The Westminster Kennel Club dog show has to be one of the worst ideas ever.

Start with Manhattan in February, a bitter-cold month not beyond the season for shut-it-all-down blizzards. Take a couple of thousand dogs, many of whom have never seen the likes of the traffic and noise they'll face on the streets of Midtown. Take those streets, where the dogs will turn the snow yellow for blocks around Penn Station, leaving the crowds of daily commuters stepping carefully and less than amused. Add stressed-out dog handlers under maximum pressure to get the dogs there, set them up in hotel rooms and have them perfectly groomed for competition.

Finally, add tens of thousands of people coming to see the dogs during the two-day show, packing the staging areas of Madison Square Garden so tightly that sometimes it's nearly impossible to move from one aisle of dogs to the next.

Dogs panting. Spectators sweating. Handlers stressing. I've been there, several times, and I can assure you: It's miserable. But it's Westminster, the one and only. Which means if you have a top show dog, you're going to move heaven and earth to be there -- and most of them will be on Feb. 14 and 15.

This year will be Westminster's 129th -- the event is second only to the Kentucky Derby as the country's oldest sporting event -- but only the 16th for David Frei as broadcast commentator, who more recently picked up additional duties as the club's director of communications. When I teased him about the character based on him in the movie "Best in Show" being the only one who didn't seem a little bit ... well ... crazy, he laughed graciously.

"The question I get most is, 'Is it really like "Best in Show,"'" he said, admitting that the parody wasn't that far from the mark. "It's a target-rich environment, but we can all laugh, and the movie did to a lot to bring our sport to the public."

The sport may need help getting attention, but Westminster doesn't. Entries for the show close in minutes, with the top five dogs in each breed getting an invitation and other champions left to try to get their entry in before the 2,500-dog limit is reached, typically in under an hour.

"We never get all the top dogs, but we're close," said Frei. "You'll always get a few retired, having puppies. This year, 97 out of the top 103 will be there."

This year's show will have more golden retrievers than any other dog, with 53 entered. It'll also see the Westminster debut of three breeds new to full registration status with the American Kennel Club -- the Neapolitan mastiff, the black Russian terrier, and the Glen of Imaal terrier.

"It does take a special effort to be a part of it," said Frei, acknowledging the difficulties of holding a dog show during a Manhattan winter. "People are here because they want to be here. A lot of the top dogs spend the rest of the year ducking each other, showing in different parts of the country. But all the great dogs are here, all at the same time."

Westminster may be a very bad idea for a dog show, but for the dog who wins ... well, there's just nothing like it.

SIDEBAR

Some dogs to watch

Westminster's all-championship show draws the best dogs from around the country -- and a few from around the world. Going into the competition, a few dogs are thought to have a better shot winning the top prize, including:

-- Champion North Well Chako JP Platina King (Coleman). The toy poodle was bred in Japan, but he had made his mark in the United States, where he's the top-ranked dog of all breeds heading into Westminster.

-- Ch. Yakee If Only (Jeffrey). The Pekingese is also an English show champion; his dad was best in show at Cruft's, the top English show. Jeffrey is the No. 2 dog in the nation.

-- Ch. Heathers Knock on Wood (Knotty). The bloodhound scored big by winning the AKC-Eukanuba National Invitational in January over many of the same dogs he'll compete against in New York. Is he on a roll?

-- Ch. Kaleef's Genuine Risk (Genny). The German Shepherd is known both for her effortless, almost floating stride and for her handler, James Moses, who knows how to win with German Shepherds at this level of competition. He has done it before.

-- Ch. Clussex Three D Grinchy Glee (Stumpy). The Sussex spaniel's trademark is a tail that never stops wagging. If his owners and handler had tails, they'd wag them, too, with all the winning he has done. Stumpy competed for best in show last year as winner of the sporting group.

