How to Solve the 7 Most Common Kitty Litter Problems

Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine Smells Like Bacon

Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine blows bacon-scented bubbles! For a summer game your dog will never get tired over, get him the Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine. Most dogs go crazy over bubbles – they want to pop them, chase them and chomp them. Now, imagine if those bubbles were bacon scented… yep, you’re dog’s going to go nuts over this dog toy. Most dogs go crazy over bubbles – they want to pop them, chase them and chomp them. The Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine blows tons of bacon bubbles in various directions for your dog to chase. It adds up to hours of fun – for him to play with and you to watch. The bubbles are 100% non-toxic, tear free and safe for dogs and kids. The Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine includes 8 oz. of bacon-scented dog bubble solution and requires size AA batteries (not included). It costs $25.95 and is available for sale on Active Dog Toys website.

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.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Basics For many people, understanding dogs is simple. They find a friendly, loyal, easy-to-get-along with breed like the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever and they’ll never want for a good friend again. But for the dog lover who appreciates all sorts of breeds, the Retriever doesn’t only sporty, friendly dog most of us grew up learning about. There’s more to the retriever story, and one only has to travel to the United States – and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, specifically – to find it. Of course, by now you know we’re referring to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, perhaps one of the great under-appreciated dog breeds out there. You won’t have to look far to find a quality dog after you’ve encounter a Chesapeake Bay Retriever or two; many times, whether you live on your own or with a family, a great Chesapeake Bay Retriever will be exactly what you’ve been looking for in a dog. The uniquely American heritage and breeding is a benefit to those of us who keep our dog breeds simply and domestic. Here’s a little bit more about this great breed of dog that more people should be talking about. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a classic retriever when it comes to behavior and training. Origin You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or, more fittingly, a dog historian to figure out where the Chesapeake Bay Retriever hails from. It’s not a trick question: the Chesapeake Bay Retriever does indeed trace the origins of its unique breed to the Chesapeake bay on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. What’s unique about the origins of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, however, is that you can trace their lineage to two very specific dogs. These dogs, named Sailor and Canton, were brought to Maryland at the dawn of the 19th century and bred with other dogs in order to create a breed unique in and of itself. These two dogs weren’t Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, but they were known as Newfoundland dogs, which suggest that you can indeed trace the history of the Chesapeake Bay Retrieve further back if you want. The retriever has become a favorite in the Maryland and Chesapeake Bay area, even becoming Maryland’s state dog in 1964. If the history of Sailor and Canton is ever challenged, we at least know that the breed was recognized as its own in the late 19th century, not unlike many breeds we would consider “older” than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Dog Laws – Gracie’s Law Says Dogs More Than Property

Are There Dog Laws In Place To Protect Your Best Friend? Your dog is a member of your family, not a piece of property. But that’s how your state probably sees it. It’s like if something in your home was lost, stolen or damaged – the same rules apply to your dog. When it comes to dog laws, not everyone in your house is treated equal. A lot of people think these dog laws need to be changed, including Kenneth Newman, a 33-year veterinarian and author of the book, “Meet Me at the Rainbow Bridge.” He has proposed a law called Gracie’s Law, which recognizes the emotional bond between pet and owner and entitles the owner of a pet killed through an act of malice or negligence to $25,000 in damages. Related: Logan’s Law Will Mandate Animal Abusers Registry, Tougher Penalties The dog law comes out of a personal tragedy –Newman’s dog Gracie was killed in April 2008 when a driver backed up 25 yards without looking, crushing Newman and Gracie between two vehicles. He suffered a broken leg, but Gracie was killed in the accident. “An attorney looked me in the eye and said that my dog was a piece of property, that I wasn’t entitled to anything for the dog, and that this was a simple broken-leg case,” said Newman. When the case went to court, Newman learned that the loss of his beloved companion had no standing in the case. “An attorney looked me in the eye and said that my dog was a piece of property, that I wasn’t entitled to anything for the dog, and that this was a simple broken-leg case,” said Newman. Related: Police Dog’s Heroic Sacrifice The Inspiration Behind Aron’s Law In every state, he says, laws view pets as property. Owners are entitled to no more than replacement value, which means no worth or consideration when it comes the loss of companionship, grief, or pain and suffering. Recently, there has been an increase of cases involving pet owners, one of the most common being visitation when a martial union ends in separation or divorce. As well, a case that went to court in April saw a Denver judge award $65,000 for the death of a dog when a cleaning service allowed the dog to get outside, where it was hit by a car. What do you think about Gracie’s Law? Does it go too far or not far enough? Do you think it has a chance of passing? Do you have an experience where this law would have helped you? Please leave your thoughts, stories and opinions about dog laws in the comments section below.

Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei Basics Let’s put it this way: when you own a Chinese Shar-Pei, you know you own a Chinese Shar-Pei. It’s one of the most distinctive-looking breeds available – certainly one of the dog breeds that makes other uninitiated dog lovers ask “what breed is that?” Well, they have good reason to be curious: this is actually one of the rarest breeds out there and despite its relatively rich history – considering the breed’s numbers – it was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1991. The chances are if you’re looking for a Chinese Shar-Pei, you’re going to have more difficulty than simply making the decision of choosing the right breed for you. Acquiring this dog can be a bit difficult, but for many people, the adventure is worth it. A Shar-Pei can be a very protective dog that bonds well to a close-knit group of people, but without proper handling and training from a young age, it can become a bit territorial. Let’s find out more about this impressive and rare breed of dog that will certainly become a main attraction wherever you decide to take it. A Shar-Pei can be a very protective dog that bonds well to a close-knit group of people. Origin Where else could the Chinese Shar-Pei come from if not China? Its name roughly translating from Mandarin into English as “sand skin,” the origin is similar to that of many old Chinese breeds like the pug. In other words, it goes back through a lot of history. Although no definitive dates are available regarding the early development of the Shar-Pei, historians believe it can be traced to the Guangdong province and southern provinces of China. During their early days in China, the Chinese Shar-Pei would be used for a number of reasons, often by peasants: the dogs could be used for protection, for hunting, and for herding animals. This has given the modern version a certain athletic versatility and a wide taste for different types of both exercise and play. As time went on, the Chinese Shar-Pei was also used in the upper classes as a fighting dog, although this practice went out of style after the Communist revolution. After the Communist revolution in China, the Shar-Pei population was nearly wiped out, and to this day it is among the rarest breeds in the world. Pedigree

Top 10 Etsy Dog-Inspired Gift Giving Guide 2014

Does Your Dog Have The Balls For Neuticles?

Fake testicles, or Neuticles, for dogs help spread the “neuter your pup” message in its own uniquely macho way As responsible pet owners, we are aware of the importance of spaying and neutering (or other types of sterilization procedures). We don’t want to increase the heartbreaking number of animals euthanized in shelters every year (according to the Humane Society, it was 2.7 million in 2013). Veterinarians, health experts and behaviorists preach that a neutered dog will live a happier, healthier and longer life. The message is being heard worldwide, and there is progress being made in the control of the pet population (thanks Bob Barker). But as with any debate, you’re apt to hear opposing, and often curious, points of view. As an example, you may have heard these argument against spaying: “I want her to experience motherhood before spaying her. My kids should see how puppies come into this world.” That sounds like a lovely sentiment, but what happens to all those newborn puppies when breeders or owners don’t step up to the plate to be responsible for their pet? Yep – the vicious circle continues. Related: All About Neutering Dogs Concerning male dogs, the against-neutering camp can be “macho” driven. Plainly speaking – some guys don’t like to see their dogs without their “package” or the “goods” (we’re talking sans balls here). They fear their furry best friend will lose his testosterone-y edge, thereby becoming the wussy, laughing stock of all the other male dogs at the dog park. As part of the Latino community, I lost count of how many times I was laughed at by male friends after explaining that I had my cat neutered. “The poor thing,” they all say, imagining my cat drowning his sorrows in a sketchy, back-alley kitty bar. My reasons surrounded the decision, both health and population control related, made no difference to their belief that I took away his manhood, and therefore, his life as a dude was over. Related: Do You Have Spay And Neuter Options? Obviously, my friends aren’t the only ones who feel this way. That’s because the latest craze to hit the doggy plastic surgery market is Neuticles – perfect for the neutered male pooch who wants to regain his doggy dignity and street cred. What are Neuticles, you may be asking yourself? They’re silicone-based fake testicles that are implanted in your dog during the neutering procedure. When he wakes up, his bits will look the same, even though he can’t do anything with them. According to the Neuticles website, there have been over 500,000 of these procedures performed without any complications. The implants are chosen depending on size, breed and age of the dog; so even if you want your dog to walk around with a swinging sack, the company isn’t going to let it happen. In this case, according the Neuticles, bigger is not better – your dog’s wellbeing is at stake, and walking around with two huge packages aren’t going to do anything about his self-esteem “issues”. In my opinion, it’s a manly, virile-driven need coming from humans (kinda ironic, since that’s exactly what you’re taking away from him), and the dog doesn’t care about his new testicular-free life. But you know what? The people behind Neuticles believe in the advantages of spay and neutering. So basically, in a guy’s macho mind, by using the product, they can have their testosterone-filled cake and eat it, too. Hey, if this product helps convince a stubborn guy to neuter his dog, I say more power to the fake balls! And while I still haven’t met any doggy with implants, I am pretty sure this happens: All the Neuticle dogs are out at the dog park, pestering their neutered non-implanted friends with taunts of “Go ahead Spot, touch them! They feel totally real dude!” And poor Spot, feeling emasculated, hangs his head in shame and heads home to prove his manhood by humping his owner’s leg. I want to hear from you! Have you heard of the procedure or met a Neuticled dog? Let us know in the comment section below.

