Your Dog Needs Hydration - Read the Article to Know Why?

There is one thing your dog needs all the time and on a daily basis. Do you know what it is? Give up already? Ok, it’s water. 

Dogs need a constant supply of water. It’s best to set out a bowl with water in it on a daily basis. This way your dog will be able to drink when they please. This is especially true during the hot summer months.

If you think about it, the world is ¾ water and most of a dog's body is made up of water. This is why they need a continuous supply. 

Most mammals can survive for a long time (weeks in some cases) going without food. But, when it comes to water mostly only a few days. Sure, there are cases where a mammal has survived up to 7 days without water. But, why even wait that long if you don’t have to? 

So, yes it’s that important. 

Water is a very important messenger for your dog's blood. It helps to lubricate their system and moves nutrients where it’s needed. 

When a dog is hydrated properly it will also help regulate their body temperature where it needs to be. Help to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter time. 

There have also been reports of less disease in dogs when they are properly hydrated and lubricated. However, the jury is still out on this one. But it does make sense see how water is the most important nutrient from their body. 

How much water your dog needs will depend on their weight and size. A good rule to follow is 1 oz of water to 1 lb of body weight. 

Most dogs will get all the water they need when you leave out a bowl of fresh water daily on a volunteer basis. And depending on the food you feed there may also be water in the ingredients also.

When your dog is just a puppy it’s important to monitor their water consumption just to make sure they are not drinking too much and getting the proper amount needed as well. 

Do not take your dog needing water lightly. It is a very important thing for them to have. For your dog, water is like gas is to a car engine.

Link: https://bullyade.com

A List of Must Have Pet Accessories That You Need Everyday

When it comes to pet, dogs and cats are the most popular ones. I am going to create a list of some of the necessary animal accessories which you will need every day if you have a pet. Hope the readers will like the list and the list will help the readers as well.

1.       Pet Poop Freezer:

Whether it is cat or dog, shit happens. But this becomes disgusting if it is liquid. This accessory will make the liquid waste into solid which will make your task a lot easier. Isn’t it helpful?

2.       Disposable Bowls:

These days we travel a lot and we travel with our pets as well. While travelling, it is not very easy to travel with all your pets stuff. Here comes the need of the disposable bowls made up of sugarcane which is biodegradable and disposable. Makes the task of pet feeding super easy.

3.       Get a Bath Tub:

During summer, it is not always easy to have your pet a shower. If you try to do it in a human bathtub, there are high chances that you can break your back as it is quite slippery and not easy to fit in. A small to medium sized bath tub can help your pet to get a good nice shower.

4.       Get a Pet Carrier for Your Dog:

This is quite handy when you are travelling or going for a shopping or going anywhere. So, pet carrier is a must. Get a pet carrier for your cat or small sized dog which suits you.

5.       Harness:

A harness is designed to be around a pet’s chest and crossover the back of the pet. Harness is different from collar as it does not put extra pressure on pet’s neck. Though some experts while training a puppy, it is better to use collar rather than harness but the choice is totally up to you.

6.       Leash:

Whether you use a collar or harness, you need leash. Leash is simply a lead which can be used while walking your dog. This is the most important thing you should have if you are a dog owner. In some countries it is illegal if your dog walk off leash in public.

How to Make Your Dog Comfortable In a New Bed

Even when you think it’s a no-brainer, introducing your dog to a new bed isn’t that easy.

Don’t expect your pooch to immediately curl up comfortably in it since he may not get the idea right away. Even if you spent hours finding the perfect bed for your furry pal, he may still choose to lay on his old bed or the convenient floor instead.

Part of the reason why your dog doesn’t seem comfortable with his new bed is that it is something foreign and isn’t part of his “territory.” Moreover, the new bed doesn’t have the smell of your dog or his “pack” (you and everyone else in your household) which makes him unable to trust it yet.

Fortunately, with patience and a little effort, you can get your dog to enjoy his new bed in no time:

1. Make the bed smell like home

You can make the new bed seem more familiar and feel like home by attaching your scent to it. This way, your dog will start getting comfortable with it, and hopefully, lay on it as well.

In order to do this, consider following these steps:

●       Get rid of the old bed to give your dog a clean break.