The toughest competition at the breed level will be among boxers, says Westminster's David Frei. Three of the top-ranked dogs in the country will meet in the boxer ring, but just one of them will move on to try to win the working group. The toy breeds have the toughest group competition, with Coleman likely to square off against Jeffrey -- but don't rule out the Pomeranian or the pug.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will be televised at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. Central Time) on Feb. 14 and 15 on the USA Network. The event is broadcast live on the East Coast and delayed for other time zones.

Q&A

Litter-box cake should get a laugh

Q: A while back I put aside your recipe for cake made to look like a cat's litter box, but now I can't find it. Would you please repeat it? I want to take it to a potluck for our dog-training club. -- L.Y., via e-mail

A: It's amusing to me how often people ask for this recipe, considering that I rarely cook at all. Directions for Litter Box Cake come from the files of the Veterinary Information Network (www.vin.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More than a few veterinarians have used the recipe for open houses in their clinics or hospitals. The most important part of following the recipe? Be sure to use a brand-new litter box and scoop.

I hope the members of your dog-training club have strong stomachs and a good sense of humor, because this cake really does look like the real thing.

LITTER BOX CAKE

1 pkg. spice cake mix

1 pkg. white cake mix

1 pkg. white sandwich cookies

Green food coloring

12 small Tootsie Rolls

1 box vanilla pudding mix (not instant)

1 brand-new, freshly washed litter box

1 brand-new, freshly washed litter box scoop

Prepare the cake mixes and bake according to their directions. Prepare the pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble. Use a blender on a low setting to crumble the white sandwich cookies in small batches; they tend to stick, so scrape often. Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup of cookie crumbs, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix by using a fork.

After the cakes cool to room temperature, crumble them into a large bowl. Toss with half the remaining cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. Gently combine. Line a new, freshly cleaned litter box with plastic wrap. Put the mixture into the box. Put three unwrapped Tootsie Rolls in a microwave-safe dish and heat until they're soft and pliable. Shape the ends so that they're no longer blunt, curving them slightly. Repeat with three more Tootsie Rolls and bury them in the mixture.

Sprinkle the other half of the cookie crumbs over the top of the mixture. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly over the top so they look like the chlorophyll in some cat-box fillers. Heat the remaining Tootsie Rolls, three at a time, in the microwave until they're almost melted. Taper the ends as before, then plop them on top of the cake and sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Serve with a brand-new, freshly washed cat-box scoop.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET BUY

Dyson vacuum earns its cult following

Last year when I was at the Cruft's dog show in England, the biggest dog show in the world, I made a point to talk with the folks at the Dyson vacuum cleaner display.

I had to wait in line to do so.

The reason is easy to understand: The English company makes vacuums with so much power that they can pull pet hair out of carpets that have already been gone over by other brands. Two years ago I bought the first model made available in the United States, the DC-07, and recently was sent the newest, the DC-14 "Animal," to try out.

The Dyson's cult status is such that the pet lovers I mentioned my "test drive" to were visibly envious.

The funky purple DC-14 "Animal" has some advantages over my DC-07, most notably the addition of a small beater head that fits on a wand with enough reach for an entire staircase. The attachment allows the user to get pet hair off upholstery and carpeted stairways almost as efficiently as the upright draws fur from floors.

I didn't see a notable improvement over the astonishing suction power of the earlier model, but since the DC-07 is the best vacuum I've ever owned, maybe it's hard to improve on it much.

One of the things I like most about the Dyson (in addition to the powerful suction) is how easy it is to empty the clear plastic cylinder where the dirt ends up. Just snap the cylinder free, walk out to the trash can and pull the trigger to release muck.

Dyson might consider adding power drive and a retractable cord in future models, but that shouldn't stop anyone from considering this vacuum now.

The Dyson "Animal" is not cheap compared to most vacuums -- $549 is about the best price I found online. But it's a bargain when compared to high-end models that top a grand or more.

PET Rx

Choose veterinarian before you need one

While it's always better to establish a working relationship with a veterinarian before your pet gets sick, it's essential to do so when you're sharing your home with birds, reptiles or other less-common pets.

