Shelter Cats Are Learning To High Five for the Best Reason Ever

by Angela Vuckovic

April 5th, 2018 12:00 AM

shelter cats are learning to high five for the best reason ever

In an effort to increase feline adoption rates and raise funding for shelters across the country, Cat Pawsitive program introduces rescue kitties to training.

Despite what their royalty-like attitude suggests, cats can be successfully trained. Granted, it will probably be a bit harder than it is with dogs, but as long as you pick the right treat to motivate them, you’re golden.

But the reason why people train cats is not just to see felines do tricks, but rather to mentally stimulate them and spend some quality time with their pets. That’s the main reason why Cat Pawsitive, a life-saving program developed by Jackson Galaxy and a team of cat behavior experts, is teaching shelter staff and volunteers how to implement positive reinforcement training for cats into their usual process.

Reward-based training has been a godsend for shy and insecure homeless cats. The new environment and the stress of being admitted to a shelter can make even social cats anxious, let alone those kitties who were always on the shy side of the specter. With positive reinforcement training, they’re not only getting mentally engaged and relaxed: these kitties are learning some nifty tricks that could potentially charm the pants off their adopters. For example, how to high paw them. (Seriously, is there a person who could remain indifferent to a kitty high-fiving them? I refuse to believe it.)

Additionally, the confidence cats gain during their training, as well as the connections they build with the staff, help them become better socially adjusted for their new furever home. A win-win combo!

Cat Pawsitive is teaming up with GreaterGood.org, the Petco Foundation, and Halo® pet food to support the hard work of shelters and their tireless staff. They’re organizing a contest where the five most creative photos of a high-fiving kitty will win some goodies for the shelter or rescue organization of their choice- the grand prize is $5000 cash grant and 10,000 bowls of HALO food for pets in need. The contest will take place on Facebook and Instagram, and end on National High-Five Day on April 19th (when else?). For more details on how to participate, visit the contest’s website.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

More by Angela Vuckovic

Popular Pet Guide

Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?

View Article

Foster Cats Take Over Illinois Offices [Video]

A program designed to reduce the numbers in an Illinois animal shelter has local workplaces purring with excitement! In an effort to help reduce the full spots at the Stray Animal Midway Shelter (S.A.M.S) in Hanna City, Illinois, a new program called ‘Cat About Town,’ is bringing kitty cats into area workplaces in foster setups. Related: Shelter Cats Are Learning To High Five for the Best Reason Ever That’s right–businesses in central Illinois have partnered with S.A.M.S to foster some of their shelter cats within area workplaces so that there is more room at the shelter for other strays who need a helping hand. Additionally, it gives the cats a cool opportunity to live outside of the shelter and to be fostered within the offices of local businesses.Participating businesses have said that the cats have great lives in the office spaces, with people happy to have them and love on them. It makes for a great experience for both the cats and the employees, and everyone seems to just be happier. Related: Cats Run Japanese IT Offices Like The Bosses They Are Connie Davis is the Executive Director of S.A.M.S and says that they are looking for other eligible businesses to participate as well. Saying that for every cat fostered is an additional spot available to help another stray, she hopes that they can continue to save the lives of more animals. If you happen to be in the area and are interested in seeing whether your business qualifies as a possible foster home, you can contact the shelter directly , or if you’d like to donate to their no-kill efforts, you can do so as well!

Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested Basics If you’ve been looking for a breed of dog that makes an excellent companion in a myriad of ways – avoids barking, gets along with children, and gets along with other dogs – you could do far, far worse than opt for a Chinese Crested. The Chinese Crested dog is considered among the best companion breeds for a number of reasons: not only for those mentioned, but for its appearance, general demeanor, and ability to perform tricks. In other words, acquiring a Chinese Crested for yourself and your family can be a great decision indeed. There are two kinds of Chinese Crested dogs – the Powderpuff and the Hairless. Both types are odorless, non-shedding, and hypo-allergenic, which makes them a great dog for allergy sufferers. If you have the opportunity to acquire one for yourself and make it a part of your family, you’ll find it makes an ideal pet for households with small children and it’s a dog that won’t make strangers feel unwelcome. If there ever was a “house dog,” this is one. The Chinese Crested dog is considered among the best companion breeds for a number of reasons. Origin Despite what its name suggests, many people do not believe that the Chinese Crested actually originated in China. For one, the Chinese Crested does not keep in line with a number of ancient Chinese dogs like the Pug or the Chow Chow. The Chinese Crested has too recent a history to be counted among those breeds in pure historical longevity. Where, then, do Chinese Crested dogs hail from? Many believe it’s actually Africa, being referred to as an African Hairless Terrier in texts across the 19th century. (Note: Of course, the 19th century is far off from the origins of the more ancient Chinese breeds.) Because there is genetic evidence of being related to the Mexican Hairless, this further confuses the issue, although following the genetic line will probably lead you to form a more accurate opinion. Those who do believe the Chinese Crested originated in China note that the Chinese Crested had a lot of maritime experience, being brought around by Chinese sailors. The truth is probably a combination of all of these, as the Chinese Crested was believed to have descended from African roots. Pedigree

What To Look For In A Doggie Daycare

Tips On What The Perfect Doggie Daycare Will Offer Only dog people can relate to how important it is to find the right doggie daycare for your fur baby. There are lots of reasons why your pup would need to go to doggie daycare: perhaps you’re away all day, or maybe your dog needs some socialization skills, or you just feel better when your dog is being taken care of by caring people. Whatever your reasons are, there is some homework involved in finding the right doggie daycare for your pooch. There are a range of doggie daycare facilities to choose from. Vets and groomers offer day boarding, as do well-known pet stores, retailers and open-space facilities. There are even people offering their own doggie daycare from their homes. We’ve put together a few tips for you to watch for when picking out a doggie daycare. There is some homework involved in finding the right doggie daycare for your pooch. Initial assessments: Not all dogs are a good fit for a particular facility. Because dogs have different temperaments, always insist that your dog receives an initial assessment to see if it’s a suitable environment. The other dogs that hang out at that doggie daycare may have a totally different energy than your dog’s – during your first visit, introduce your pooch to the group slowly and safely.Cleanliness is next to dogliness: You can’t expect a doggie daycare to be so clean that you can eat off the floor (ick), but it should be tidy and shouldn’t smell like a dog bathroom. Take a look around and make sure accidents (because they do happen) are cleaned up quickly and the other dogs are healthy looking.Supervision and Staff: Someone needs to be the pack leader, even when dogs are playing. A good doggie daycare will have proper supervision to ensure proper doggie manners are present at play. A live body should be with the pack at all times – lazy dog sitting by glancing now and then through a window or gate isn’t going to cut it. A good rule of thumb is there should be one human to every 10 to 15 dogs.Size does matter: Is there enough room for your dog to play, both indoors and out? Inside, your dog should have about 70 to 100 square feet of space to run around off leash. As for outdoor space, it should be more than just a place for your dog to do his business. Being inside all the time is boring, even for a dog. The doggie daycare you choose should have a large, secure space to play and get some fresh air (and of course, have a pee break).Experience and Control: You don’t want to leave your best friend with someone who has no experience working with dogs. Ask questions and find out how long the doggie daycare has been in business, who is in charge and how experienced they are when it comes to working with dogs. Ask around at the dog park or at a local dog club to see what businesses come highly recommended. And see what kind of control measures the daycare employs. Look for positive reinforcement training rather than a doggie daycare that uses aggressive or physically tactics. Do you put your dog into a doggie daycare program? Would you recommend it? Leave your comments below. And if you are on the hunt for a doggie daycare, make sure to go to more than one business before making your decision – it’s not all about convenience or locale, it’s about your dog’s safety and comfort.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel Basics In the world of dogs there is perhaps no breed more associated with a specific name than the Cocker Spaniel. The name Cocker Spaniel rolls off the tongue and reflects the actual appearance of the Spaniel itself – a small, flowing, elegant animal that is well-balanced and has a general reputation for good behavior. But what about the Cocker Spaniel makes it such a quintessential dog? Like many breeds, the Cocker Spaniel has a rich history updated into a modern appearance, but the Spaniel is not as old as even the Rottweiler. In this brief guide, we’ll take a look at the Cocker Spaniel and address how it became a breed synonymous with “quality dog.” The Cocker Spaniel is small, flowing, and elegant, and has a general reputation for good behavior. Origin The mention of “Spanyells” goes back as far as the Middle Ages – the 14th century, to be exact. There’s a good chance these Spanyells weren’t exactly the Cocker Spaniels we know today, but this specific breed of dog has certainly enjoyed a rich history. It’s assumed Spaniels first appeared in Spain during this time, but the first appearance of the phrase “Cocker Spaniel” didn’t originate until the 1800s, when a specific type of field spaniel began assuming the name. At the time, in England, the phrase Cocker Spaniel could also refer to a number of other spaniels such as the Norfolk and Sussex Spaniels, which today could be considered different breeds. This general classification gave rise to a low standard of calling a dog a Cocker Spaniel: until around 1870, the only characteristic a dog named a “Cocker Spaniel” had to have was a weight of under 25 pounds. Needless to say, the standards have risen, but the story helps illustrate why the phrase “Cocker Spaniel” seems to associate itself with any manner of small dogs.

