10 Photogenic Pet Selfies That’ll Make You Smile

Bringing A Dog Home From the Shelter – What To Expect The First Day

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Bringing a dog home from a shelter can be an emotional and stressful event- here are some expert tips to make the transition as smooth as possible. Congratulations! You’ve just adopted a dog from the shelter. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – the first day home is an emotional one for the humans and a stressful one for the shelter dog. Even if the change is a great one, it’s still a big change, and it can have an impact on your new pet’s behavior. The air of excitement and the new period of adjustment can even catch you unprepared and lead you to make some beginner’s mistakes when it comes to welcoming a new dog into the household. However, there are a few things you can do when bringing a dog home from the shelter that will make the first few days in your dog’s new home happy and calming, as well as help to establish your place as pack leader. Ease them into it We know that the first thing you want to do when bringing a dog home from the shelter is to shower your new pooch with hugs and kisses. But hold off. Yes, a hug to humans conveys love and acceptance, but to a dog, it signals dominance and invasion of space. Give him some space until he has gotten to know you a bit better… then let the loving commence! This usually takes a couple of days, but as soon as your dog is comfortable in a new situation, they’ll be up for cuddles. Don’t force your new shelter dog into uncomfortable situations and take things slowly – you have many happy years ahead for the both of you. However, just because you don’t want to signal overwhelming dominance to your new pet, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t establish yourself as the leader of the pack right away. Being firm and confident will not only help you train your dog later on, but it will actually help your dog feel more comfortable around you. Tone it down a notch or two On the day that you’re bringing a dog home from the shelter, we’re going to ask you to do something you might not expect – don’t bring him inside (just yet). This is an eventful day and it’s likely that your shelter dog will be full of energy. After you park the car, take your new dog for a walk to burn off some of that excess energy. In addition to helping him burn off that excitement-generated energy, a walk will also give your dog to unwind and relax a bit before being introduced to his new home. As well, you’ll be establishing yourself as the pack leader – just be sure the dog stays beside or behind you on the walk. A walk around the neighborhood is a great way to introduce your pup to his new surroundings, and it gives him a chance to give the area a good sniffing. Give them the apartment tour Now it’s time to go inside. But don’t just let your new shelter dog off the leash to investigate his new home. You’re the pack leader, remember? It’s your job to set down the rules right from the start. You go through doors and entranceways first, followed by the dog. Lead the dog around your home on a leash, going from room to room (you always taking the lead and going in first). Spend about 10 minutes in each room, letting him sniff around. Be sure that other family members don’t come rushing at the dog with kisses and hugs (we established why earlier in the article). Other family members should greet the dog calmly, not talking to him and letting him sniff them. Gradual introductions are best in any case, especially with shelter dogs, You might not know their past, but it’s likely to have been a ruff one if they ended up surrendered to a shelter. This is why it’s best to keep their stress of meeting new people to a minimum and give them time to adjust to all the changes before expecting them to become a social butterfly. Prepare a safe haven beforehand Your dog’s bed or crate should be set up before bringing a dog home. Save his area for the last stop on the tour. Give him a chance to sniff it and leave a few bones or treats out for him – that way, the dog will always see this as a positive place. If your dog is calm at this time, you can start petting and showing him affection. Rub his head, belly or back, but resist giving him a hug just yet. It’s very important that your dog is calm for this part. If he is still hyper, take him for another walk to help tire him out. A cozy corner of your home where your rescue dog can retreat for some alone time is absolutely crucial. If things get too overwhelming and he feels like he needs a timeout, a comfy bed in the corner of the room or a reassuring nest that can be a furnished crate are just what he needs to relax. Once you’ve commenced the tour of the house and he’s been introduced to the other family members, feel free to give your shelter dog some food and water. Also, be sure to take frequent bathroom breaks until you’ve established a routine. Going to sleep Your first day of excitement is not over yet- it’s time for your dog to sleep in their new home for the first time. It can be hard for a dog to relax and go to sleep somewhere where they are not accustomed to, but the fact they’ll be knackered from all the excitement works in your favor. However, sleeping arrangements will still require a bit of an effort from your side. Most people opt for setting up a crate for their rescue’s first night in their home, even if they are not planning on crating their dog in the future. Not only that a crate will ensure that your new family member doesn’t go out and make a mess of things while he’s still adjusting, but it will also give him a sense of safety and security to have a secluded nook to curl up in. You can even place the crate in your bedroom if you want him to know you’re nearby and there’s nothing to be afraid of. Consider Fido’s Fuel In all likelihood, you’ll be getting your new furry best friend used to food and treats he may not be used to. If you want to continue to feed him the food he was eating with his breeder or the shelter/rescue, what-have-you, that’s fine. But it’s likely you’ll want to switch it up and you’ll want to be careful about how you do. According to the AKC, if you switch your dog’s food too quickly, you may see him suffer from signs of gastrointestinal distress. This could look like vomiting, diarrhea or even a lack of desire to eat. It could also look like him wanting to wolf everything he can down because he’s simply not absorbing enough nutrients from what he is eating. The AKC recommends the following schedule (if at all possible and you have access to the current/old food) for switching a dog’s food when you first get them: Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet.Day 3: 50% new diet and 50% old diet.Day 5: 75% new diet and 25% old diet.Day 7: 100% new diet. This will also be the time you learn about your dog’s sensitivities, as if this timeframe doesn’t seem to do the trick, you may need to give him a bit longer of an adjustment as you mix the foods. You will never go wrong supplementing with a great probiotic/fiber/digestive enzyme supplement to keep gastrointestinal distress down and increase his overall gut health quality. Mostly, you’ll want to watch how he does, and make sure that he adjusts to the new change well. If it seems he adjusts too well, and eats like he’s never eaten before, you may want to look at feeders that will slow that gulping down. Dogs who eat too quickly can deal with issues like regurgitation too. If you’ve rescued your dog from the shelter, odds are they’re not used to not worrying about food, so they may have a propensity to wolf it down. At the end of the day, bringing a new dog into your home and life is something different for the both of you. But it’s something different that’s PAWESOME and you can totally do it. Just follow these tips and remember that every transition is just that–a transition. It’s not permanent and once he (and you) settles into routine? It’ll be like he’d always been there!