That's because not all companion animal veterinarians are comfortable with treating pets other than dogs and cats, and not all veterinarians keep up with the latest information on reptiles and birds. Taking your bird or reptile in for a well-pet checkup with a veterinarian who specializes in these pets can help you prevent problems, by spotting illness early or by helping you to fix incorrect care that will hurt your pet down the line.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

BREED TYPE

Glamorous Persian is most popular purebred cat

With a glamorous image worthy of the Hollywood studios in their heyday, it's no surprise that the Persian is the most popular breed of cat. Persians come in a dazzling array of colors and markings, including solid colors, tabby, calico and just about anything else you can imagine.

Persian cats are as treasured for their personalities as their distinctive looks. Affectionate yet undemanding, a Persian is more likely to get your attention by adopting an especially fetching pose than by plonking herself down on the newspaper you're trying to read.

All that beauty doesn't come without a price, and grooming a Persian cat is not an optional activity. Persian coats will become tangled and matted if not combed on a daily basis, and they usually require periodic professional grooming as well. A matted Persian is not just unsightly; mats are painful and can lead to abrasions and skin infections if not removed promptly. The Persian is not for you if you aren't willing to make sure his coat stays in good shape.

Pros: The arresting beauty of these kings and queens of catdom is behind their enduring popularity. Persian cats are also wonderful companions: serene, quiet and affectionate, and never noisy or pesty.

Cons: The coat requires considerable attention and often professional grooming. And these cats shed -- a lot. Their popularity also means there are many unethical breeders. Genetic problems include dental and sinus abnormalities related to the distinctive Persian facial structure, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which can be fatal. Ultrasound screening of breeding cats can prevent this disease, so obtain your Persian kitten only from a breeder who guarantees against PKD in writing. -- Christie Keith, www.pethobbyist.com

(For more information about the Persian cat, visit the Cat Breed Center at www.cathobbyist.com/CatBreeds.)

PETS ON THE WEB

A place for sharing pictures of pets

Fotolog (www.fotolog.net) was last year's sensation, the place for people to post pictures of everything and anything, including lots of pets. But Fotolog has stumbled, with a site that's barely functioning and a business plan that seems to be based on begging subscribers for more money.

The hot new place to put your pet photos is Flickr (www.flickr.com), with its clean design and reliable programming. Flickr makes it easy to organize images and share them with friends and family, as well as to join in communities of people who may soon be your friends based on your common interests. There are communities organized around subjects as narrow as picture of dogs' noses.

Many of the pet-loving denizens of Fotolog have migrated to Flickr, taking their pet pictures with them. "Cat" and "Dog" are two of the most-popular categories on the Web site (searchable by "tag"), with plenty of other pets pictured, too. A basic account for posting images is free.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

When I first started writing about the importance of taking care of a pet's teeth, the response I most often heard was one of astonishment. "I'm supposed to brush my pet's teeth?" pet lovers would say. "You're kidding, right?"

These days, pet lovers respond not with surprise, but with guilt. "I know I should brush my pet's teeth, but I don't because my cat won't put up with it," they say. Or they don't have time, or they forget.

And so ignorance becomes guilt. Now that's progress! And the next step: good dental health from the very beginning.

Why is this important? Beyond the bad breath caused by rotting teeth and gums -- "dog breath" is a symptom of disease, not a normal part of owning a dog -- the infections caused by dental problems can shorten your pet's life by damaging internal organs. Bad teeth can also leave your pet in constant pain.

Veterinarians now recommend training kittens and puppies to accept having their teeth brushed, a job that's not really that hard, even with older dogs and cats. Approach the task with a positive attitude, take it slow and easy, and then follow with something the pet likes -- a play session or a food treat. There are also products in gel form available that can be applied to teeth to keep them clean of plaque.

For kittens and puppies, the focus is on training and prevention, but adult pets will likely need veterinary attention before a preventive-care program can help. Your veterinarian should check your pet's mouth, teeth and gums as part of the regular examination, and make recommendations based on what he or she finds there. For many pets, the next step will be a complete dentistry under anesthesia. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour, and involves not only cleaning and polishing the teeth, but also checking for and treating broken or rotting teeth, cavities, abscesses and periodontal disease.