Rottweiler

Rottweiler Basics When you say Rottweiler, it can often conjure up images of a violent, aggressive dog – the kind that isn’t exactly friendly to the mailman. But that’s not all there is to this German breed of dog, and as you’re about to find out, Rottweilers can make loyal and trustworthy pets that are worthy of the distinction of “guard dog.” But is aggressiveness to outsiders all that really defines a Rottweiler? Throughout this breed description, you’ll find out all that goes into making a Rottweiler tick and what separates it from other breeds of similar size. Rottweilers can make loyal and trustworthy pets that are worthy of the distinction of guard dog. Origin The Rottweiler might seem like a recent breed given its German heritage, but the origins of the Rottweiler go back to the Roman Empire – ancient times. The ancestors of the breed would help Roman armies by functioning as a working dog, and one of the towns that ancient Roman armies would trek through is the town of Rottweil. As the breed developed, its role shifted from that of a working dog to become a more guard dog. Many Rottweilers were used during the Middle Ages by merchants who wanted to protect their pouches of money. These merchants would tie the pouch around a Rottweiler’s neck – for many people, it was better than using a bank account! Rottweilers declined as the technology to protect items improved, but in the 1900s a new demand for police dogs rose and interest in the Rottweiler was revived. Today we know all about the aggressive but loyal Rottweiler and it has become a household name. Pedigree

Study Proposes Smartest Dog Breed And You May Be Surprised

Dogs are smart, that’s for sure. But some breeds are thought to be more intelligent than others. While many might put Border Collies, Poodles or German Shepherds at the head of the smarty-pants list, a new study finds the Belgian Malinois to be the top dog.

Peekapoo

Peekapoo Basics Whether he’s on your lap or chasing squirrels, the Peekapoo is a delightful designer dog that’s suitable for a wide range of households. Loyal and affectionate, this breed is attached to his family – so much so that he may be quite protective of you in certain circumstances. Naturally, due to their petite size, they don’t make good guard dogs- but their tendency to act like one will definitely amuse you to no end! As their name suggests, Peekapoo is a mixed breed dog whose parents are a purebred Pekingese and a purebred Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both his mom and dad have a lot of impressive traits, and their offspring will inherit a good portion of them- if not all. A wonderful companion to those who have mild allergies, the Peekapoo is a true “Doodle” dog, which means he has a low- to non-shedding coat that won’t set you off into sneezes. But that’s not the only reason why the Peekapoo makes a great pet. Low-maintenance when it comes to their activity and grooming needs, and with a friendly, sweet temperament, the Peekapoo has a lot to offer to many pet owners. Seniors and retirees, as well as singles, will find this designer dog a perfect companion, but families with older children might also enjoy the Peekapoo’s goofy antics and eagerness to please. Whether he’s on your lap or chasing squirrels, the Peekapoo is a delightful designer dog that’s suitable for a wide range of households. Origin Developed in the 1950s in the United States, the Peekapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds. In fact, these hybrids had their start even before the term designer dogs was coined in the first place- and their long history is just a testament to their many qualities. Bred to be a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion dog, the Peekapoo gained popularity by the early 1960s and is still a popular breed today. Pedigree