Dogue De Bordeaux

Dogue de Bordeaux Basics An ideal guard dog for anyone with experience in handling and training dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux – also known as the French Mastiff or the Bordeaux Bulldog – has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house, including with children. Like other guard dogs, it will need to be raised in a way that socializes it with other dogs and with people so that it understands who represents a real threat and who does not. As a large dog, it can be intimidating for some, especially children, but generally the personality of this dog is very calm provided it doesn’t feel anyone is infringing on the household. Teaching the dog to be relaxed around strangers you welcome will be important, and you just may find that this unique, heavy dog becomes a neighborhood hit. And you’ll definitely feel safe with a Dogue de Bordeaux in your presence – so that’s not an issue. When many people imagine French dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is not what they have in mind. But when it comes to the breed you’re interested in, this might be exactly what you had in mind. Let’s learn more about this “Bordeaux Bulldog.” The Dogue de Bordeaux has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house. Origin The translation of Dogue de Bordeaux could perhaps be described as “Bordeaux Mastiff,” but it is also known as a French Mastiff in areas outside of the country, particularly in America. As for its historical origins, the translations are not so clear. Many think the Dogue de Bordeaux could have descended from the Tibetan Mastiff and the Bulldog – which would certainly make the nickname “Bordeaux Bulldog” more appropriate. Dogs in the Middle Ages in the Aquitaine region may have also been ancestors to the modern Dogue de Bordeaux, and by the end of the Middle Ages, its use as a companion and guard dog was more frequent. Although the Dogue de Bordeaux took a heavy hit during the French Revolution, it regained its numbers throughout the years and a man named Raymond Triquet helped it to survive by taking the breed under his wing. The dog’s very tough history includes use in war, guardianship, and even training in hunting large game like bears, bulls, and jaguars. It was only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2008.