ASPCA And Subaru Want To Share The Love This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season! The ASPCA and Subaru are teaming up to give rescue pooches a new leash on life this holiday season For the second year in a row, the ASPCA and Subaru are transporting homeless dogs to safety. The Rescue Ride program is a part of Subaru’s annual Share the Love event, which donates $250 from every Subaru vehicle purchased or leased between November 20, 2014 and January 2, 2015 to the customer’s choice of participating charities. The ASPCA is one of those lucky charities and will be receiving $100,000 to distribute to rescue organizations around the country to cover transportation costs for the pooches. Related: Transport To Freedom Part 1 The Rescue Ride program will relocate dogs from overcrowded shelters to less populated ones in different communities. These are the shelters that have more empty cages and where there is a higher demand for rescue pooches. Four of the 19 rescue organizations taking part in the Rescue Ride are from the Los Angeles area, which the ASPCA expanded its relocation program to this year. The expansion of the relocation program is part of the ASPCA’s multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment to support animal relocation in the Los Angeles area. Related: Transport To Freedom Part 2

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Leroy

What a smile – would it be great to have that gorgeous grin greeting you every day? You’re in luck, because Leroy, the owner of this happy smile, is up for adoption. Leroy is an adult male Pitbull Terrier Mix from Seahurst, WA. He is already neutered, housetrained, in need of an experienced adopter, up to date with shots, not good with dogs, and not good with cats. Leroy’s Story: Leroy is an approximately 7-year-old Pitbull mix who is such a joy to be around! He loves all people and would love nothing more than to cuddle with you. He spent 5 years in a hoarding situation, so we are carefully looking for a home that will be dedicated to loving Leroy for the rest of his life (or a foster home to help while we wait for that home). Leroy told us what he’s looking for in a foster or a forever home, so we thought we’d just let him share it in his own words! “It may sound a bit selfish on my part, but I am not a fan of other dogs or cats, I would like to shower you with attention all by myself! I would love someone that “gets” me – a dog savvy person is a must!” To learn more about Leroy, please visit Adoptapet.com.