French Boodle

French Boodle BasicsOh la la! This lovely little pooch who traces back their parentage all the way back to the land of croissants and art is ready to conquer your heart. The fun-loving little French Boodle is a great fit for families with kids and other pets. He brings the intelligent, playful personality of the Poodle together with the affectionate, friendly characteristics of the French Bulldog for an entertaining yet willful dog that loves to be the center of his family’s attention. He will thrive with people that will shower him with love and can spend a lot of time with him – that’s why big families, seniors in their retirement, or singles that work from home all make a great match for this breed. These dogs are not overly active, so they can fit most lifestyle – they’ don’t need strenuous daily exectice to stay happy and healthy, but rather regular short walks around the block and some quality playtime. The fun-loving French Boodle brings the playful Poodle together with the friendly French Bulldog.OriginAs the French Boodle is classed as a designer dog, he doesn’t have a well-documented history. There’s a murky line between when people started intentionally producing first Poodle and French Bulldog mixes and crossbreeds of this parentage that were results of, well, “accidents”. Either way, it’s safe to ssume that the French Boodle shares its origin with most other designer dog breeds – dating it back to 1990s and 2000s when most of these unique “hybrid” dogs came to be. This is the period when breeders started intensively mixing and matching purebred DNA to produce a dog that was ideally free of the health issues that often plagued the parent breeds. In addition to a healthier animal, breeders also began to develop dogs that met the demand for smaller, hypoallergenic and gentler forms of popular breeds.Pedigree

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier Basics Sometimes big energy comes in small packages. Take the Jack Russell for example. Tiny dog, sure. But his personality? Absolutely huge. Too big, even. He may be small, but what the Jack Russell Terrier lacks in size, he more than makes up for in energy. Seriously, this little guy will run you ragged. What was once an English hunting dog, the Jack Russell is now a treasured companion to many households around the world. But if you’re planning on bringing one of these feisty dogs home, you had better be active – this little fella never stops (except for treats and belly rubs, of course). Full of energy and exuberance, the Jack Russell Terrier is lively, busy, loves to hunt, and enjoys mental challenges. This is known to be an independent breed, so it is recommended that you should be an experienced dog owner. But once trained, you’ll find that the Jack Russell Terrier is a delight and is always up for amusement. He may tire you out, but this little guy will also never cease to entertain. So, it all works out. The only question is whether one of these little bundles of energy and joy is the right dog for you! Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Just keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about Jack Russell Terriers is about to be revealed. If you can’t decide whether or not you want one of these dogs by the end of this article, then you’ll never know. He may be small, but what the Jack Russell Terrier lacks in size, he more than makes up for in energy. Origin Named after a clergyman named Reverend John (Jack) Russell, this breed was used as a small game hunting dog in the mid-1800s. The standard for this breed was quite broad, which allowed for a wide range of accepted body types. In 2003, the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America changed its name to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. This differentiated the working types, which remained Jack Russells, while the American show types became known as Parson Russell Terriers. Regardless of which name that you choose to call him, this feisty fellow is always a charmer. Pedigree