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

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog Basics When you think of a dog with a classic, tri-colored coat appearance, there’s a good chance you imagine the Bernese Mountain Dog. A type of Sennenhund from Switzerland, this large dog has the athleticism, temperament, and general sociability that many people would consider makes it an ideal pet. Originally farm dogs, they’re accustomed especially to country life and have a general ability to get along with animals of different species like horses and cows, making them ideal for, of course, farmers. But not having a farm is no reason to ignore a breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog. With a good instinct for guardianship as well as a healthy disposition toward outdoor activity and a general sociability, this dog is versatile enough to make a great pet for your family. Perhaps it’s appropriate that this breed often wears three colors, because it’s also capable of handling a variety of roles around your house, as well. Let’s take a closer look at the Bernese Mountain Dog’s characteristics and see if it’s really right for you and your family. It’s hard to go wrong with large dogs that are used to activity and companionship, but there might be something about the Bernese Mountain Dog that convinces you this breed is the one for you and yours. When you think of a dog with a classic, tri-colored coat appearance, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a Bernese Mountain Dog. Origin “Bernese” refers to the Canton of Berne in Switzerland where these dogs originated as farm animals that would accompany farmers on a number of tasks. This helps explains its versatility and natural disposition when in open fields and in the country. Interestingly, the Bernese Mountain Dog was used during the Civil War as a war dog but eventually its numbers for this purpose declined. The breed was revitalized in the United States later on, and today enjoys a new popularity both in Switzerland and in the U.S. Back in Switzerland, the breed was at one point referred to as the “Godly” as a reference to a village where they were believed to have spent a lot of time in. Pedigree

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois Basics If you don’t stop and look twice, you might confuse the Belgian Malinois with a really tough-looking German Shepherd. That would be a big mistake and an unfair burden to put on the Belgian Malinois. Although they both hail from the same general region of Europe, there are some key differences between the breeds that you’ll want to be aware of. Considered good as a guard or police dog, the Belgian Malinois actually looks like the police of the dog world, strong and square and certainly ready for action. He’s a pupper authority figure. Ready to keep all other dogges in line. While the Belgian Malinois can be incredibly loyal and even obedient, they’re definitely not a dog for someone who isn’t able to demonstrate authority over a dog. If you’re a particularly passive owner who prefers a dog who develops its own personality naturally, the Belgian Malinois is probably not for you. They can be territorial and while not always aggressive, they’ll need proper training and socialization from a young age to bring out their innate friendliness and general cooperation. This is not an an ideal pet for a first time dog owner. It takes a certain type of owner to keep up. Are you that type of owner? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All will be revealed. By the end of this article, you’ll either be running out to bring home a Belgian Malinois or frantically searching for a different dog. So what are you waiting for? Read on… If you don’t stop and look twice, you might confuse the Belgian Malinois with a really tough-looking German Shepherd. Origin One of four Belgian sheep dogs – that is, dogs commonly used to herd sheep – the Belgian Malinois is actually far more popular in its home country of Belgium than it is in the U.S., even despite the relative popularity of the German Shepherd. Hard to believe, but true. While there are three other breeds of Belgian sheep dogs, many have considered them all the same breed with minimal differences, such as the color of their coat. Even so, the Belgian Malinois gained American Kennel Club recognition as a breed in its own right in 1959. The breed is just that well respected. In the United Kingdom, however, the more European way of acknowledging this dog as part of a larger breed is still adopted. This can make for some confusion between the two continents, but when you see a Belgian Malinois, there can be little mistaking that you’re looking at a very serious dog indeed. Pedigree

Orange Carob Dog Treat Recipe

It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas! It may have something to do with our Orange Carob Dog Treat Recipe, a sweet treat made with carob chips and clementines. Taking inspiration from a Christmas favorite, Terry’s Chocolate Orange, we decided to turn it into a dog-friendly holiday dog treat. To make it as jolly as possible, we used clementines, a seedless citrus treat you may find in your stocking. We’re sure that your dog will unwrap these gifts with glee! Orange Carob Dog Treat Recipe Makes 35 treats

Cat Rapper Moshow Shares His Feline-Inspired Feelings [Video]

Is there anything more swoon-worthy than a guy with a cat squad? Well, take a look at this video and judge for yourself. Cat rapper Moshow has cat feelings and he’s not afraid to show them- as he’ll tell you in this adorable video. It is kitty cuddles and cuteness galore, people. Just look at how these beautiful felines love their dad!