Today's anesthetics are dramatically safer than those of even a few years ago, making the dangers and pain of untreated dental problems the bigger risk to health, even with older pets.

After the problems are treated, at-home care can keep things in good shape. Here are some tips:

-- Brush or wipe regularly. Use a toothpaste designed for dogs and cats a couple of times a week at least, although daily is better. Don't use toothpaste made for people, because animals don't know how to rinse and spit. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and can be swallowed. They also have a flavor pets appreciate.

Use a toothbrush made for pets, or a children's toothbrush. You can also use plain gauze wrapped around a finger or a fingertip brush. Some vets suggest that gauze may work better with cats, especially if dipped in tuna or clam juice first.

-- Offer teeth-cleaning toys and consider teeth-cleaning food. Some pet-food companies now offer kibble with a mild abrasive texture to help keep teeth clean, or with ingredients that help keep plaque from forming. Ask your vet about these if tartar buildup is a chronic problem for your pet.

Soft chew toys and a chew rope can help keep teeth clean, too. Avoid chews that are hard or are prone to breaking into sharp pieces. These can break teeth or slice gums.

Once your pet's teeth are in good shape, you'll immediately notice an end to bad breath. The true benefits of dental care go far beyond a better-smelling mouth, however, making what seems on surface to be an aesthetic issue one that is in fact a cornerstone of a preventive-care program.

SIDEBAR

February is Pet Dental Health Month. During the month, your veterinarian may provide special information on your pet's dental care or have special offers on services. Check with your veterinarian for more.

Information on dental care and products for pets can be found on several Web sites, including:

-- Pets Need Dental Care, Too (www.petdental.com)

-- C.E.T. Home Dental care (www.cetdental.com)

-- OraVet (www.oravet.com)

-- Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org)

-- Veterinary Partner Dental Care Series, by Dr. Jan Bellows (www.veterinarypartner.com)

Q&A

Divorce story draws howls of protest

Q: What's the deal with portraying mere animals as equal to children in your recent column on divorce and pets? "Joint custody" is terminology that is supposed to be used when referring to children, not pets. In case you hadn't noticed, cats, dogs, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils and hermit crabs are not children. Just because their delusional owners think they are children doesn't make it so.

Attorney Bernard Clair is quoted as saying, "People need to ask, 'What would be the best situation for the pet?'" Excuse me? Pets are not children, for crying out loud! They can't be traumatized by divorce. Do you think a cat cares who its owner is? Of course not. Just so long as someone is opening the can of pet food, that's all that matters to these small-brained animals. -- D.R., via e-mail

Q: In your column, you included lawyer Bernard Clair's quote that states animals are "sentient beings." What was he smoking when he came up with that comment? Animals have the "right to enjoy their time on this planet." Does this man not know anything about Darwin's theory of evolution?

Evolution doesn't give any animals any kind of rights. Only people are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness because only we can think.

Animals aren't sentient beings. They are instinct-driven beasts, unwitting slaves to evolution. They certainly aren't children, which is how your column was trying to portray them, with the talk of "joint custody." -- M.W., via e-mail

A: "Small-brained animals"? "Instinct-driven beasts"? I'm curious: Has either one of you ever shared your life with a pet? I can't imagine that anyone who's loved a pet would suggest animals have no bond with their owners or have no emotional life whatsoever.

I got a surprising amount of e-mail in regard to the recent column on pets and divorce, some of it quite nasty. What the problem is with the word "sentient," I don't know. Animals clearly are sentient, inasmuch as they are conscious and have emotions, even if their emotions are not as complex as our own.

While neither I nor (I'm guessing) Mr. Clair believes animals to be "equal" to children, I don't think it's unreasonable to consider an animal's needs when deciding who gets the pet when a marriage dissolves. After a divorce, one party may be in no position to keep a pet, because of a housing situation, hours worked or other factors, while the other person may have a lifestyle more suitable to keeping a pet. If the divorcing couple fairly considers an animal's needs and makes the "custody" arrangements appropriately, then I say they deserve to be respected for their kindness to their pets and to each other.