●       Add your scent onto the bed by rubbing your hands all over it or laying one of your old shirts to draw your dog in.

●       Let each of your family members do the same thing so that the bed will smell like everyone in your dog’s pack.

●       If the scent isn’t enough to convince him, use one of your dog’s blankets to cover the bed.

●       Be patient as it can take time for your pooch to adjust and want to stay in his new bed.

●       Don’t forget to give a reward every time your dog lies down on his new bed.

2. Choose a comfortable location

A dog will usually look for a dry, warm, and safe place to sleep. In this case, you have to make sure that the location of his new bed is in a quiet part of your home. If you’re introducing a bed for the first time, check where your dog usually curls up to sleep.

Most canines have a favourite spot to sleep. As long as the spot your dog chooses is feasible, you can place his new bed there. A dog is an animal of habit which makes the process of making him comfortable with his new bed easier.

3. Create a happy place

Making a happy place for your pooch is essential in helping him warm up to his new bed.

Positive things can encourage your dog to try something new. To get your furry pal get used to his new bed, create a positive atmosphere by using the following:

●       Familiar toys and blankets

●       Treats

●       Coaxing and encouragement

●       Peace and quiet

4. Remove unfamiliar features

Sometimes, a dog can be wary of a new bed’s design and texture.

If your dog isn’t comfortable with a raised bed, try taking the legs off. Once you see that your pooch has begun to relax in it, gradually put the legs back on.

5. Get the old bed scent

It may be hard for your pooch to let go of his old bed. If this is the case, before you get rid of the old bed, do the following:

●       Cover the old bed with a sheet.

●       Leave the sheet for a few days on the old bed so that it can absorb a good amount of scents.

●       Remove the sheet from the old bed and use it to cover the new one.

The sheet will still smell like the old one which will help disguise the new bed.

Once your dog has accepted his new bed, you may then get rid of the old bed. After quite some time, you can slowly remove the sheet and, by then, your dog won’t have any problem sleeping in his new bed.

Patience always pays off  

It may take a while for your dog to get used to his new bed.

Don’t rush things and reprimand your dog for not sleeping in his new bed as this will only pressure your pet so that he may end up disliking it further.

What’s important is that you remain patient, follow the above advice, and wait for your pooch to adjust on his own.

AUTHOR BIO

Andrew Kevan has been the Account Manager at Sandleford Holdings since 2016. He studied at Monash University and completed his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Zoology. Andrew is the owner of a beautiful Rottweiler named Lady who is constantly spoiled and loves her Fido & Fletch Large Pet Home.

5 Important Tips to Test Blood Glucose in Dogs

Do you want to have some helpful tips on how to test blood sugar in dogs?

Managing a diabetic dog is a difficult process. It needs you to be very patient with everything like diet plan, its exercise, mental health and a number of other day to day activities. A diabetic dog finds it difficult to tackle other diseases, therefore, proper monitoring and care is crucial to a dog’s health.

What Should You Be Monitoring All the Time?

Other than that, there are many fluctuations that are must to be kept in control. The most important of those is the fluctuating level of blood glucose in dogs. It is on a continuous fluctuation as it is impacted by many a factors like diet, exertion, stress and many other things.

Take Readings at Home

Hence, the better practice is to have a blood glucose monitoring system at home as it is highly recommended to keep a complete track of the dog’s blood glucose level. It doesn’t only help your veterinarian suggest better treatments for your dog, but also discloses what’s working and what’s not, to what measures is your dog responding well.

A Blood Glucose Monitoring System

For the purpose, having a blood glucose monitoring system at home is a plus. I would recommend you to have AlphaTrak’s blood glucose monitoringsystem. It’s easy to use and accurate with its results. Additionally, it’s offered by many ecommerce websites and comes with free shipping offers.

A very important thing that you should never ignore is that blood glucose level may be temporary, fluctuating upon some regular activities, or your dog may be a victim of some other disease altering certain level of blood glucose, and hence, this system must be used in complete consultation with your veterinarian. 

Let us see how to test blood sugar in dogs in easy steps.

