Archive for April, 2018

• What’s All The Hype About Hybrids?

  We’ve all been in situations where we’ve seen a dog or two and just couldn’t place the breed.

  Yes, though we’re pet experts, some just slip our minds! The reality is that there are tons of breeds of dogs, but purebred and hybrid puppies are making it difficult to readily identify each!

  So what exactly is a purebred?

  They are dog breeds that encompass a unique genetic makeup that can be consistently reproduced. This means that any dog whose parents belong to the same breed is considered a purebred dog.

  What are hybrid puppies?

  Hybrid puppies are bred from two purebred dogs from different breeds, hence the term designer, which implies a bloodline created by mixing purebreds. Purebred puppies are simply puppies that are bred from two dogs of the same breed. If a dog is not purebred, it is considered to be a hybrid or mixed breed (commonly referred to as a mutt).

  Are purebred puppies healthier?

  Most hybrid puppies are pretty unpredictable in a lot ways, particularly regarding their health and inherited diseases. Purebreds are tested for issues usually known to affect the breed. This is to ensure only healthy dogs are being bred. Most diseases are being detected and eradicated this way. When breeds are crossed, it creates hybrid puppies with unknown results, thus they really can’t be tested in advance.

  What are some of the most common hybrid puppies?

  We’ve piled a list of the top 5 most popular hybrid puppies.

  • Cockapoo

  A Cockapoo is a mixed breed dog that is the cross between either the Cocker Spaniel breed and a Poodle.

  • Maltipoo

  This adorable dog is a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

  • Labradoodle

  The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle.

  • Goldendoodle

  It is a mixed breed dog obtained by breeding a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. The Golden Doodle was originally developed as a guide dog for visually impaired people with allergies.

  • Cheeks

  The Cheeks, also known as Pek-A-Chis or Pekachis, are a hybrid between a Chihuahua and a Pekingese. Cheeks typically look more like Chihuahuas than the Pekingese, but this all depends on their breed line.

   

• Puppy Pals

  The kids have begged you for a dog. Like a responsible would-be pet owner, you conduct your research and concede.

  Then…they beg you for two dogs. Now what should you do?! There’s some debate in the pet community as to whether it’s wise to get one or two puppies on sale to join your home. It’s a personal decision that should be weighed and pondered greatly. Here are two questions to consider asking yourself as you’re deciding to adopt or purchase two puppies on sale, at the same time.

  Firstly, do you have the time and patience?

  Raising one puppy is a task, but imagine two. Just think down the line for second. It’s midnight and you hear one puppy whimpering who may be suggesting a late night relief run. The other puppy is unaffected but awakened, and you decide it’s best to take them both. What could have been a quick walk becomes a longer and more labored task to accomplish. Before you know it, they’ve engaged in some midnight fun and their potty run is an afterthought. At this point, you might start second guessing your decision to getting two puppies on sale.

  And since we’re on the subject of potty runs, house training two puppies is an arduous, but doable task with persistence and patience. You’ll find yourself separating and supervising the two to ensure they’re eliminating in the proper places. Again, ask yourself. Do you have the time and patience?

  Secondly, can you give each puppy individual attention?

  Just because the puppies on sale that you found have come as a packaged deal, you’ll soon discover that they have very distinct personalities and require individual attention. One might be a loner and the other may be a constant cuddle companion. You’ll have to treat and do everything for them separately, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just make the firm commitment to spend social time with them individually. This will prevent them from becoming inseparable and creating a super bond with each, to the exclusion of developing a meaningful relationship with their humans.

   

  While it is certainly more of a commitment to own two puppies on sale, it has successfully been done many many times. With the proper time and dedication, they can be raised to be healthy, well adjusted, sociable adult dogs!

   

• Pets and Seniors

  Many research studies have been conducted regarding the significant benefits of pet ownership for seniors.

  They affect their mental, physical, and emotional health positively. In essence, they are good for their mind, body, and spirit. Small dog breeds and dogs in general have been found to provide loving day-to-day companionship, physical exercise, and socialization for seniors, increasing their quality of life vastly. They are therapeutic in that they promote the flow of feel good hormones in the brain and body, consequently lowering blood pressure, stress, and heart rates. If you’re considering creating this unique bond either for yourself or a loved one, you’ll benefit greatly from this list of small dog breeds who are a breeze!

  Shih Tzu

  Shih Tzus are known for the friendly and playful dispositions. They are ideal for apartment living and were bred to be companions, so they’re perfect. These small dog breeds require daily walks and some indoor playtime and then lots of lap loving! Their coats will require daily grooming, which can be peaceful and strengthen the senior/pet bond.

  Poodle

  Poodles come in three sizes – standard, miniature, and toy. The smallest of the bunch are Toy Poodles and they’re lap dogs, as you might have guessed. What makes these small dog breeds particularly suitable for seniors is that they’re highly intelligent, easy to train, and they don’t shed, which means people with allergies can own them. Toy Poodles are energetic, but have the least amount of the three types and can adapt to a more sedentary lifestyle, if needed.

  Yorkshire Terrier

  The biggest downside to these small dog breeds is their long hair that will certainly require lots of grooming, professional is recommended. But despite that, they are small and adaptable making them a perfect pet companion for seniors, especially those in assisted living homes. A daily stroll suits them just fine and it will provide just enough physical activity for their owners, too!

  Pug

  Their small, wrinkly faces, short legs, and inquisitive personalities makes the Pug a comedic and friendly senior companion. The always pleasant Pug is easy to and willing to please. These small dog breeds snore, so you may want to consider buying some ear plugs if you decide to bring this dog into your home!