What You Need To Know About Dog Insurance Policies

Before you gamble on your pooch’s health care, here’s what you need to know about dog insurance polices When it comes to owning a dog, there many things you need to think about including providing your pet with proper care. Taking your dog to the vet for a simple check-up can cost $100 or more and the cost of emergency treatments can be nearly unmanageable. If you are worried about being able to cover the costs of your dog’s medical care, you might be thinking about purchasing a pet insurance policy. Pet insurance can be a good option, but only if you understand it and know how to use it properly. We’ve put together some valuable information about dog insurance policies so you can be fully informed before you decide whether to buy one. Related: Types Of Dog Insurance Policies Why Should I Buy Dog Insurance? The truth of the matter is that health care (for both people and pets) is not getting any cheaper. The owner of a completely healthy dog may still spend hundreds of dollars per year on veterinary services for check-ups, tests and vaccinations. If your dog becomes ill or suffers from an accident, those costs can skyrocket into the thousands. Pet insurance policies, like health insurance policies for humans, are designed to help offset those unexpected costs. In most cases, pet insurance policies work by reimbursing the pet owner for a portion of covered services. If your dog needs surgery or cancer treatment, this can go a long way in helping you to manage your expenses. Related: Why Pet Insurance Is Worth It Useful Terms to Know In order to understand pet insurance policies, there are a few terms you need to know: Coinsurance: a portion of the cost of covered services you are expected to payDeductible: a fixed amount you must pay for any covered service before the plan provides reimbursementPre-Existing Condition: an illness or recurrence of an illness which first occurred prior to the inception of the policy (services related to this condition are generally not covered)Premium: the monthly fee you pay to be covered by the plan Here’s an example of how a pet insurance policy might work: Let’s say that your dog, Roxie, is covered by ABC Pet Insurance for accidents and illness. You may a monthly premium of $35 simply to be covered by Roxie’s insurance policy. After getting into an accident, Roxie requires $2,500 worth of veterinary services. As long as you are up to date on your premiums, the plan will provide reimbursement up to 100 percent of costs after the deductible. Assuming that your plan offers full reimbursement, you will only be responsible for the cost of the deductible on top of your monthly premiums. The Bottom Line The bottom line is that pet insurance is not always worth the money you spend on it. For example, you may pay hundreds of dollars a year to have your dog covered for accidents and illnesses but might never end up using the plan’s benefits. It is also a common occurrence that, should you use your policy, the plan will not cover 100 percent of the services – factoring in the cost of premiums, deductibles and less than 100 percent reimbursement rates, you may end up spending as much as you would if you didn’t have the insurance policy at all. In other cases, however, pet insurance plans may be the difference between you being able to cover the cost of emergency services and you having to euthanize your pet after an accident. Whether you buy an insurance policy for your pet or not is completely up to you. If you are willing to pay a little extra each month for the peace of mind in knowing that you are covered, by all means get started in researching your options. If you simply want to be protected in the case of an emergency, you might want to consider a plan that offers catastrophic coverage (costs over $1,000) and choose the highest deductible you can to keep your monthly premiums as low as possible.

4 DIY Homemade Cleaners That Are Safe For Dogs

Cheaper than and just as effective as the products you buy at the store, we’ve found a few DIY cleaning supplies you already have in your pantry You may not realize it but the products you use to keep your house clean could be dangerous, or even toxic, for your dog. Many commercial cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can be hazardous for your dog if he inhales or ingests them. If you are concerned about the health and safety of your dog, consider switching to some of these all-natural, DIY cleaning products: Baking Soda The same ingredient that you use in your favorite recipe for cookies is a valuable cleaning product. Baking soda can be used as an odor absorber or made into a mildly abrasive paste for scrubbing away at stubborn stains. Clean your dog’s food and water bowls by making a thick paste from equal parts water, baking soda and salt. Apply the paste using a sponge or washcloth, scrubbing in a gentle circular motion, then rinse with warm water. You can also use baking soda to create a deodorizer for your carpet – simply sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and let it set for 20 to 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. You can also use it to freshen and deodorize your dog’s coat! Vinegar Though it may not be the most pleasant-smelling ingredient, vinegar has a variety of uses in household cleaning applications. Try making your own all-purpose cleaner by combining 3 cups of hot water with 2 tablespoons each of baking soda and fresh lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle. Simply spray the mixture over soiled surfaces and wipe clean. You can also use vinegar to create a stain-remover for your carpet. For light stains, combine 2 tablespoons of salt with ½ cup distilled white vinegar then use a clean rag soaked in the solution to blot at the stain. For heavier stains, combine 2 tablespoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of borax with ½ cup white vinegar and apply using the same method. Hydrogen Peroxide This ingredient is particularly beneficial for use in treating urine stains because it helps to break down uric crystals. When combined with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide can be used to create a powerful (but all-natural) deodorizing carpet cleaner. First, blot the stain with paper towel then sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over it. Next, combine ½ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and pour the solution onto the stain over the baking soda. Using a clean cloth or scrub brush, scrub at the stain then let it sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming the area thoroughly. For tough or set-in stains, you may need to repeat the process. Lemon Juice Lemon juice is an incredibly effective and all-natural cleaning product because it has antibacterial properties and its acidity helps it to cut through grease. Run your dishwasher with a packet of lemon-flavored drink powder to remove stains or combine a little lemon juice with coarse salt to make a scrub for wooden cutting boards, sinks, and metal pans. You can also use fresh lemon juice to spot-clean areas with greasy or grimy buildup such as cabinet door pulls or faucets. Save your money and get rid of all those harsh commercial cleaning products in your home. It’s better for your pets (and for your wallet) to make your own DIY cleaning products using ingredients you already have on hand.

Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzer Basics You can’t talk about Schnauzers unless you’re talking about multiple breeds. In the miniature Schnauzer, you get a dog that belongs to the toy group. In the Giant Schnauzer, you get just that – a giant. But for many people, they feel like Goldilocks when they decide that the Standard Schnauzer is just right for them. It was certainly right for the painter Rembrandt, who frequently included the Standard Schnauzer in his paintings. But what does that mean for you? Does this English terrier lookalike really bring something unique to the table, or is it simply an also-ran in its own little group of Schnauzers? After all, it might not even be your favorite breed named a “Schnauzer”! Upon closer examination, we’re sure that you’ll find plenty to enjoy about this active, sporty breed that has its roots in obedience, loyalty, athleticism, and even guardianship. For many people, the Standard has become the gold standard in Schnauzers. For many people, the Standard has become the gold standard in Schnauzers. Origin Although the Standard Schnauzer looks like a terrier, it doesn’t quite belong in that group. Its origins aren’t in England, where you’ll find many terriers. Instead, the Standard Schnauzer hail from Germany – hence the funky name – and have since risen to prominence. A Standard Schnauzer even won the Westminster Dog Show in 1997, taking home “Best in Show.” Since the Standard Schnauzer comes from Germany, it bears its origins in that landscape. Even in the Middle Ages, dogs like the Standard Schnauzer were not very difficult to find, especially if you were walking around northern Europe. That doesn’t mean the Standard Schnauzer existed back then as it does today, but it’s certainly not a breed that’s particularly new to the world of dog breeding. In fact, the first Standard Schnauzers actually went to dog shows in the 19th century. Pedigree

Adoptable Dog of the Week- Mia

Sweet and friendly, this gal gets along with everyone she meets! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Mia, a 4 years old mixed breed from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. This pretty pooch is spayed, house trained, crate trained, and up to date on her vaccinations. Mia is great with other dogs and loves everyone around her, but needs a home without any cats in the family. Mia’s Tale Mia was found as a stray in Texas but is now thriving in her foster home. A laid-back, kind-hearted pooch, Mia would do best in a family that has a calm lifestyle. She loves car rides, napping in her kennel, but most of all squeaky toys: she’s a pro at locating and removing the squeaker from the toy. It takes skill, y’all. She’s not an active pooch but will benefit from regular exercise as she has a few pounds to shed. Ideally, a daily walk or two around the block would keep her active and help her maintain optimal weight. Otherwise, Mia is an easy-going dog that will spend most of her time napping and playing, she’s not overly active or clingy so she’s great for multi-pet families. In her foster home, she shared her pawrents with multiple dogs of all shapes and sizes and got along great with all of them so a canine companion would be great for her. However, she does show a little bit too much of an “interest” when it comes to cats, so it’s best if she is adopted into a feline-free household. She’s a sweet, loving pooch that will get along with most people she meets, so she will easily fit in most families. In case you’ve got room in your heart and your home for a loving little pooch like Mia, contact Paddy’s Paws for more information about the adoption process.