Ailing Dog Honorary K9 Member Serves and Protects Her Girl

‘Tis the season, and one family pup had a holiday wish granted as she was added to the South Pasadena Police Department’s K-9 team as an honorary member. Eight-year-old Sophia Angelats has a unique distinction. She and her dog, a 12-year-old German Shepherd Lucy, have been honored as honorary members of the South Pasadena, California Police Department. Related: Weiner On Wheels: Two-Legged Dachshund Gets 3D Printed Wheelchair [Video] Lucy is a special K-9 member, as she was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy earlier this February. This is a spine disease in dogs that is sadly similar to what the disease of Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS is like, and it robs dogs of their movement over time. The Angelats family bought Lucy a doggie wheelchair so she can still get around, as her rear legs now are basically immobile and the wheels help her move. Sophia says the nerves in Lucy’s spine are breaking up and the wheelchair also helps hold her up. Lucy’s mama Lindsey Angelats says that though they are not sure of how long they’ll have Lucy for, they are enjoying their honorary titles at the station, and even had a sleepover with the rest of the team. She’s sad because Sophia will miss Lucy tremendously when she goes, and is hoping that the police department’s support will help her as she deals with Lucy’s passing. Congratulations to our honorary K9 Lucy and her honorary handler, Sofia! Welcome to the family! Posted by South Pasadena Police Department on Thursday, December 14, 2017 Related: States Cracking down on the Use of ‘Fake’ Service Dogs Lindsey says that Lucy dutifully protects Sophia on her daily walks to school, as “The Fuzzy Schoolbus,” but the duo is always on the lookout for opportunities to stake out situations. It’s true. You can’t keep a good dog down. Good job, Lucy! Good job!

Cancer Research in Golden Retrievers Sheds Light on the Disease in Hum

A multi-million dollar research project is looking to give information that could lead to the treatment and even cure of cancer in Golden Retrievers and other breeds, and possibly even humans. Cancer is a common disease among retrievers, particularly golden retrievers who experts claim have cancer rates in approximately 75% of all golden retrievers. Which is why a very ambitious research project that is looking at information from over 3,000 purebred golden retrievers promises to bring information many seek, even information that could lead to treatment and cure of cancer in humans. Related: Canine Cancer Survivor Proves You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks! The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is a $32 million research project that looks at goldens enrolled before they were two-years-old, and who will be tracked until their deaths, whenever that may be. The researchers are from Colorado State University and the Morris Animal Foundation, and they are looking at information from animals around the country, including benign things like where animals sleep and how often they get their teeth brushed. The information is being gathered in real-time in order to help guide researchers into further areas of study and what they may have missed in other studies. Lead investigator Rodney Page is a veterinary oncologist and the director of the Colorado State Flint Animal Cancer Center. He says they are basically analyzing everything they can over the dogs’ lives to look for risk factors that may be easily changed. Page says that the research could lead to information about cancer in other breeds, and even in humans, particularly those who often die of mast cell tumors, bone cancer, lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma. Goldens are a good study subject as they are such a popular breed in the United States, and are typically valued as family members who live right along humans in their lifestyles. I am biased, as I am a Golden mama myself, and some of the Goldens in this study are members from my local golden retriever rescue organization! Late last year, our dog was diagnosed with cancer, and though it turned out to not to be, there is a high probability that cancer still will be the reason she passes. For that, I am thankful this research exists. Related: How To Prepare For Your Dog’sJourney Across The Rainbow Bridge The study, which began in 2012, has not necessarily yielded any huge breakthroughs yet, though the oldest dogs in the study are seven and would just start to be getting to the typical age that traditional ailments and cancers appear. That said, the researchers have learned that at least 40% of the goldens swim each week, one in four eats grass and one in five sleeps in bed with their owners. Here’s hoping that as the study continues, more is found and these sweet animals get back to the lifespans they once had, which was 15 to 17 years in the late ’90s and early 2000s. It currently sits at 10 to 12 years.