1. Find The Right Spot

Unlike cats, dogs have lesser space on their ear. That is the reason pet dog owners do not prefer pricking the dog on its ear. You may come to see people who do on different locations on a dog’s body, and it gives them successful sticks too; but the veterinarians recommend taking a blood sample from the inside of the dog’s lip.

Gently lay the dog on one side and calm it down with some affectionate hand touches, so that the dog gets still and calmed. Now try to roll the upper lip outward to get some space inside. As you get some space, usually near the lip’s edge, prick it up with soft hands, causing least possible pain to the animal. Remove any saliva from there to make sure you get an accurate reading. When you will have learnt the procedure and practiced it quite a number of times, you will not cause the dog any pain and will be able to do it much easily.

2.  Make Sure the Area Is Clean

All the things have to be kept very clean in order to avoid any doubts in the results. Wash your hands and organize the things well. You can use something like a towel, to put beneath the stuff.   

When taking the blood sample, it is recommended to have the prick site washed but dry. Moisture will dilute the sample and the result will not be accurate. Having clean working area is essential to ensure that the sample is not spoilt and eradicates the possibility of involving germs into the process.

3. Avert any agitation

Agitation and mental stress impact the blood glucose level. Home test for blood sugar needs you to be able to restraint the dog, so that the blood sample you get is perfect, and produces the accurate result.

In case you face retaliation from the dog, it is better that you take a 20 to 25 minutes break to get the dog calmed. Whatever the situation you face, don’t push the dog too much or over try it. Otherwise, you may end up bitten by the dog as well.

4.  Pay Attention to Bleeding

Your dog has gone through a little painful phase and might bleed after being pricked for the reading. Once you are done with collecting a blood sample, let the machine take care of it and you pay attention straightaway to control the bleeding. Hold a gauze pressed against the pricked point with a slight force to stop bleeding.    

Never ignore if the bleeding doesn’t stop, immediately call your veterinarian and get the dog relieved.

Diabetes Feed Bacteria

Pricking gives a dog a small mark which is healed soon, but there should not be any growing bruises. Diabetes feed bacteria and fungi and hence, sometimes such bruises become very troubling. They may lead to a persistent infection with swelling and fluids, and trouble the dog for a very long time.

Author Bio:

My name Mike Huston and I am a blogger. I believe you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat their pet. Being an animal lover and a pet owner myself, I try to use my blog to create more awareness for how one can take better care of their pets, by talking about blood glucose monitoring system for pets and other general precautions. Follow me on Twitter.

Why you need to buy protective inflatable collar for your pets

What is the advantage for the protective inflatable collar:

SCRATCH AND BITE RESISTANT - The inflatable dog collars are designed to protect your pets from injuries, rashes and post surgery wounds, it will prevent pets from biting and licking their injured area or surgical site and promote recovering from surgery or wounds.

COMFORTABLE - Inflatable design and the soft outside material will let your dog wear it comfortably and it does not block your pet¡¯s vision, they can eat, drink, sleep and play normally.

EASY TO STORE - Inflatable recovery collar, you can deflate it and store it in a small space when you do not use it and there is a zipper opening on one side, you can take the bag out and wash the outside cloth.

ADJUSTABLE - There is a strap on the opening of the collar, you can stick it together for a perfect fit and put the strap side at the back of your dog¡¯s neck in case the dog bite it.

DURABLE AND STABLE - The premium protective collar is soft and washable, it will not mark or scrape furniture and you can insert your pet's everyday collar through the inner ring loops for a stabilization

Customer Feedback after their used the protective inflatable collar for their fur baby.

1. Loyally SandyB and her cat

Our cat needs this collar to prevent her from pulling out her belly fur while she's on a food trial for potential food allergy. The collar must stay on for weeks if not longer, so having something she can tolerate is super important. We all know how they hate the hard cone, so at first I tried a soft material cone. Poor cat kept tripping on it and could not get around. Bought this item in a small (she is a 13 lb cat). While it was effective at preventing her from getting to her belly, it was too tight around her neck. The two open ends were still an inch or two apart when around her neck. I then bought the medium. While the medium seems big for a cat (it is a little more difficult for her to maneuver with the bigger collar) it is the right size for her neck. I do wish they'd just make a cat specific one that was the neck size of the medium but the inner tube size of the small. Overall the medium is working for us with a 13 lb cat. Definitely much more tolerated than the soft or hard cones. She's been wearing it for 3 weeks now and can eat, drink, use litter box. I've only clipped her nails once in this time period and there are no issues with her puncturing it or it deflating. Highly recommend.