The Winners Of Our Tongues Out Contest

These pictures got our tongues wagging during our Envvy Uglies contest Let’s start out by saying that you guys really outdid yourselves with the photos sent in. Have you seen the submissions on Facebook? They are beyond awesome! I have to say that this has been the toughest photo contest to pick winners from so far. And that’s why I got a bunch of other people in the office to do it for me! So without further ado, I’m pleased to present our winners: Grand Prize Winner, who wins the entire collection of Uglies Dog Toys:

Best Cat Repellent

How to Keep Cats Out of The GardenWhile cats can be the cuddliest, cutest creatures when they are purring in your lap, the fact remains that felines are considered apex predators despite their domesticated ways. In urban and rural surroundings (to an extent), cats are at the top of the food chain, and they have their pick of meals in the buffet that is the outdoor world, so to speak. On average, a single cat can kill up to 75 other animals a year, and usually, their owners either see a fraction of that or stay none the wiser, clueless to their pet’s murderous adventures. Naturally, many people, cat owners or not, want to make sure that pets don’t disrupt the ecosystem and endanger local fauna, so it’s best to keep them away from gardens, where they’ll prey on birds, small rodents, and such, all of which have their role to help the flora thrive. Not to mention that many cats mark their territory or dig out holes in garden beds where they pee and poop, so in most cases, feline guests are not welcome in gardens.

Maltipom

Maltipom BasicsIf you were to picture a dog that was the perfect combination of everything you love about the Maltese and the Pomeranian breeds, you would have a Maltipom. The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian. The result is a small dog with the face, ears and stature of a Pomeranian and the long, flowing coat of a Maltese. The appearance of this breed varies, of course, depending on the parentage – it is possible to have a Maltipom with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage.The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian.OriginThe Maltipom is a more recent designer dog breed- these pooches don’t boast a rich history as their parents do. In fact, there’s not much we know about this new hybrid and his origin. But it’s not to say that the Maltipom is enigmatic or mysterious- there’s a simple reason for that. The exact origins of the Maltipom breed are unknown because hybrid dogs have been in existence for many years. It’s more likely than not that there have been many unplanned encounters of a Maltese and a Pomeranian which resulted in mixed breed litters all throughout history. Of course, the origin of the breed is thought of as the moment when someone intentionally started crossbreeding the two purebreds in an effort to develop a new breed, rather than Maltipoms being a cute ‘accident’. As no one breeder has been credited with the development of the breed, we don’t know when that happened for the Maltese and Pomeranian mix.Pedigree

Biewer Terrier

Biewer Terrier Basics If you are looking for a playful and adorable small-breed dog, look no further than the Biewer Terrier. Also known as the Biewer à la Pom Pon, Biewer Yorkie or Biewer Yorkshire, these dogs were bred from Yorkshire Terriers so they share many of the same lovable characteristics of this popular breed. Biewer Terriers make great companion pets and they generally get along well with children and other pets. If you are looking for a playful and adorable small-breed dog, look no further than the Biewer Terrier. Origin The origins of the Biewer Terrier breed lie within the history of the Yorkshire Terrier. Yorkshire Terriers are typically tan with a blue saddle, but a particolor (piebald) variety began to gain popularity during the 1980s. In 1984, a piebald Yorkshire Terrier puppy was bred from two Yorkshire Terriers carrying a recessive gene for piebald coloration. This puppy was named Schneefloeckchen von Friedheck and he is recognized as the first Biewer Terrier. Gertrud and Werner Biewer, the breeders responsible for this dog, saw a unique beauty in the piebald terrier puppy and started a selective breeding process to produce more like him. By 1989, the breed was officially recognized as the Biewer Yorkie by the Allgemeiner Club der Hundefreunde Deutschland. Today, this breed is known as the Biewer Terrier and it has its own set of standards separate from the Yorkshire Terrier, set forth by the Biewer Terrier Club of America (BTCA). The Biewer Terrier came to the United States in 2003 and it is currently part of the AKC Foundation Stock Service. Pedigree

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