Tiffanie

Tiffanie Breed History The Tiffanie was developed in the United Kingdom in the 1980s, and should not be confused with the “Tiffany” (also known as the Chantilly), which is an American cat. The Tiffanie is a long-haired variant of the Asian Shorthair. The original pairings to create the breed were between a Burmese and a longhaired cat. The breed is very similar to the Burmilla, so that the two are often confused. In Australia, however, the “Tiffanie” name applies to a line of cats that are considered to be long-haired Burmillas. They developed from the accidental mating of a Burmese and a Chinchilla. In Australia, the cats are bred more along the line of the Burmilla standard. The Tiffanie is an active breed with a curious frame of mind, but gentle and affectionate. Breed Traits

Alabama Map Turtle

Alabama Map Turtle General Info The Alabama Map Turtle is a beautiful breed that is protected in Alabama and rare in Georgia. This is a good breed to start with if you are a beginner turtle keeper. The Alabama Map Turtle is a beautiful breed that is protected in Alabama and rare in Georgia. Native Habitat

False Map Turtle

False Map Turtle General Info The False Map Turtle is one of several breeds of Map Turtles. They are also referred to as Sawback Turtles, thanks to the interesting points that run along the top of the shell. Although they are considered moderate maintenance turtles, False Map Turtles can also be a good choice if you are new to keeping turtles as pets. The False Map Turtle is one of several breeds of Map Turtles. Native Habitat

Tonkinese

Tonkinese Breed History The Tonkinese is the result of crossbreeding a Burmese and a Siamese. Cats with the Tonkinese look and traits have been identified since the 19th century. The likely founder of the line was a small walnut colored cat imported to California by Dr. Joseph C. Thompson in 1930. The breed’s name does not refer to the Tonkin region of Indochina, or to the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam. The original spelling of the name “Tonkanese” was a reference to the island in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “South Pacific.” The spelling was modified to standardize it with the other Oriental breeds. Most people regard Tonks as the perfect combination of the most beloved traits of the Burmese and Siamese foundation breeds, which explains their great popularity as family pets. The Tonkinese has a reputation for being a feline innovator. Breed Traits

Pet-Inspired Skechers Shoes Are Lending a Paw to Those in Need

Fashion and charity are a match made in heaven. With limited edition BOBS slip-on from Skechers, you’ll get to show off your love for your pet, and make a difference for animals and kids in need. I’m one of those people who likes anything with a pet-inspired print. Seriously, I’ll buy anything from jewelry to bags, as long as I see a cute paw print, kitty or a puppy face somewhere. Now that you know that, you can easily guess I fell head over heels for Skechers’ exclusive collection of canvas slip-on that features beautiful artistic portraits of cats and dogs. The collection is aptly named Paw-fection and has ten different designs, each based on a single breed and available in nine colors. You can choose from a subtle taupe with a kitty-tastic design to cheerful fuchsia with an artistic hound illustration- and everything in between. The portraits in this exclusive series include Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Calico cats and more! But the (p)awesomeness doesn’t end with the adorable style of the shoes. With each pair of BOBS shoes you buy, you’ll help Skechers donate millions of dollars to Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal rescue organization, dedicated to saving lives of four-legged friends. But, not only furry babies are reaping the benefits. Purchase of BOBS shoes also makes it possible for over 15 million kids worldwide (and counting!) that are affected by poverty get a pair of shoes themselves. It doesn’t get any better than that! Wildly popular when previously released, these purrfect shoes are making a comeback just in time for Christmas. If you’re among the pet parents that missed them the first time around, make sure to hop over to Skechers website and pick out a pair for yourself or a loved one.

