occur, and these can be less obvious.
Wobbliness
Collapse
Stiffness
Muscle spasm
Unresponsiveness
Foaming at the mouth
Loss of bladder/bowel control
What Triggers Seizures in Dogs?
There are numerous causes of seizures in dogs. One of the most common causes of seizures in dogs is epilepsy, also known as idiopathic epilepsy. The word “idiopathic” means that no cause has been identified. This is a congenital or hereditary seizure disorder that generally starts at a young age. Another relatively common cause of seizures is toxins; in other words, dogs eating something they shouldn’t. Chocolate, artificial sweeteners, snail bait, illicit drugs, and antifreeze can all cause seizures in dogs.
Finally, auto-immune diseases, infections, and tumors that affect the brain can lead to seizures.
Image Credit: Leka Sergeeva, Shutterstock
How Can I Get My Dog to Drink More?
As we mentioned, if your dog is not drinking, it’s always worth getting him or her checked by a veterinarian. A thorough physical examination and some basic diagnostic tests may explain why your dog’s thirst is reduced. If you do want your dog to drink more, consider these options:
Ensure water is fresh and clean
Add ice cubes to their water
Add water to their food
Praise them and offer treats when they drink
Place an additional water bowl in the house
Ensure they are getting sufficient exercise
Conclusion
There are many causes of both dehydration and seizures in dogs. In the vast majority of cases, dehydration will not cause seizures. However, extreme dehydration resulting in electrolyte imbalances, or severe heat stroke with organ failure, are two examples of dehydration and seizures occurring together.
When dogs are well, they will drink when they are thirsty. Many dogs that are unwell will drink less as a result of their malaise. If your dog is drinking less, eating less, or has displayed signs that resemble a seizure, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