  Cocker Spaniel

  Okay, we’re sneaking this one on the list! Though they aren’t typically categorized as small dog breeds, some of the runts can be! Cocker Spaniels are great companions for seniors. They have even temperaments and are generally happy and healthy dogs. They can be energetic, so a daily walk will treat that energy just fine. Their beautiful coats will need some grooming, but it’s not a labor intensive task. They are truly known to be joys to seniors.

   

• 5 Ways To Prevent Obesity in Dogs

  As humans, it’s quite natural for us to pay close attention to our health and weight.

  It’s in magazines and on television so often that it’s practically ingrained in our brains. What’s not more prevalent is the same amount of attention paid to our furry family members. Sure, we may have seen a commercial or two about specific dog brands catering towards their weight maintenance, but still – that’s not enough. When people decide to buy a dog, their weight may not be on the top of their priority list, like house training for example. With that said, we want to give you 5 tips to prevent obesity in your dog, so that he can live a long and healthy life!

  1. Familiarize yourself with your dog’s ideal weight.

  Here’s an interesting and commonly unknown fact. Most owners will buy a dog and not have a clue as to what their ideal weight should be. This is the easiest tip and the first step in monitoring and staying on top of your pup’s healthy. This is so important to know, because it will help you make the best dietary decisions when feeding your dog.

  2. Exercise, exercise, and exercise!

  Ah, exercise…it’s a word many dread and some actually love! No matter what emotion it evokes, the reality is that it’s necessary for both humans and dogs. There’s just no getting around it! When you buy a dog, make the commitment to exercise her, especially once you’ve mastered #1, the aforementioned tip. Depending on your dog, a daily stroll may be all that’s required. If you buy a dog of a larger breed, it kind of goes without saying that a stroll won’t cut it. Take your dog to a park and let him run about or if you’re a bike rider or jogger, take him along with you. This is beneficial for both you and your dog!

  3. Stay abreast with your vet.

  If you’ve noticed that your dog has put on a few extra pounds, contact your vet. Your veterinarian is the best place to start. They can give you a meal plan, yes we said meal plan! A recommended goal weight and professional plan of action is suggested, as opposed to you going at it alone. Keep in mind that an overweight dog can truly experience discomfort in their joints and they are prone to additional injuries. Your veterinarian can also help you rule out other ailments that can cause obesity, such as hypothyroidism.

  4. Make dietary changes, if needed.

  First and foremost, try hard to avoid feeding your dog table scraps and human food, in general. When you buy a dog, you can also buy treats for him, but opt for low fat, low caloric, and healthy ones. They exist, trust us! Stick to a feeding schedule rather than a free-for-all. Treat treats just as that – treats! If your dog seems to be grazing and appears hungry, try giving her fresh veggies, as they’re an excellent source of fiber and can be filling. Based on the advice and consultation with your vet, it may not be necessary to change your pet’s food, but rather the quantity.

  5. Continuously monitor your pup’s weight.

  Check your pup’s weight regularly, just as you would do for yourself. It’s imperative to know if your efforts of weight loss or maintenance are paying off, just as you desired. If weight loss is your goal, they should be losing approximately 1 lb. a month. Again, stay in contact with your vet regularly to ensure the laid out plan is working.

   

  We recognize that when you buy a dog, there will be some areas that are forgotten or that you may not have known about, but we’re hopeful that these tips will be helpful. Keep in mind, you control what and when your dog eats. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to maintaining a long and healthy life. You can do it!

• 5 Hunter Breeds To Meet Your Rural Needs

  In life, sometimes we want what we want and there are times when we need what we need.

  If you live, work and breath in rural or more countryside areas, sometimes you actually have a need for hunting dogs. They serve the purpose of guarding and herding your farm animals. We have purebred puppies that will meet your needs and we’ve compiled a list of 5 hunting breeds of dogs.

  Chesapeake Bay Retriever

  Nicknamed “The Chessie,” these purebred puppies have an origin date of 1807. Two Newfoundland dogs were rescued from a shipwreck off the coast of Maryland, near the Chesapeake Bay river. They were bred for duck hunting with other water loving breeds and eventually they became the family friendly, outdoorsy, and energetic Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They will happily charge through a long day of hunting.

  Beagle

  Beagle purebred puppies are seen as the the quintessential “hunting dog.” If you are hunting varmint like rabbits, the Beagle is your dog, hands down! They are known to track and follow a scent until they tire or the scent disappears! Beagles have been described as having a “nose with feet!”

  American Foxhound

  American Foxhounds, just as their name suggests, were bred with the purpose of hunting foxes, and although a somewhat rare breed, they are still known to do so. Deer hunters have used these purebred puppies for their excellent running skills during deer season. When it comes to the American Foxhound, they are great at what they do and will practically chase down anything you train and tell them.

  Labrador Retriever

  It’s a known fact that Labrador Retrievers are household favorites, however the same goes for the countryside and their impeccable hunting reputations. Retriever breeds make the best hunting dog and are revered as the best that’s ever did it! Their thick coats allow them to be in cold weather for hours. They are best known for hunting ducks, but they can also help you out with any type of small game.

  Bloodhound

  The Bloodhound is the largest scent hound there is! These purebred puppies were originally bred for hunting deer, wild boar, and since the Middle Ages…for tracking people! They live up to the expectation of their name, with their unparalleled tracking abilities and strong noses making them excellent hunting dogs.