What is a "Chinese dog"

"The Chinese dog" has no relation neither to China nor to the dogs. So gardeners have nicknamed a fairly large rodent, whose official name water vole. This animal shrouded in mystery and riddles.

Mysteries of Chinese dogs

The Chinese dog belongs to the family of Khomyakov. This is a rodent whose body is 20 cm in length. The traditional habitat of the animal are the shores of lakes, rivers, ponds and other water bodies, but it can stay in the gardens and in the gardens, which are located at a great distance from his home. The main disadvantage of water vole for gardeners is the appetite of a rodent. The fact that the dacha he eats any edible products – vegetables, fruits, young sprouts, seeds, roots and leaves of plants. Their raids Chinese dogs literally empty areas and cause significant crop damage.

Dog rodent called for certain behaviors. Water voles are very playful, and their intermittent whistling reminiscent of a screech or a playful dog barking.

Appearance

The size of the Chinese dogs can be compared to a Guinea pig or a very big rat. The fur of this rodent can be dark brown, spotted or lighter shades. The tail is small, a little fluffy. Externally, the water vole is very much like a normal hamster. But the agility and dexterity several times his superior.

When the dog is threatened, it emits a piercing sound and his tail the ground. Rodents are quite aggressive and are trying by all means to defend themselves.

In winter, Chinese dogs hibernate, but in summer they are predominantly diurnal. If the winter has a rather high temperature, water vole unable to Wake up. They eat their inventory or looking for food in snow cover. Given the diversity of the diet of these animals, the food they can find in any conditions.


Chinese dog water vole called only people. According to some sources, this comparison is due to the arguments that the people of China has released this animal around the world. However, such arguments are not confirmed.

Like hamsters, the Chinese dogs have capacious cheek pouches, where rodent hiding gathered food.

Ways of dealing with the Chinese dog

To get rid of the Chinese dog a suburban area very difficult. For many gardeners, it becomes a real scourge. Experts recommend the use of traditional methods of rodent control – poison, traps, traps. However, among the many characteristics of animal occupies a special place amazing trick. He may not eat the poisoned food, and easily passes traps.

Another method of control are weasels and ferrets. These animals are happy to include water voles in their diet. Having a ferret as a weasel has too petulant. In addition, some cats and dogs also don't miss the opportunity to catch rodents, including Chinese dogs.