Labmaraner

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: January 9th, 2017

About Labmaraner

Weight

60-100 lb

Lifespan

10-12 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles and families with children and other pets, living in a house with a yard

Temperament

Loyal, loving, social, friendly, gentle, energetic

Comparable Breeds

Labrador Retriever, Weimaraner

Height

23-24 inches

Labmaraner Basics

Also known as the Labraraner or Weimador, the Labmaraner is a great looking canine who is known for his loving and loyal personality. If you are in search of a furry friend who will always long to be at your side and who will be thrilled to participate in a variety of activities with you, this could be the right choice for you and your family.

Check out the facts below to get to know the Labmaraner a bit better. The more you understand this breed, the better prepared you will be to make the right choice when it comes to bringing a new canine companion home.

The Labmaraner is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner.

Origin

The Labmaraner is a designer dog breed from the United States.

Pedigree

The Labmaraner is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner.

Food / Diet

Always feed your pet a high quality food that is packed with the nutrients his body needs to thrive. When it comes to feeding your Labmaraner, you can give your dog anywhere from 4-5 cups of dry food every day, but split this amount up into multiple servings so that your dog is eating a minimum of two meals per day.

If you are also going to give your precious pooch a high quality canned food for dogs, just reduce the amount of dry food that you are providing so that you don’t end up overfeeding your pet and causing unwanted weight gain.

Of course, if you have any questions at all regarding what your dog should be eating, or how much, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

The Labmaraner is a great looking canine who is known for his loving and loyal personality.

Training

Because the Labmaraner is breed that is eager to please and intelligent, training should be easy, and your dog should be able to learn the ropes with fewer repetitions than other breeds when he is tackling new commands.

Using treats to motivate and reward your Labmaraner will be a smart move because these dogs love to eat. Also incorporate the use of positive techniques, such as plenty of praise, and keep the training sessions short and sweet. Be consistent, firm, and engaging. Even when your dog shows a bit of a stubborn attitude, don’t become harsh.

Consistent training will keep behavioral problems at bay, and when good training is combined with socialization at an early age, your dog will understand that you are the pack leader. Just be prepared, as this breed might decide to test your dominance, so remain firm.

Weight

A large-sized breed, the Labmaraner weighs between 60 and 100 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

The Labmaraner is a breed known for its loving, gentle, and devoted temperament. These friendly canines will thrive on attention and being near the family all the time. And if you have other pets or kids, these dogs will get along with them just fine as well.

Considered pack-oriented and social, these dogs should not be left alone for many hours at a time, as separation anxiety could develop. If you are the type of person who works long hours or travels a lot, the Labmaraner might not be the best choice for your lifestyle.

Common Health Problems

As is the case with all hybrid canine breeds, the Labmaraner might be prone to inheriting the health conditions that most commonly affect its parent breeds. However, there is no way to predict an individual dog’s long-term health, and there is no guarantee that your dog will inherit any of those problems.

The best that you can do is purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who can prove the health of the parents. Then work closely with your vet, and keep an eye out for the symptoms associated with the following conditions: ear infections, heart problems, cold tail, joint dysplasia, eye conditions, bloat, epilepsy, factor XI deficiency, osteochondritis dissecans, and immune-mediated disease.

Life Expectancy

The Labmaraner has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

Labmaraners are lively dogs who require a lot of exercise every day so they can burn off their energy in a positive way. These dogs do best when they are with people who are active, as they need the physical activity to remain healthy and happy.

If you have an enclosed and safe backyard, your dog will enjoy running around off-leash, playing with toys, and playing interactive games with your family. You can also take your pet to the dog park, where he can interact with other canines. And you can even take your Labmaraner for a run, swim, or on a hike, as a few examples, in addition to daily walks, for added variety.

You should also have a variety of toys inside your house so that your dog can remain mentally stimulated even when he isn’t outside.

The Labmaraner is a breed known for its loving, gentle, and devoted temperament.

Recognized Clubs

The Labmaraner is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

A Labmaraner will typically have a glossy, flat, and short coat that sheds a low amount. Therefore, grooming will be pretty simple and straightforward. You can brush your pet two or three times a week, and give him a bath when he gets too dirty. However, some Labmaraners will have a longer coat that will require more brushing to keep it looking healthy and smooth.

Puppies

Even though your Labmaraner will grow up to be a big dog, your puppy will be small and delicate. Supervise any time that your puppy spends around small children, and make sure that your pet is properly trained and socialized from a young age. Doing so will ensure that he will become friendly and confident around a variety of people and animals.