Bacon and Eggs Dog Muffin Recipe

The best part of waking up has to be our Bacon and Eggs Dog Muffins. This is one treat that’ll have your dog bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.Most dogs don’t have a problem getting up in the morning – well, at least that’s the case with my dogs. But these Bacon and Eggs Dog Muffins smell and taste so good, they’d get us out of bed! A staple of breakfast plates everywhere, these tasty treats are made with bacon and eggs… with a side of peanut butter.Why Bacon, Eggs and Peanut Butter?We’re pretty sure you don’t need to ask why for bacon. That’s all we have to say — bacon. But eggs and peanut butter?Yes. Eggs are super protein ingredients and have tons of essential amino acids and fatty acids. But even better, eggs are considered a complete food source! They offer Vitamins A and B12, Riboflavin, Iron, Folate and Selenium to your dog’s diet too. Those are key nutrition components for their overall health and wellness. And since we’re talking about amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein (that your dog desperately needs), eggs are one of the most complete sources of amino acids out there. Simply putting a raw egg on your dog’s din-din daily will boost his protein intake and keep his nutrient absorption high.Sometimes, people worry about eggs and dogs because the egg whites contain enzyme inhibitors. Enzyme inhibitors may affect digestion in old or very young dogs because enzymes are what’s needed to break food down to its smallest particle for complete digestion. But that really only needs to be a concern if you were feeding your dog nothing BUT eggs. Adding egg to a well-balanced diet will only enhance his nutrition intake. And, since these are cooked muffins, you won’t have to worry about that anyway. The same goes for worrying about biotin deficiency in dogs. Because the egg yolk is very high in biotin, your dog will not be subject to a biotin deficiency.What’s great about this muffin recipe is that even if you get a few eggshells in the mix, even better because eggshells have almost all the amino acids dogs need to stay healthy. In fact, eggshells can offer calcium and phosphorous to dogs, so it’s okay to get sloppy as you’re cracking and mixing.And getting eggshell into the recipe means you’re getting the eggshell membrane in too. That’s full of collagen, chondroitin, Glucosamine and Hyaluronic acid–which are great for joint pain relief in dogs (and humans, if you want to crush some shells).When it comes to peanut butter, we’re offering our dogs another superfood that is full of protein. It’s a nutritionally well-rounded ingredient because it gives your dog fiber, protein and healthy fats. It also offers niacin, Vitamins B and E and folic acid. This helps their molecular cell growth, while magnesium helps cell metabolism too. Your dog goes crazy for it in his kong because it’s just.that.delicious, so it’s a natural mix with eggs and bacon.Bacon and Eggs Dog Muffin RecipeMakes 12 muffinsIngredients:

Aussiedoodle

Aussiedoodle BasicsThe Aussiedoodle might have a name so absurd that it sounds like a joke, but this is very much a real breed of dog. More than that, it’s one of the most adorable puppers that you’ll ever be lucky enough to lay your pretty little eyes on. The Aussiedoodle is a medium sized, extremely fluffy, and almost unfairly cute breed of designer dog. It was created by crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Standard Poodle. Like most designer dogs created from a pair of purebreds, the Aussiedoodle’s physical characteristics can sometimes vary. But in general, they are a medium sized dog with a slim, yet surprisingly strong body. Their coats may vary in color, but they are always curly and sweetly soft to the touch. Just try not to fall in love with one of these things. Is practically impossible, regardless of silly their name might sound.Aussiedoodles, like both of their parents, are extremely intelligent and trainable animals. They are also eager to please and love having a job to do (whether it is playing catch or competing in agility). They are an excellent choice for intermediate dog owners that are able to keep up with their energy levels. These dogs will keep you active and entertained, so only consider bringing one of these beauties home if you can keep up with them.The Aussiedoodle is a medium sized, extremely fluffy and almost indecently cute breed of designer dog created by crossing an Australian Shepherd and a Standard Poodle.Origin The Aussiedoodle is a relatively new breed of designer dog that is in high demand amongst doggo lovers and cuteness enthusiasts. And it’s really not that surprising considering the many qualities of the parental breeds involved in this little beauty. Both the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle are remarkably smart dogs with sweet and playful nature, which obviously makes them fantastic companions. However, even with their ever-growing popularity, there is not much we know about these crossbreeds just yet.Some Doodle mixes, such as the Bernedoodle or the Labradoodle, have a well-documented origin story, but when it comes to the Aussiedoodle, there is no such luck. The reasons for creating a mix of these two breeds might be clear, but the nitty gritty of the process certainly isn’t. The best guess that anyone has is that the Aussiedoodle shares his history with the majority of other designer dogs. That means that they were first born sometime in the last 20 years, somewhere in the United States. Not a lot of help, I know. Unfortunately, that’s the best that can be done with doggos like these, no matter how cute they are!Pedigree

Cumberland Slider

Cumberland Slider General InfoBecause Cumberland Slider Turtles are related to the Red Eared Slider Turtle, they make great pets, and when it comes to their care requirements, they need the same things that Red Eared Slider Turtles would.The differences between the Cumberland Slider and the Red Eared Slider include where they are found and their color (Cumberland Sliders are more yellow, as well as lighter in color, than Red Eared Sliders, and they don’t have the distinctive “red ear” either).Cumberland Sliders make great pets.Native Habitat