LA Looks at Vegan Diet For All Shelter Dogs, Despite Veterinary Recomm

As more people consider pets their ‘family,’ they are feeding them like humans. In Los Angeles, a new proposal has been introduced, and if passed, will make LA shelter dogs vegan. Los Angles City Commissioner Roger Wolfson has introduced a proposal that would mandate all LA animal shelters feed dogs a vegan diet, replacing traditional kibble-diets with plant-based vegan ones. He is supported by many vegan activists and environmentalists. Some are well-known names, like musician and animal advocate Moby and well-known feminism rights lawyer Lisa Bloom. Related: Why is Protein Essential in a Dog’s Diet? Approximately 33,000 dogs enter the system each year, and Moby testified at a board meeting saying that adopting this proposal shows that LA is ahead of the curve when it comes to rights and care. If passed, the shelter system would be the first in the nation that would feed its dogs a vegan diet, and the chief veterinarian of the LA shelter system, Jeremy Prupas, strongly opposes the push. He says that often dogs at shelters are injured and malnourished, or they have special dietary needs that a plant-based diet simply would not support. Additionally, he says that pregnant or lactating dogs would suffer on a vegan diet. And, astonishingly, changing to a vegan diet would mean that shelters would have to pay about $3.87/pound of vegan food as opposed to $.87/pound for meat-based kibble, and that could wipe out shelter funds that are already spread thin. Still, supporters say that those are small prices to pay compared to what the meat industry does to the environment, saying that as many as 64 million tons of greenhouse gases are created each year as a result. That’s about like adding over 12 million cars and their pollution to the world, and Commissioner Wolfson says that raising and killing animals for food should only be done as a last resort. He believes it’s vital to the survival of every human. Related: Study: A Dog’s Diet is Important To His Gut in More Ways Than One And while there are no long-term studies about veganism and its effects in dogs, Dr. Lisa M. Freeman, a veterinary nutritionist and professor at Tufts University said that a balanced diet for dogs should include meet, or at least a high-quality-fish-based diet as an option over meat-based diets. Denying dogs meat is also thought to be denying them the opportunity to protect themselves from diseases like cardiomyopathy or fatty liver disease, as they can’t make some of the necessary nutrients their bodies need like humans can. The vote is expected Tuesday.

Top 10 Best Water Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a natural born swimmer? If you want a pooch who loves to splash around in the pool, check out our list of water dog breeds! You’re standing at the edge of a lake and decide to throw a stick into the water for your pooch to fetch. Which breeds are splashing down before the target hits the water and which are sneaking back to the car with their tail between their legs? Some dog breeds just can’t get enough of the wet stuff while others are born landlubbers who prefer nothing more than the dry warmth of terra firma. These water breeds below love the water. Why do dogs like the water? Many dogs love to swim. Seriously, think of the term ‘Doggie Paddle’ and wonder where that came from for a minute. The majority of dogs who love to swim do so for a couple of different reasons. One is that a dog’s body is often built to swim. The way their body weight is distributed along with their (sometimes) webbed paws and natural instincts makes them great swimmers. Their tails act like a great rudder to steer them along and their water-resistant coats mean that they stay warm and dry quickly no matter the water they go in. Additionally, dogs with longer legs love swimming because –well, they have the legs that are built for it. Long, lean kicks and movements in the water help keep them afloat and when you combine that with their desire to do smart things for their owners (like hunt and point)? Many dogs just love the water because it allows them to please their owners. Additionally, introducing dogs early on can make them love the water. You shouldn’t ever make your fearful dog get into water if they don’t want to, but take the time to train them and even use life jackets if need be if you’re not 100% sure they’re good. Even though they may be a water breed, they still have normal tendencies that play into their behaviors; be cognizant of that. Now, If you want to go for a dip, here is our Top 10 list of best water dog breeds. Newfoundland