Update: it¡¯s now been 6 weeks and the collar is still holding up fantastically. The medium was definitely the right size as the small had rubbed some bald spots on her neck from being too snug. She got used to the larger size within a day and it seems to bother her no more or less than the small did. Absolutely recommend 100%.

2.  Mandi P.nad her puppy Delilah

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this product! My pup Delilah got spayed and I knew that she would have to wear some type of collar but didn't like the idea of one of the big plastic e-collars. With this collar our pup could eat, drink, sleep, walk, and move around comfortably. She would occasionally bump into a wall, door frame or my husband or I with it with no damage to the walls or pain to us. On the inside there are loops that you feed their every day collar through, buckle their collar and then velcro the strap on the outside. She tried a few times to get it off but was unsuccessful. Most of the time though she didn't even seem to notice it was on. She is a very itchy pup so she was constantly trying to scratch her neck because I'm sure it got itchy under there so it made me nervous about her popping a hole but it has held up well to the scratching. I highly recommend this product, it's a great price and great quality. Also I found it to be true to the size chart. She is 52 pounds and fit into the large size range on the chart and it fits her very well, I was able to fit all five fingers between the collar and her neck and it was still snug enough that she could not get it off. If she would have had to wear it longer than the recommended 10 days I would have felt totally comfortable keeping it on her on a longer term basis! I hope I was able to answer any questions anyone might have!

3. Jabo Recommend Reason

Hallelujah! Big bravo to whoever invented these blow up collars for dogs. They are so much less cumbersome and more comfortable than traditional Elizabethan collars. Back when I was a vet tech, I saw so many miserable dogs in e-collars, but these blow-up ones are so much easier for the dogs to get used too. (And no more bruised and scratched legs for the humans)

I recommend theses to my dog training clients and we have found they work for most dogs, although dogs with long snouts or long bodies may still be able to reach belly wounds or tail problems.

As always, give plenty of encouragement when training your dog to wear one. I highly recommend buying one BEFORE you need it and working with your dog to acclimate him/her. Just think of it as one more tool in your ¡°K9 wound management kit. Young dogs or dogs who have not had proper training with these MAY possibly be able to remove or damage it, but dogs who are comfy with the sensation of wearing one, usually have no issues.

One of my dogs is wearing one right now due to a knee injury, and yet she is calm and comfy in this collar and she is just about to doze off.

Reasons Why Having a Pet Helps the Rehabilitation Process

The rehabilitation process can be a long and tedious journey that can be overcome only with the right support. Often these support can not only come in the form of people, they can also come as pets! Did you know that having a pet can help you recover quickly, and even in a healthier way? According to a recent study, pets can help people with issues such as:

●       Anxiety - people with anxiety were reported to experience comfort when presented with pets. They reported lesser instances of panic attacks and physical manifestations of anxiety in their day-to-day lives.

●       Developmental Disabilities - people with developmental disabilities such as Autism have difficulties in communication. The non-verbal comfort that pets bring help individuals with Autism feel at ease.

●       Physical Disabilities - people with physical disabilities may find themselves unable to do certain tasks independently. Having a pet can help guide them through walking, assist them in daily chores, and be a loyal companion to them.

●       Mental and Emotional Issues - it seems like pets can understand the feelings that people go through even without saying a word. It is also reported from a recent study that pets can help people recover from mental and emotional instability.

●       Substance Abuse - people who have gone through a phase of addiction may experience physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal. The presence of a pet serves as a healthy distraction to kick the bad habits out of the way.

The companionship they bring and the comfort they provide in one's presence can contribute to the healing process of a person recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. How does a pet help in the rehabilitation process? Let's find out the ways a furry friend can accompany you in your battle against substance abuse.

How can pets help you in your recovery process?

Pets are great stress-relievers.