To me, it comes down to responsibility. When we take an animal into our home, we should be making a commitment to care for that animal for life. When a household situation changes, it's part of our responsibility to determine what's best for the animals in our care.

I don't believe animals to be the same as children, but I do believe they deserve more consideration than an inanimate piece of property. In my mind, the issue here is not about the standing of animals in the eyes of the law, but rather about following through on one's responsibilities to the animals one brings into the family as members of the family.

Our pets count on us to do what's right for them. If the silverware ends up in the Dumpster as a result of a nasty divorce, there's no real harm to the silverware, which cannot feel fear, pain or grief.

If an animal ends up thrown away, it's a different story entirely.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ON THE WEB

Funny cat book started as Web site

"Bad Cat: 244 Not-So-Pretty Kitties and Cats Gone Bad" by Jim Edgar (Workman Publishing, $10) was the surprise hit of the holiday season, a New York Times best-selling book for several weeks running. The book draws from the enormously popular Web site MyCatHatesYou.com, which is home to hundreds of really silly pictures of cats with bad attitudes.

The site started as an inside joke in 2001 among some folks at Microsoft and soon became a favorite among cat lovers of all persuasions. Be warned: The humor and language on the site is often off-color.

In the book or on the Web site, the pictures are bound to make you laugh, sometimes against your better intentions. Cats are caught in every pose imaginable, some looking extremely cross at being bothered by the camera. The expressions alone suggest that cats know a lot more about us than they let on and are putting up with us only grudgingly.

PET Rx

'Scooting' probably not worm-related

No art (Believe me: You don't want art)

Does your dog scoot along on his fanny? You need to talk to your veterinarian about your pet's anal glands.

Anal glands are a topic no dog lover likes to think about, but the subject often cannot be ignored. Positioned on either side of the anus, the glands secrete a material that smells vile. Normal defecation may keep the glands emptied, but in some dogs, impactions and infections become a real problem.

The glands should be emptied regularly, a task that's simple if unappealing. Your veterinarian can show you how to empty the glands, or you can have the groomer do it for you when your dog's in for a regular grooming.

Infections of the anal glands are not uncommon, and they need to be treated by your veterinarian. In some cases, chronic infections need to be dealt with by having the glands removed.

Veterinary Partner has a demonstration of how to empty anal glands on its Web site. Go to veterinarypartner.com and search on the words "anal sacs."

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

PET PLATES

Crazy cocker family picks perfect plate

DOGSCAB: I've been saving your column because I had just ordered special plates for our three cars. The picture I'm sending you is of our minivan. We have four cocker spaniels -- Sassy, Sadie, Buddy and Bailey -- and I have three crates in the van. Sassy and Sadie ride in a crate together; Buddy and Bailey have their own crate. Our veterinarian and friends call us the Crazy Cocker Family, and our daughter thinks we are way out of control when it comes to our babies. -- J.H., via e-mail

(Send pictures and stories of your pet plates to petconnection@gmail.com. )

PET BOOKS

Pet-moving guide offers good information

Usually I don't write about books that aren't as well-written and well-organized as they are well-researched, but with Carrie Straub's "The Pet-Moving Handbook" (First Books, $10), I have to make an exception. That's because although the book is a mess organizationally and tends to repeat itself in places, it's the only book I remember seeing that's dedicated exclusively to this important topic.

Straub offers a lot of practical information on moving pets of all kinds, from the more-popular dogs and cats to caged pets and even exotics. Along the way, she offers sound advice on the logistics and expense of moving a pet, as well as tips on how to help pets cope with the process.

Trying to read this slender book straight through will give you a headache. An index would have been most helpful, but the table of contents is complete enough to help you find the information you need. To be fair, some of the advice she keeps repeating bears repeating: Make sure all pets are securely contained in crates or on leash while being moved, and that they have current ID in case they get lost.