Lurcher

Lurcher Basics The Lurcher is a particularly unique breed of dog because its appearance can be greatly varied depending on breeding. Technically, a Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed, but it often takes the appearance of a Greyhound or Saluki. These dogs are intelligent and hardy, ideal for hunting applications. These dogs are known for their working skills as well as their speed and excellent eyesight. A Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed. Origin The Lurcher dog breed originated in Ireland and various other parts of Great Britain, descendant from a breed known as the Norfolk Lurcher. These dogs are not purebred but rather the result of a crossing between a sighthound and some type of non-sighthound breed, often a terrier or some kind of pastoral dog. The breeding of Lurchers varies depending on the desired characteristics, though cunning and stealth are some of the most desired characteristics for this breed. To give the breed a working instinct, Collie crosses are also popular – this type of crossing gives the Lurcher both intelligence and speed, the ideal prerequisites for a hunting breed dog. In the United States, crosses with scent hounds are particularly common. Pedigree

Top 10 Best Indoor Dogs

Need a couch-surfing pal? Perhaps one who is covered with fur for optimal snuggling? Hey, we get it. The outdoors aren’t for everyone and that’s true of dogs as well! So check out our picks for the best indoor dogs! With the prices of houses skyrocketing, it’s little wonder that more of us can only afford small living spaces in high rises. Sadly, some people think that they can’t own a dog if they live in a small urban space. Sure, if you live in an apartment or even just an urban setting, you may not have the luxury of a fenced yard or even much outdoor space. But the fact that your living space doesn’t include a spacious yard or an outdoor enclosure shouldn’t mean that you can’t have a pup. Provided that all of their needs are met, there are pooches who would be perfectly happy being a primarily indoor only pet. Looks like you need our list of best indoor dogs. In cases like this, it is important to pick a dog who doesn’t mind spending the bulk of his time indoors. There are various factors that you need to consider to make sure you’re making the right decision, such as the dog’s energy levels, exercise needs, and space requirements. To save you the time you would have spent to research numerous breeds online, we’ve put together our Top 10 list of Best Indoor Dogs – ideal for people who don’t like to adventure outside that much or who don’t want to keep going up and down 20 flights of stairs! There are dogs for every owner and every home. The key is simply doing the research and finding the right pupper! Indoor dogs are certainly out there. You just need to find yours. (Photo credit: buchsammy/Bigstock.com) A Few Things to Think About When Choosing an Indoor Dog There are a few things that you should think about as you work on choosing the indoor dog breed that will fit in perfectly with the rest of your household. All dogs are different after all. Even indoor dogs come in a variety of bodies and personalities. So, before you dive into our slideshow to learn about a few of the breeds that have been deemed the best choices for those who spend a lot of time indoors, it’s wise to consider the following: Size: The most obvious factor to consider when considering an indoor dog, some dogs are simply going to have a more challenging time fitting into a smaller living space. This isn’t to say that a large dog can’t be low-energy and low-key. Quite the opposite! However, we sometimes have to work within limited space which can be difficult if your dog truly takes up half of your living room. Most dog parents that are looking for an indoor dog are also looking for a dog that’s small enough to curl up next to you on the couch for some relaxing downtime.Barking Habits: Whether you’re living in an apartment in a multi-family house, you’re in a townhouse, or you’re residing in a condo, you’ll have neighbors on the other side of the wall. So it goes without saying that a dog that barks a lot won’t make your neighbors happy. Choose a dog that is known for being rather quiet. A breed that doesn’t bark loudly or often is ideal in these situations.Attitude Towards Strangers: Another thing to consider is how well a particular dog breed gets along with strangers, especially if you are living in an apartment complex where your pooch will be exposed to new people all the time. You don’t want your dog to get stressed out by people he doesn’t know and you certainly don’t want to frighten other people when your dog is around. Dogs are supposed to bring joy to your neighbours! So, your move is to choose a breed that tends to do well around people of all ages and one who isn’t afraid of making new friends everywhere he goes.Shedding: When you’re living in a small space, it can be tough to keep things clean. The last thing you want is a thin layer of dog hair covering everything that you own. So, as you research the many fabulous indoor dog breeds out there, consider how much grooming will be required to keep their coats healthy and how much they’ll shed. A dog that doesn’t shed much can make it easier to keep your indoor space spotless. So, this is important.Exercise Needs: If you choose a dog that will need a lot of exercise and you lead a busy lifestyle or you just don’t like going outside much, everyone in the relationship will be unhappy. Thankfully, there are some dog breeds that don’t mind getting small amounts of physical activity every day. Choosing a dog who enjoys playing inside with his toys, and who can be mentally stimulated with a range of puzzle toys, might be your best option. That’s definitely better than getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise and prefers to run around outside in a big open space. Those dogs don’t do well in apartmentsAttachment to Owners: Dogs love being around their humans, so it’s always important to spend plenty of time giving your pet attention and affection. But some breeds are better able to cope with being alone inside the house for hours at a time. So if you lead a busy lifestyle and you don’t want your dog to get too bored or lonely while you aren’t home, opt for a breed that is more independent. Or just get two dogs so they can keep each other company whenever you aren’t around! That’s an option as well.