Pets are known to make funny antics even if they don't actually mean it. There are luxury rehab facilities that even offer pet therapy services. Pets can brighten someone's day without even trying, which results to a reduction of stress levels to any owner. Often, people who are undergoing the rehabilitation process may experience some stress trying to keep away from bad habits. The stress relief that a pet can bring may serve as a great way to alleviate the burden felt by their owners.

Pets can help you socialize.

Nothing comes close to a good topic such as talking about pets. We often chuckle at the thought of funny stories of other's pets, and it is often the center of the conversation. People feel light-hearted when they talk about their furry (or non-furry) friends, because of their unique characteristics. As a pet owner, you can finally join this conversation and also meet others who can enjoy your stories about your pet.

Pets will get your physically fit.

Although not applicable to other pets, most furry friends will eventually force you to go outdoors. This is especially true for dogs. Dogs are known to be awesome walkers--they love walking outside and exploring the great nature. This, in turn, will force you to go on walking trips with your pet, making it a great opportunity to be physically active. Not only will you be able to de-stress with nature, you'll also enjoy the company of your pet while keeping your body healthy.

Pets can make you feel responsible.

A lot of people say that having a pet is similar to having another "baby" in the household. This is because having one entails a lot of responsibilities--you are tasked to give them food, shelter, and provide them with the right veterinarian checkups in case the need arises. You may be wondering--"how can this extra responsibility help me?" By having a pet rely on you, the less you are likely to go astray and spend your resources on a bad habit.

Pets will bring you joy.

Having a pet is like starting a new relationship. It is a new connection that can be made, without any judgements--a pet won't judge you because of who you have been. They are only concerned with who you are as an owner, and they are always willing to forgive. Their innocence, candor, and unintended humor can bring joy to any owner who wishes to be successful in the rehabilitation process.

Although pets can be helpful, it is also important to know that with the decision to have a pet comes a great responsibility. As you consider this option, do proper research on what kind of pet is best for your lifestyle. Also think about your home and how they will be able to be a part of it. Having a pet isn't just for yourself--it is a mutual benefit that involves you and your new friend.

What is a Dog Automatic Feeder and does it Work?

Technology and automation is creeping up more and more in almost every aspect of our lives and the animal industry is no different.

One of the most useful recent advancements in technology aimed at our pets is the programmable, automatic dog feeder.

WOpet Automatic Cat and Dog Feeder LY-104
$89.99

These devices are not meant to completely replace your care and attention with regards to feeding your dog. They must give a helpful hand to ensure your dog's needs are taken care of if you find yourself out of the house for a full day, or prefer a longer 'hands off' approach to regular stiff feeding times.

Automatic pet feeders are sleek, modern pieces of equipment that do not look like it's in the house and are available in a wide variety of colours and styles, with many practical features for portion control and timing looking.

What is a dog automatic feeder?

Automatic dog feeders are exactly what they look like - pet food dispensers that automatically pour food either through electronic pre-programming or by gravity.

They usually consist of two parts: a glass or air-tight plastic hopper that contains food before it is released, and a plastic, ceramic bowl or stainless steel food that is distributed in and that your dog eat on.

Why use a dog automatic feeder? When are they useful?

Wopet automatic dog feeders will be an incredibly useful addition to anyone unable to commit to regular dog feeds - who could be elderly or disabled, or even just people working away from home, those on a change basis of speed or those who take a short break away from their home without their dog.

They are also a great tool for homeowners looking to control their dog's weight and how much their dog is eating. Electronic dog feeders will allow portion size and scheduled feedings to pre-program you so that your dog will reap the health benefits of eating small, but regular meals.

5 Surprising Ways Dogs Are All Too Human

For thousands of years, humans have turned to dogs for love and companionship. It should come as no surprise then that our favorite furry friends are, in more ways than one, more human than canine.

While you shouldn’t treat your dog as if he were human, we can’t help but note several ways by which they mimic and act like humans. We’ve highlighted five surprising ways below.

1. The grass is greener on the other side

Humans have the tendency to seek out greener pastures in the pursuit of a better life or situation, and in a microcosmic way, so do dogs. When dogs bark their way out of your home and in the blink of an eye, want to be let back in immediately, they, too, are seeking greener pastures and testing the waters, so to speak.