Darlene Arden is pet expert who always turns out solidly researched, well-written books, and her latest is no exception. "Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Can't Get Unless You're a Dog" (McGraw-Hill, $15) delivers on what has to be one of the longest titles I've ever seen on a pet book, packing in hundreds of interesting tidbits between the covers.

Arden is an admitted shopaholic. ("I've often told friends that if they're looking for me at a dog show, just follow the smell of melting plastic," she says.) Her expertise is obvious in this book, which focuses in large part on pet-supply retailers and their entertaining, if sometimes quirky, merchandise.

Her travel section is also comprehensive. Most interesting: the section on dog-specific museums and memorials around the world, such the dog-collar museum in England, and Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel in Vermont.

BY THE NUMBERS

Is one dog enough?

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 40.6 percent of all households in the United States owned at least one dog in 2002, a figure largely unchanged from the two previous surveys in 2000 and 1998. The total number of dogs owned per household has increased, however, to an average of 1.6. In 2002:

Number of dogs owned Total dog owners

One 65 percent

Two 23 percent

Three or more 12 percent

PET TIP

Socialization a must for growing puppies

Puppies need to be protected from disease until their shots are complete, but that doesn't mean they can't be socialized. Dog-training experts say puppies should be exposed to as many new situations, people and objects as possible to ensure that they will grow up to be confident, stable dogs.

Stay clear of any area where unknown dogs have access, such as public sidewalks and parks. Instead, expose your puppy to areas that are as disease-free as possible, including your home and the homes of friends with dogs whose vaccination status is known. Your puppy needs to be gently and safely introduced to as many surfaces, sights, sounds and smells as possible, and should be given the opportunity to be lovingly petted by as many different kinds and ages of people as you can find.

Once your veterinarian gives the go-ahead, pull out the stops and take your puppy everywhere you can. The more socialization the better in these important early months of life.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

In a convincing show of dominance that would make even the Republican Party drool with envy, the Labrador retriever is America's top dog for the 15th consecutive year.

Based on just-released American Kennel Club registration statistics for 2004, Labradors accounted for almost one in six of all registrations among the organization's 154 recognized breeds. In all, 146,692 Labs were registered, almost three times as many as the No. 2 breed, the golden retriever, which numbered 52,550 in 2004.

Any way you look at it, that's a lot of Labradors. And that doesn't even count those dogs eligible for AKC registration whose owners never bothered to send in the forms, or Labs registered with other organizations, or those purebred but not papered. And it certainly doesn't take into account the Lab mixes so common in any shelter, or this year's hot mixed breed, the Labradoodle.

Is the Labrador really that perfect a dog, so good a fit in so many kinds of families? While the Lab's probably not all that much better a family dog than some of the lesser-known but equally family-friendly breeds around, it's certainly true Labradors have a lot to offer.

Once they get over their rambunctious and often destructive adolescence (which can last for the first couple of years, or more), Labradors settle into a wonderful, easygoing adulthood. While not well-suited to either an isolated or sedentary life, the Lab fits in with most other situations, and is happiest in an active home with children. The breed's easy-care coat needs little in the way of brushing.

Although not bred to be especially protective, the Labrador's size alone will provide some degree of security, and few criminals will care to guess if the breed's big-dog bark is a warning or a welcome.

On the down side, Labradors are happy eaters, and so are prone to obesity especially in situations where exercise is rare. Because of their incredible popularity, Labs have attracted the interest of clueless and careless breeders, who produce animals without regard to health or temperament concerns. When buying a puppy, it's essential to find a reputable breeder who screens all breeding stock for such painful and expensive health problems as hip dysplasia.

These caveats aside, there's good reason for the Labrador's hold on America's dog-loving heart, and no sign of the love affair ending any time soon.

Or is there?

Times change, and so do fashions, even in dogs. Anyone with the idea that popularity or politics never change might want to consider the fact that the genial, lovable Lab will have to put in another couple of decades at No. 1 to top the poodle's run from the late '50s until the Labrador took over.