Saint Berdoodle

Saint Berdoodle Basics Some big dogs a giant and intimidating creatures destined for protection. Others are lovable lugs who act more like a big, furry, lovable, and huggable roommate. The Berdoole falls into the second category. This is a dog destined to be bring nothing by smiles and cuddles into your life, despite their massive frame. Smart, social, and affectionate, the Saint Berdoodle is a gentle giant that will charm you in an instant. These friendly dogs have quickly gained popularity, mostly owing to their fluffy teddy bear looks and wonderful personality. They are intelligent, people-oriented, and make good therapy or service dogs, but it’s mostly the role of companionship that they were bred from. These are designer dogs bred for their affection and companionship. To say they deliver on those qualities would be an understatement. Saint Berdoodles inspire joy everywhere they go. As a mixed breed dog that comes from crossbreeding a Standard Poodle with a Saint Bernard, this hybrid will inherit traits from both of his parents. Needless to say, this unusual combination of breeds is attractive to many, mostly because of the potential for the combo of low-shedding coat and intelligence from the Poodle parent, as well as the calmness and sweetness of Saint Bernard. The breed might be too rare and recent to make definite conclusions, but it does seem that the breeders managed to create a new hybrid that inherits some fantastic traits from both mom and dad. The hybrid offers a winning canine combination for any owner. While loving and good natured, the Saint Berdoodle comes in a large size, which means he may not be a good fit for families with extremely young children (it’s far easier to train children to play gently with small and fragile dogs than the other way around). That said, he does do well with other dogs and family pets and his social nature means he loves to be the center of attention. He will not appreciate any other animals stealing away the attention of his owner. Because of this intense need for human interaction, he would do best in a household where he is not left on his own for extended periods of time because he has a destructive side that may surface. Does this designer breed sound like the right dog for you? Read on to find out more about the quirks and needs of the Saint Berdoodle before you adopt one of these big teddy bears. They are wonderful pets to be sure, but whether or not they will fit into your home is another question entirely. So keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to find out if the Saint Berdoodle will be coming home with you sometime soon. The Saint Berdoodle does well with other dogs and family pets and his social nature means he loves to be the center of attention. Origin Just like most designer dogs, the origin of the Saint Berdoodle remains unclear. No one knows with certainty when people started intentionally breeding Poodle and Saint Bernard mixes. The key word in that sentence being intentionally. There have probably been accidental crosses of the two breeds throughout history, but they weren’t recognized as a designer dog breed until recently. It’s highly likely that this hybrid was first developed during the 1980s, when designer dog craze first started. Breeders started crossing Poodles with various different breeds to get a new ‘doodle’ mix that would combine the best of both worlds. The Saint Berdoodle was one of the many designer dogs to result from this trend. This hybrid originated in the U.S and while it is a relatively need breed, the Saint Berdoodle’s lineage dates back to 1885 when the St. Bernard was first inducted into the American Kennel Club. Described as patient, friendly and outgoing, this wonderful family dog also shares some genes with the Standard Poodle, which joined the AKC in 1887 but has been around since the 17th century where he was used as a working dog in the military. Just like every other designer dog, the AKC sadly does not recognize the Saint Berdoodle. Pedigree

Bernedoodle

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works. Bernedoodle BasicsIf you are looking for a smart and loyal dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. Also known as the Bernese Mountain Poo, this breed is a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. These hybrid fluffy pooches combine the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low shedding coat of the Poodle combined with the laid-back, yet incredibly loyal nature of the Bernese. For anyone who has owned either of those breeds, you’ll know that means that the Bernedoodle is one special pup, who combines the best traits of both parents into one cute package!The goal with crossbreeding these two popular dogs was to create a perfect companion for families of all shapes and sizes that will be both hypoallergenic and possess personality traits that make them ideal pets. That’s why the breeders didn’t stop at first generation mixes, but continued to select and perfect Bernedoodles in different sizes and with slightly different traits. Bernedoodles can vary widely depending on the breeder as there is no set standard for this breed (which is usually the case with all designer dogs). They can range from 10 to 50 pounds in size and can have quite different personalities from wildly energetic to a more stoic and calm demeanor. A lot will depend on which of the parental breeds' genes are more dominant in the mix and whose traits are going to be more apparent – the Poodle’s or the Bernese Mountain Dog’s. Luckily, this also means that there really is a Bernedoodle for every person and it’s hard not to fall in love once these special dogs enter your life.However, while Bernedoodle should ideally be a perfect mix of the parent breeds that only features the best of both worlds, with hybrids there is no guarantee either about their personality or their looks. In a litter of fluffy little Bernese Mountain Poos, all of the puppies might look different from each other and each one of them could have a wildly different temperament as well. For example, your Bernedoodle puppy might take after its Poodle parent more and be a furry brainiac that will learn tricks with ease and have an air of elegance to them. Or they might favor their Swiss ancestry and turn out a bit more stubborn than you’d expect, but with a heart of gold that will make it impossible to get mad at their antics. It’s hard for breeder’s to predict with this tricky hybrid, since there’s no proven “recipe” on how to ensure which breed gets to be more dominant in the mix. On top of the fact that you can’t predict their personality or looks with certainty, depending on the dog’s genetic makeup, they can have health issues more typical for one breed than the other.Related: 10 Best Harnesses For BernedoodlesAlthough there’s still a lot to learn about designer dog breeds, it’s safe to say that we now have a better picture about the Bernedoodle as these hybrid mixes have been around for quite a while now. Their name may sound a little funny, but these dogs make wonderful pets, and they are especially great with children, so they are often the first choice for families with young kids. There’s a reason why this designer breed has grown in popularity so rapidly. These are truly special pups. So, if you are looking for a fluffy dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle!

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