Check if there are no underlying (yet simple) problems present such as insufficient access to food or drinking water, or a lack of attention. By ensuring you satisfy the needs of your furry pal, all his barking and eagerness to go out will be mostly limited to reasons like curiosity and excitement.

2. Jealous behavior

Dogs, just like small children, often present possessive behavior. When your dog sees other dogs or other humans getting preferential treatment – whether it's in the dog park or in your own multi-dog home – dogs will react in a similar manner to children. They will display behavior such as growling, refusing to cooperate, and many will push other dogs out of the way to catch your undivided attention.

To deter such behavior in your dog, a bit of training and practice will go a long way. Teaching your dog basic obedience and keeping to a routine, or even regulating your dog’s resources (rewards or treats) will curb any jealous behavior your dog may demonstrate, whether it is towards a new human or pet housemate.

Feeding your dog right, investing in high-quality dog food and following best practices for giving treats can also help, as studies have shown that nutrition affects your dog’s moods,behavior and stress resistance.

3. Language learning

Dogs are hardwired to obey several key training commands. “Sit,” “kneel,” “roll over,” “come,” and several other key phrases have been used by dog owners the world over to create control, structure, and order for their canine companions. But, a Border Collie in South Carolina, U.S., has shown that dogs have the learning capacity of a three-year-old human.

Chaser, the Border Collie, knows a record number of 1,022 words. Not only does Chaser know the name of 1,022 things and commands, she can also categorize the named objects according to their respective functions and shapes. The knowledge Chaser has displayed regarding human language is greater than any non-primate has been able to display.

So go ahead, with a little patience, you can still teach your furry pal a few more important words and tricks for his own “human” vocabulary.

4. Response to human emotions

In a study published in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters, researchers found that dogs live up to their moniker of being “man’s best friend.” Researchers found that dogs can recognize emotions and display learned behavior using sensory input across all five senses. The research found that dogs can create mental representations of both “positive and negative emotional states.”

Dogs can also react appropriately to positive and negative emotional states. Their ability to read nonverbal, auditory and olfactory cues, combined with emotional cues, enables them to react accordingly, similar to how humans would respond to such nonverbal cues.

5. People watching

Social interactions are central to how humans interact with those in our surrounding environment. Watching those who share our space is part of learning about those around us. At a glance, these non-interactive social cues help us determine who appears nice and who seems mean.

Dogs also appear to display this degree of moral alignment according to one study inthe journal Animal Behaviour. In the study, dogs were more inclined to favor actors who aided their owners, rather than those who displayed negative behavior towards their owners. Similar results have been observed in human infants.

Conclusion

The evolution of dogs as man’s best friend has led to particular characteristics that mirror the tendencies and complexities of human behavior. While this article only highlights five social cues that mimic human behavior, dogs have been noted to display many more. The knowledge gained from scientific research shows that our dogs don’t just resemble us in some ways, they also behave in a similar manner to us.

AUTHOR BIO

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet's Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Origen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.

Dealing with Common Dog Behaviour

All dogs exhibit general canine behaviours patterns. Some dogs exhibit breed-specific behaviours such as extraordinary tracking ability, a heightened sense of territorial, a desire to run or uncanny ability to round of livestock so you find dogs are designed to hunt, chase, kill and eat.

Dogs will be dogs and as much as, the jobs done by dogs have largely disappeared. Have been replaced by careers as pets or participants in a variety of sport or service jobs but canine predatory instincts are alive and well. If you are looking for help treating your dog’s behaviour issue or just curious about why your dog does what he does. Getting and caring for a dog is a big responsibility which is can be a very positive life changing thing but it will have its downsides. This article will help you prepare to care for your dog and see if getting any dog breed is right for you and your lifestyle. 