These days, the best the poodle could manage is eighth place -- and that's for all three sizes combined.

SIDEBAR

City by city

While the Labrador retriever topped registration numbers in most cities, there are a couple of places where the breed didn't rank No. 1. In Miami, the German shepherd is top dog, while in New York City, the more reasonably urban-sized dachshund is No. 1.

More variety could be found in the No. 2 slot, with the Yorkshire terrier second-most popular behind the Labrador in Detroit, Washington, D.C., Tampa, Fla., Las Vegas and Houston.

A complete ranking of all 154 American Kennel Club breeds for 2004 can be found on the organization's Web site, www.akc.org.

SIDEBAR

Top 25

1. Labrador retriever

2. Golden retriever

3. German shepherd

4. Beagle

5. Yorkshire terrier

6. Dachshund

7. Boxer

8. Poodle

9. Shih Tzu

10. Chihuahua

11. Miniature schnauzer

12. Pug

13. Pomeranian

14. Bulldog

15. Cocker spaniel

16. Rottweiler

17. Boston terrier

18. Shetland sheepdog

19. Maltese

20. German shorthaired pointer

21. Miniature pinscher

22. Doberman pinscher

23. Pembroke Welsh corgi

24. Siberian husky

25. Basset hound

Q&A

Cat spraying is not a litter-box problem

Q: Our cat has suddenly started spraying urine on the furniture. We've squirted him, spanked him and yelled at him, but it doesn't help. He's still using the litter box, just not all the time. My husband says if it doesn't stop, the cat goes out. Can you help? -- P.F., via the Internet

A: The application of urine to mark territory is different from the release of urine to eliminate waste from the body. The strategies for addressing spraying are different from those that you use in getting a cat to use a litter box.

That said, the first step is exactly the same: Take your cat in to see his veterinarian to make sure there isn't some sort of health issue triggering this annoying change in behavior. Your veterinarian's office is the place to start with behavior problems of any kind, especially when they come on suddenly in previously well-mannered pets.

Although both male and female cats may spray, unneutered males are the biggest offenders. You didn't mention if your cat is neutered, but if he isn't, he should be. Neutering takes care of the problem in the majority of cases if done before sexual maturity is attained. While neutering isn't quite as effective on adult cats who start spraying, it's worthwhile to alter older spraying cats as well.

For those cats who don't respond to neutering, environmental stresses -- such as a new person or pet in the house or a neighbor's cat in the yard -- may be triggering the spraying. Anti-anxiety drugs may help (talk to your veterinarian), as can cleaning sprayed areas thoroughly and covering them with foil to discourage fresh marking. (Cats dislike anything involving foil, and the sound of urine hitting it really annoys them.) There are also some pheromone-based aerosol products that may help calm your cat and reduce the urge to spray.

Don't punish your cat for spraying, even if you catch him in the act. Doing so makes him even more anxious and more likely to mark. Punishment is never a good strategy when trying to solve behavior problems in cats.

Q: I want other cat lovers to learn from my experience, and want to ask your help in doing so. A couple of months ago my cat lost interest in eating. She was not by any measure a slender cat, so I thought it wasn't that big a deal at first. By the time I got her to the vet's, though, she was gravely ill and I lost her. I feel so guilty for not getting her help sooner. The veterinarian said she died of a liver problem that's a problem in fat cats. Will you please caution others about this? I am utterly heartbroken. -- S.R., via e-mail

A: I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you wouldn't have delayed care for your cat if you knew the situation was as serious as it turned out to be, so please don't beat yourself up for this.

I'm guessing your cat died of feline hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease. The condition is triggered when a cat stops eating for any reason, pushing the cat into a downward spiral. She doesn't eat, which makes her feel crummy, so she won't eat and so on, until she's too ill to be saved. The reason fat cats are at greater risk is because their livers are too choked with fat to function properly.

Feline hepatic lipidosis is one of the reasons why it's a good idea to work with your veterinarian when trying to slim down a fat cat, since the job needs to be done slowly and carefully.