Photo credit: Kate Herd (Kruger)/Flickr; bit245/Depositphoto.com; FrankFaster/Bigstock

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Golden Labmaraner

Golden Labmaraner Basics You may think that when you bring together three popular hunting breeds to produce a tri-cross Designer Dog that you’ll end up with a pooch that is highly territorial and built for nothing more than the chase. But you’d be wrong. The Golden Labmaraner is a wonderful family dog who draws his character traits from the gentle, sweet-natured Golden Retriever, the loyal, easy-going Labrador Retriever and the energetic yet devoted Weimaraner. What’s great about this highly social pooch is that he does well in a household with kids and other pets including dogs. While socialization is important to achieve a non-conflicted fur family, you’re working with three super intelligent breeds that take instruction easily and will be quick to obey your commands if their natural instincts to chase or retrieve suddenly kick in. The Golden Labmaraner brings together three different hunting breeds for a wonderful companion dog who loves to be part of all family activities. Origin The Golden Labmaraner is a Designer Dog and its likely he first appeared back in the 1980s when the practice of crossing two or more pure-breds to arrive at a dog that is healthier, often non-shedding, smaller or gentler than many of the popular breeds of the day, first began. With the Golden Labmaraner, his parent breeds are the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever and the Weimaraner and while his own history is fairly recent his parent breeds bring some pretty impressive lineage. The Labrador Retriever as we know him goes back to the late 19th century and while he is a native of Canada, the breed was refined as a hunting dog in England. The Weimaraner originated in Germany, also back in the 1800s where he was bred for hunting; today he is known as the “grey ghost” because of his silvery-grey coat. The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland back in the mid-1800s to solve the need for a hunting dog that could retrieve fowl on both land and in water. Pedigree With the American Kennel Club (AKC) committed to promoting pure-bred dogs over mixed breeds, a Designer Dog such as the Golden Labmaraner just isn’t going to qualify for registry in this highly coveted club. However, all three of this dog’s parent breeds are long time AKC members who have also proven to be highly popular sporting breeds. The Labrador Retriever became a member of the club’s “sporting” group back in 1917 and is described as friendly, active and outgoing while the Golden Retriever was inducted back in 1925 to the same group and is considered a friendly, intelligent and devoted dog. The Weimaraner became a member of this group in 1943 and he’s classed as friendly, fearless and obedient. Food/Diet The Golden Labmaraner is a highly active dog that will require a high-quality kibble specifically designed for his age, size and activity level. As the Weimaraner in him may be prone to bloat, meals should always be smaller and served 2 to 3 times throughout the day versus allowing him to free-feed or giving him large volumes of food all at once. Exercise should also not be planned for sooner than 1 hour after feeding. Because this dog may be prone to joint issues later in life which means you need to establish and work at maintaining his ideal weight throughout life. The Golden Labmaraner is a wonderful family dog who gets along well with kids and other pets. Training While your Golden Labmaraner brings together three intelligent breeds that are quick to learn new commands, the Weimaraner can be stubborn and because he is a high-prey dog he can easily become distracted by different scents. For this reason, a firm, consistent approach with lots of patience is the way to go when training this boy. Particularly because of the Weimaraner influence, it’s important that socialization become an important part of this dog’s training and it needs to begin at an early age by exposing him to new people, places and experiences including puppy training classes. This will help to not only ensure his comfort in different situations but also teach him how to play nice with other animals – particularly the smaller ones. As with most dogs, the Golden Labmaraner will respond best with a positive, rewards-based approach to training and while this can include verbal praise and head-pats, the food-loving Lab side of this dog will always appreciate acknowledgement in the form of food or treats for a job well done. Weight When your Golden Labmaraner reaches adult-hood you can expect him to weight in at between 65 and 80 pounds depending on gender and which parent breeds contributes most to the gene pool. Temperament/Behavior The Golden Labmaraner is a wonderful family dog who gets along well with kids and other pets including dogs when he’s been properly socialized. The protective traits of the Weimaraner means this pooch is wary around strangers and will bark to alert to perceived danger, making him a great watchdog. The Weimaraner also brings a very strong prey drive that can result in injury to smaller animals, so socialization will be important with this dog. The energetic nature of all three breeds produces a dog that will be a great walking, hiking or running companion and because he thrives on human interaction, you’ll find he wants to be involved in all family activities. Due to this need for human contact and because separation anxiety is common in both Golden Retrievers and Weimaraners this dog likely won’t do well when left on his own for long periods of time. Barking, chewing and other destructive behaviors can surface if he feels anxious about being alone or even if his need for physical activity isn’t being met and he becomes bored and restless. Consider purchasing puzzle games and toys that will keep him occupied and mentally stimulated when he’s on his own. Common Health Problems While the Golden Labmaraner is considered a hale and hearty dog, that isn’t to say he is free of