Development of behaviour varies in individual dogs as well as between breeds. Dogs with a high degree of predatory behaviour are a challenge to train, especially if the family includes small children or other pets. Some behaviour patterns to look out for include: 

- Aggression

- Food guarding

- Barking

- Separation anxiety

- Whining

- Howling

- Biting and Nipping

Read more on this website :www.rangersdog.com/

Born for Speed: 6 Horses that Defined Racing

Any race fan knows the rumble of the track, the anticipation of a winner and the excitement of a neck-to-neck performance. One of the most popular spectator sports of all time, horse racing has become tradition in the United States and all over the world. Through this sport, champion racehorses have been recognized, bred and admired for their record breaking athletic abilities and defined characteristics. It is the passion and progression of this sport that has made it what it is today.

Though racing has been recorded as far back as the Greek Olympic Games, it didn’t become as popular until the Crusades when knights challenged each other on their return home mounted on Arab stallions. This is where the modern style of racing, though still in its infantile stages, began to develop. Even though racing didn’t become a true spectator sport until the rein of Queen Anne in the early 1700’s, it was at this time that multiple horses would race in an organized setting where spectators would go to watch and wager on the horse they though had the best chances of winning.

Soon after, as the popularity for racing grew, so did the breeding of Thoroughbred horses. The Thoroughbred is known for its speed and endurance. It is said that all Thoroughbreds today are descendants of one of three horses, the Godolphin Arabian, Byerley Turk or the Darley Arabian. These three horses are considered the founding sires of today’s Thoroughbred horse.

Since racing weighed heavily on wagering and a lot of money was changing hands, it was decided that a governing body was needed to regulate the sport of racing. This is when the Jockey Club was established in 1750. The Jockey Club had control over all of English racing, wrote the rules of racing and all it entails. Later, in 1894, an American Jockey Club was developed in New York to help regulate the growing popularity of racing in the United States.

Even today, over two centuries since the start of horse racing as an organized sport, researchers and breeders alike are still trying to unveil the secret of a great racehorse. Multiple qualities make up a good racehorse. It is the combination of a strong mind and a solid athletic build and good equestrian supplements

 with the mental desire to win that defines a champion.

It is said that in order for a horse to become a racing champion they need to want to win. No matter how strong the horse’s desire to get ahead and win a race, their success is significantly less likely if they have a poor mental disposition, behavioral problems, or simply a bad attitude. A champion must be receptive to its trainer and willing to accept and overcome obstacles. These qualities show a level of maturity that is critical in training and in racing.

A racehorse must also possess a solid well-balanced body. Their balance and ability to handle a track is critical. Since the horse will be aggressively using their front legs traveling upwards of 40-45 miles per hour around the track, well-formed legs are a necessity. Other physical characteristics of a potential champion include a big heart, clear strong lungs, unrelenting stamina and an ability to handle stress to the finish line. Lastly, the recuperative powers of the horse must be incredible. It is not unusual for a horse to run critical races two weeks apart. They need to be able to recuperate from a race within a short period of time and be ready for the next, possibly more aggressive competition.

Over the years hundreds of champions have been awarded for their athletic abilities on the track. From training to champion these horses possessed the power and stamina to win, setting the stage for others to follow and break records set before them. The six horses highlighted below are just a few great champions that define racing.

Champions of the Past

Man O’ War

Man O’ War, born March 29, 1917, is known for his intensity on the track and considered to be one of the greatest racehorses of all time. This Mahubah-Fair Play colt was bred by August Belmont II, then sold to Samuel Riddle for $5,000 at the Saratoga Yearling sale. After intensive training by Louis Feustel, Man O’ War had his first racing debut in a Maiden race at Belmont which he won without contest. From this incredible debut Man O’ War continued on to win three stake races in the next three weeks.

Man O’ Mar only lost one race during his career against Upset at Sanford Memorial Stakes in 1919. At age three Man O’ War won all of his races, including beating Triple Crown winner Sir. Barton in 1920 at Kenilworth Park. Man O’ War was retired to stud when his owner discovered that he would have to carry over 138 pounds at age four. In his career of 20 wins in 21 starts, Man O’ War broke several records, including earning a total of $249,465, which was a record at that time. Man O’ War died in 1947 and was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1957.

Secretariat

Secretariat was born in Virginia March 30, 1970. His owner Penny Tweedy (Chenery) knew from the start that Secretariat was not your average horse and began his training with Lucien Laurin. Though Secretariat lost his debut race at age two, he finished first in seven of his nine races that year, including Sanford Stakes, Hopeful Stakes and Laurel Futurity. At the end of his two-year-old season Secretariat was named Horse of the Year.