The bottom line: Any cat who doesn't eat for more than 48 hours needs prompt veterinary care, especially if the animal is overweight.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET BUY

Beware of signs that lead to lawsuits

My "Beware of Dog" signs came down years ago, after I interviewed an attorney who made a good piece of his living suing on behalf of dog-bite victims.

Keeping a dog who is known to be vicious is a far more serious issue than having one who has never been a problem before. Putting up a "Beware of Dog" sign, the attorney said, could arguably be an indication that a dog's owners knew he was a problem.

I've never shared my life with a dog who posed a threat to anything other than a full food dish. I posted my yard just to keep people out of it, as much to protect my dogs from open gates as anything else. It was a few years before someone came up with the perfect product to replace those "Beware of Dog" signs: Attractive metal plates that simply say "Dog in Yard."

I ordered them immediately and put them up on the outside of my fences. They provide all the protection my dogs need without suggesting my pets are anything but friendly.

The "Dog in Yard" signs, available in brown, blue or green with contrasting lettering, are $14.95 each from The Original Pet Postings, www.bigdoorproducts.com or 1-847-835-1106.

PET Rx

Meds for pets? Check with vet

While most people are aware that prescription drugs need to be kept safely away from pets, fewer seem to know that common over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous.

The Animal Poison Control Center has issued a warning on medications containing pseudoephedrine, an ingredient that can be found in over-the-counter medications intended to provide relief for cold, sinus and allergy symptoms. The APCC warns that a single pill could have a noticeable effect on a small dog, and three tablets could be fatal.

The warning is a good reason to remember that all medications -- prescription, over-the-counter and herbal -- should be stored where pets cannot get to them, and should never be given to any animal without checking with your veterinarian first.

If your pet gets into any medication by accident, get hold of a veterinarian immediately. A wait-and-see approach is never a good idea, and it might cost your pet his life.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

THE SCOOP

Enjoy the exotic, lovely and rare at a cat show

You don't need to know the difference between a Siamese and a Burmese to enjoy a trip to a cat show. Here are a few tips to make the day more enjoyable:

-- Wear comfortable, casual clothes with a little flexibility. Show halls are notorious for being too hot or too cold, no matter the outside temperature. Wear something light and carry a sweater, and you're covered either way. Carry a backpack or big purse, since you're sure to run across pet-food freebies or buy toys to take home to your cat.

-- Be aware of the demands on exhibitors. Your first question to any exhibitor should be: "Is this a good time to ask a few questions about your cats?" They'll let you know, and if it's not, they can tell you when will be. Never bother an exhibitor who has a cat in her arms -- she's almost certainly headed to or coming from the judging ring. And step aside: Cat-show etiquette, and common sense, demands that a person carrying a cat has the right-of-way.

-- Be respectful of the health and safety of the cats. Breeders are very concerned -- and rightly so -- about the spread of disease. So the only people who touch any cats at a show are the people who brought them and the judges, who are careful to sanitize their hands and the judging platform between each cat they handle.

-- Watch at least one class being judged. Cat-show judges often discuss the good and not-so-good points of each animal as they judge, and many are not only articulate and knowledgeable, but witty as well.

Best of all, a cat show is a special opportunity to see dozens of beautifully groomed cats -- not only of the more common breeds, but also of some of the rarest in the world.

ON THE WEB

All hamsters, all the time

The Hamsters Galore Web site (http://groups.msn.com/hamstersgalore) is home to hamster fanatics who happily share information and stories with one another.

The site is packed with countless choices from the silly to the practical. On the silly side: a section on what hamsters would say if they could talk, where speculation centers mostly on demanding choice bits of favorite foods. More practical offerings include tips on taming nippy hamsters, which foods and toys are safe, and how to find a good veterinarian.

From reading the posts, it's pretty clear that a lot of the visitors to Hamsters Galore are children who are doing their best with their very first pet. Such posts add a gentle sweetness to the site, especially in the poetry section, where the love of these little pets leads to some creative efforts powered by true affection and, sometimes, the pain of first loss.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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