some of the health issues that plague his pure-bred parent breeds. It’s always important to do some research into what types of problems your new pup may experience down the line and particularly when there are three breeds involved. With the Golden Labmaraner, health issues can include certain cancers from the Golden Retriever, von Willebrand’s disease, joint issues such as hip dysplasia from all three breeds and from the Weimaraner, digestive issues including bloat. Although this may seem like a highly daunting list, rest assured that this pooch is still considered a healthy dog and it’s quite possible your pet will never experience these concerns throughout the course of his lifetime. Life Expectancy Provide your Golden Labmaraner with a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, a top-quality food that’s suited to his nutritional needs, plenty of activity and regular check-ups with your vet and you can expect him to live between 10 and 12 years; about average for a large-sized dog. Exercise Requirements The Golden Labmaraner is a high energy dog who would do best with an active family who can cover off his need for regular exercise and interactive playtime. In addition to long daily walks, this busy boy loves agility and opportunities to please his human pack so a big fenced yard where he can chase a tossed ball or Frisbee to burn off some energy would be ideal. Dog runs where he is isolated from his human pack will not work for this type of pooch as he needs the psychological benefits of human interaction. Visits to a dog park where he can run and interact with other dogs is another great outlet for his energy however previous socialization is important because of his predatory instincts and his need to be taught to play nice with other animals. And off-leash opportunities need to be in a secure, fenced environment because of his tendency to pick up a trail and wander off. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, this dog can become high-strung and display destructive behaviors such as chewing and continual barking. The Golden Labmaraner may suffer from separation anxiety so doesn’t do well when left on his own for longer periods of time. Recognized Clubs The Golden Labmaraner comes from three different pure-bred dogs and because of this he doesn’t qualify to join the roster of the American Kennel Club (AKC) who are dedicated solely to individual pure-bred lines. At this time, he is not recognized by any of the lesser known clubs. Coat Whether your Golden Labmaraner inherits the coarser, shorter coat of the Labrador Retriever and the Weimaraner or the longer, wavy, silky coat of the Golden Retriever, you can expect this dog will be a heavy seasonal shedder and require brushing 3 to 4 times a week (more during shedding season) to not only keep his fur from matting and tangling but to control the loose hair that will inevitably be floating around your home and vehicle. Additionally, because this dog is the offspring of pooches who just love to swim, it’s important that he be thoroughly dried at the end of his swim (or bath) to help prevent fungal infections and hot spots that can occur when the soft under-coat is allowed to remain damp. And because this is a floppy-eared dog, plan to inspect and clean his ears weekly to remove the debris and bacteria build-up that can result in smelly yeast infections. A simple, damp cotton ball and a few minutes of your time is all it takes. Puppies Golden Labmaraners typically have between 6 and 10 puppies in a litter and because socialization is so important with this dog, you should make a point of carefully, gently handling these puppies within a couple weeks of arrival (with mom’s approval of course). Why? 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While traveling with your pet can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be. Even though some  airlines can be a bit finicky about their rules and regulations, you can fly with your pet in tow safely and comfortably, as long as you know their requirements and follow them to the letter.Having your choice of airlines to travel with your dog as your companion, broadens your options when it comes to travel destinations and can eliminate a lot of usual travel-related stress factors in the process. In fact, flying your pet together with you can be simple, straightforward, and hassle-free! As long as you stick to the rules, that is. So, without further ado, what are the requirements for flying with a dog? Are there any universal practices you should know or does it really depend from company to company? Here’s everything you should know before packing your bags.What Are the Requirements for Flying with a Dog?Of course, it goes without saying that you can’t just appear with your pet at the check-in gate and fly away! There are many important rules involved, mainly in order to keep your pet safe, to comply with specific airline regulations, the rules of other countries, and the comfort of other passengers as well. It is also important to remember that different airlines might have different rules. It is crucial that you contact your desired airline beforehand, checking about any special regulations that they require. Still, there are some universal criteria that any pet will have to meet in order to fly on a plane.One of the foremost requirements that will allow your pet to fly on a plane is a health certificate. This is a special document that can be issued by your veterinarian after a thorough physical examination. It guarantees that your doggo is healthy, has no diseases, and has all the required vaccinations that are up to date. And, of course, this certificate needs to be recent. They are valid for only about 30 days, so make sure to do it in time. Some airlines also require that your pet be microchipped. This is advisable for all pet owners regardless of travel or not. The  microchip allows for quick and simple identification in case your pet gets lost and also serves as a sort of doggo credential. Just make sure that all the information stored on the chip is up-to-date!

Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

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The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

Followers Cry Fowl as Staffie Peggy and Magpie Molly, Separated

Fans of the social media darlings start an online campaign to reunite the odd couple.

Taters the Cat Streams From Deep Space for NASA

Cat playing with laser pointer is used by NASA to measure band-with between deep space and Earth.

Are Dog Bars the New Dog Park?

Socializing with other pet parents over a cold one, just got easier!

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

Sleep allows all big and little creatures to rest, regenerate, grow, and gain strength for further milestones in life. Dogs, too, need to have enough  sleep to thrive – both during the day and through the night. But some doggos love to snooze more and others, and then there are those who won’t sleep that much at all. So what is the bottom line? How much sleep do dogs need exactly? While there can’t be a general, straightforward answer (after all, not all dogs are identical), there are some general rules and guidelines to follow. How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need Daily?The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on factors such as their age, breed, and activity level. Generally, dogs sleep a significant portion of the day, and their sleep patterns can be quite different from humans. Here's a rough guideline for how much sleep dogs typically need on a daily basis – based on their age, lifestyle, and so on.Puppies, naturally, need a lot of sleep, usually around 18 to 20 hours a day. They have bursts of energy and playfulness, which are followed by periods of deep sleep. Puppies are still growing, and sleep is essential for their development.Adult dogs, on the other hand, are not such sleepy heads. Still, they will sleep more often than not. Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, although this can vary. Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds. Active and working dogs, such as herding or hunting breeds, may require more sleep to recover from their daily activities. There are also seniors, who get tired more quickly and need plenty of rest during the daytime. Older dogs may sleep more than younger adults, often in the range of 14 to 16 hours a day. Senior dogs tend to be less active and love to snooze whenever there’s a chance. It's important to note that individual dogs can have different sleep needs. Some dogs may sleep more or less than the average, and this can be influenced by their overall health and well-being. It's also influenced by their daily routine, exercise, and mental stimulation. Then again, some doggos are straight-out lazy – they love to snooze, hate to jump around and exercise, and snore as much as they want! This is not something you should worry about unless it comes about suddenly. That’s just how some dogs are. 

Family Dog Alerts Parents to a Teen’s Stroke and Saves His Life

Dogs are so deserving of their title – man’s best friend - and they continue to prove it day in and day out. From being our best friends to providing irreplaceable acts of service to people in need, there’s so much that dogs do that makes a difference and this story only proves it.The fateful event took place in Spring, Texas, where the family Tanner lives, alongside their precious pooch, Axel. Axel is a 1-year-old  border collie, a rescue that quickly became a cherished member of the family and, as life would have it, their savior. It was around 5 am on a calm Saturday morning when Axel – completely out of the ordinary – jolted Amanda and her husband from their sleep. And it was no regular attention-seeking behavior. Something was amiss, and Axel was determined to let the couple know.“He was pawing me more than normal to get me to move,” Mr. Tanner explains for  Today.com. Realizing that the dog was clearly trying to wake them, Amanda’s husband went downstairs to check on things and let the dog outside. Axel refused. It wasn’t the outdoors he was seeking - there was something else. He quickly stopped in front of the closed doors of the 17-year-old Gabriel Tanner. Mr. Tanner went inside to check up on his son but realized what was the cause of the dog’s panic. Young Gabriel was having a stroke, his speech was slurred, and he could not feel his right side. At once they rushed him to the emergency room at the Memorial Hermann the Woodlands Medical Center. Young Gabriel was quickly treated and made a recovery. Dr. Sabih Effendi, who treated him, says that “by waking the parents up, and leading them to the boy, the dog made a “massive” difference in Gabriel’s outcome”. “It’s very amazing that their dog alerted and started this whole process of getting everyone awake and going downstairs,” Effendi continues. “When somebody’s acutely having a stroke, the neurons are dying. … If he was not found and another three or four hours went by, there would have been more and more and more brain injury.”The Tanner family is extremely grateful to have had Axel by their side in this crucial moment. They can only wonder what would have happened if the dog wasn’t there. He practically saved Gabriel’s life. “We wouldn’t have thought to go into Gabriel’s room and wake him up. He’s a teenager. It was a Saturday morning. We went to bed late. We wouldn’t think to go in there until maybe noon,” Amanda says.Nowadays, Axel is a precious member of their family and tends to follow Gabriel wherever he goes. He also sleeps with the teen a lot more, always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. A true four-legged friend and proof that dogs can be loyal to no end! 

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