His three-year-old race record was unstoppable, winning such races as the Marlboro Cup, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. He set new records at all of these races as well as others during this year, coming in second or third in only three of his 12 races. Secretariat became Triple Crown winner that year. After his retirement Secretariat sired several stake winners until his death October 4, 1989. His earning totaled $1,316,808, a record for the time. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1974.

Seattle Slew

Seattle Slew, born in February 1974 and sold for a small $17,500 to Karen and Mickey Taylor, set records and won championships throughout his entire racing career. Under the direction of trainer Billy Turner, he went undefeated in his two-year-old season, winning the Champagne Stakes and being named Champion Two-Year-Old Colt in 1976.

Seattle Slew continued to be a success in his three and four-year-old seasons. He became Triple Crown Winner in 1977. That year the Marlboro Cup was the first ever race between two Triple Crown winners, which Seattle Slew took over Affirmed. Seattle Slew held a 7-6 record for his three-year-old season and a 7-5 record at age four, setting a new track record at Woodward Stakes. After his retirement, Seattle Slew sired upwards of 100 stake winners, include Slew O’ Gold, Lundaluce and Seattle Song, among others. His total earnings came to $1,208,726 and he was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Affirmed

Affirmed, born February 21, 1975, was not only known for his championship speed on the track, but also for being part of one of the greatest rivalries in racing history against Alydar. Affirmed raced against Alydar ten times throughout his career, winning seven of those races. Affirmed’s trainer Lazaro Barrera started Affirmed at a Belmont Park five and a half furlong maiden race in May 1977, which he won. This race started three seasons of first place races and championships.

In his two-year-old season Affirmed won seven of nine races including the Hopeful Stakes, Belmont Futurity and Laurel Futurity. In his three-year-old season Affirmed won eight consecutive races including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and set a track record in the Santa Anita Handicap. This is the year Affirmed won the Triple Crown. Affirmed won the Hollywood Gold Cup during his four-year-old season, and a total of five Eclipse awards during his career before retiring to stud. His career earnings totaled $2,393,818. Affirmed was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Champions of Today

Smarty Jones

Smarty Jones, born February 28, 2001, is undeniably one of the greatest modern racehorses of today. This Elusive Quality-I’ll Get Along combination is owned by Roy and Pat Chapman who hired trainer John Servis to work him into a successful racehorse. The result is the phenomenon known today as Smarty Jones.

Smarty Jones won eight of nine starts in his racing career. He won his debut at Philadelphia Park then continued on to win Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes in November 2003. The following January Smarty Jones was unstoppable, winning race after race including Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby before becoming the first undefeated Kentucky Derby winner since 1977 when Seattle Slew captured the title. Smarty Jones also won the second leg of the Triple Crown, Preakness Stakes. His retirement was announced in August 2004 and was due to a medical condition. Up to that point Smarty Jones had won $7,613,155, making him one of the richest racehorses in American history.

Funny Cide

Funny Cide, a Distorted Humor-Belle’s Good Cide combination, was born April 20, 2000. Funny Cide was purchased by Sackatoga Stable in March 2002 and began training with Barclay Tagg shortly after. Funny Cide made his debut at a Maiden race in September 2002 and won. This victory lead him to two more wins during his two-year-old season at Bertram Bongard Stakes and Sleepy Hollow.

Though during his three-year-old season Funny Cide finished second at Wood Memorial and third at the Louisiana Derby, Belmont Stakes and Haskell Invitational, he found victory in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Funny Cide was the first horse of New York breeding to win the Kentucky Derby, making New Yorkers proud. Funny Cide also took the lead over American Style at the beginning of his four-year-old season at Gulfstream Park in January 2004. Funny Cide holds the record for the highest earning of any New York bred racehorse in history.

These horses have carved their names in racing history through their determination, power and willingness to do what it takes to become a champion. These horses are merely a few of the well-known champions of our time. They have broken records and set the stage for the future generation of racing champions. It is horses like these that define the sport of racing as it continues to be one of the most widely attended spectator sports in history.