Bocker

Bocker Basics Both the Beagle and Cocker Spaniel are well-mannered, sweet dogs who would love to spend endless hours cuddling and playing with you. So you can imagine what a mix of these two dogs would be like – it’s a good thing there’s the Bocker! A designer dog with two purebred parents, this loving hybrid might not be one of the best known mixes out there, but he is rapidly gaining popularity. And for all the right reasons, too! The Bocker dog is sweet, easy going and relaxed. They make a perfect companion, family pet, and a cute little watchdog- all bundled up in one furry package. Of course, when it comes to designer breeds, every dog is different – your Bocker dog may look more like a Cocker Spaniel but their personality is like that of a Beagle’s, or vice versa. This is just a part of their unique charm- each Bocker is truly one of a kind! However, no matter how cute and sweet the Bocker is, these dogs are not a perfect fit for every dog owner. Like all breeds, this hybrid also has unique needs and quirks and will require a family that can provide him with the best life possible. To make sure that the Bocker really is the right dog for you, read on! Despite being sweet and easy going, training a Bocker may be a challenge as they like to do things their own way. Origin

Miniature Boxer

Miniature Boxer Basics We know what you’re thinking. Any dog called a Miniature Boxer conjures up a specific image, but whatever you have in your mind might not quite match up with reality. Despite what his name implies, the Miniature Boxer is not a scaled-down version of that well-loved German working dog that we all know and love. In fact, the compact version of the Boxer dog is actually a hybrid or designer dog that was developed by crossing several purebreds to achieve a certain appearance. As a result, the Miniature Boxer will not necessarily be a carbon copy of his full-sized parent, but rather a new pup that inherits some of the traits (especially in the behavior department) from other breeds in the mix. Depending on the breeder, there are a few potential parents that can be used in a mix and each one brings along their own set of quirks and traits. Of course, there are some tendencies that all Miniature Boxes share. These beautiful hybrids are social creatures that get along well with kids, other animals, and even other family pets. While they are non-aggressive, the Miniature Boxer is devoted to their families and can prove to be a formidable guardian if they feel their pack is threatened. So you can depend on this pooch to alert you and your family to any situation he feels might be threatening. They also love to be part of family activities with the downside being that they don’t do well when left to their own devices for long periods of time. This is a dog that requires near constant companionship in any home. While the Boxer is among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States, the Miniature Boxer is still a rare breed. Nevertheless, there’s a lot of effort being put into the development of the breed and these dogs have a lot to offer to the right owner. So, if you’re willing to put in the effort to track down one of these beauties, you will be richly rewarded for your efforts. Read on to find out more about this unusual and delightful designer dog! Miniature Boxers are devoted to their families. Origin The designer dog craze started at some point during the 1980s, with Labradoodle kicking off a trend of crossing purebreds to create attractive and appealing new hybrids. The majority of these new crossbreed dogs are a result of mixing two purebreds, but there is a handful of designer dogs with a more complex lineage. The Miniature Boxer is one of these more complicated hybrids. However, despite his unusual background and the rarity of the breed, there’s not much we know about its origins. That’s just a sad reality of the designer dog world. No one has put much effort into documenting and monitoring their history. Mixed breed dogs have been around since, well, forever, and that makes it difficult to know when someone intentionally developed a designer dog breed rather than these dogs appearing as a result of unplanned mating practices. To make matters more complicated for the Miniature Boxer, breeders are still not on the same page about which dogs to use to develop the mix. So, it’s hard to pinpoint a clear start of the journey for the Miniature Boxer or even predict their future. This is a hybrid mix still in development and breeders are still experimenting with which mixes produce the best results. It’s highly likely that the breed was first developed sometime in the last 20 years in the United States, not unlike many other similar hybrids. Unfortunately, that’s all we know for sure, but stay tuned since this pups are growing in popularity all the time. Pedigree

Miniature Aussiedoodle

Miniature Aussiedoodle BasicsThere are few dogs more seductively adorable than this. Small, sweet, sassy, and smart- you’d be crazy not to fall in love with these unique dogs. These obscenely cute doggos inspire love at first sight whereever their furry little bodies appear. The loving and little Miniature Aussiedoodle brings the hypoallergenic properties of the Miniature Poodle together with the playful nature of the Miniature Australian Shepherd. The result is an active and low-shedding dog that is great with kids and other animals. If you have some experience as a dog owner, you’ll see that this hybrid learns quickly and responds well to positive reinforcement training. In fact, many pet owners train their Miniature Aussiedoodles for competitions and dog sports due to their intelligence. There’s very little that this dog can’t do.Of course, while there are many things that make Miniature Aussiedoodle appealing to pet owners, there are also traits and quirks this breed has that not everyone can appreciate. For example, his love of all things family means he doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods, so a stay-at-home family member or a dog walker would be just the ticket for this affectionate pooch. Similarly, his curious and playful nature leads to relatively high energy levels and people looking for a couch potato breed might not find these hybrids to their liking.So, is this the dog destined to come home to you and your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All will be revealed. So, to ensure Miniature Aussiedoodle is the ideal match for your family and vice versa, keep on reading! It’s really your only option.The Miniature Aussiedoodle combines the hypo-allergenic Miniature Poodle with the Miniature Australian Shepherd.OriginThe origin of the Miniature Aussiedoodle is unclear, but that’s true for the majority of designer dog breeds. In the late 1980s, when Labradoodles became all the rage and set the trend for crossbreeds. From there, many mixes followed. The Miniature Aussiedoodle is just one of the dozens of ‘doodle’ designer dogs that hoped to combine the hypoallergenic coat and the intelligence of the Poodle with other desirable traits from a second purebred. Based on what we know about designer dogs in general, it’s probable that the Miniature Aussiedoodles were first bred in the United States, sometime in the last 20 to 30 years. Unfortunately, we simply don’t know much about the history of the breed beyond that.The history of the Miniature Aussiedoodle might be short and somewhat enigmatic, but the same can’t be said for parental breeds. Their history is quite rich and storied! The Poodle started out in Germany centuries ago as a hunting retriever-style dog, but has been bred throughout generations to achieve more of a more companionship-centered personality (as well as a variety of sizes). The Miniature Australian Shepherd was first introduced in the United States back in the late 1980s and contributes 50% of the Miniature Aussiedoodle’s DNA. This smaller-scale pooch is not a crossbred version of the full-sized Australian Shepherd but in fact a purebred. By continually selecting and breeding the smallest pup in the litter, breeders were able to produce a pint-sized version of the Aussie native. Hence the Miniature Australian Shepherd moniker. This tiny pup earned that name!Pedigree

Top 10 Cutest Dog Breeds

If you needed something to brighten up your day, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to feel all sorts of warm and fuzzies with our cutest dog breeds picks. If these pups don’t melt your heart, then you might not have a heart at all! Consult a doctor!

Shelter Cats Are Learning To High Five for the Best Reason Ever

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles