Bichon Frise is Top Dog At Westminster Dog Show 2018

by Lori Ennis

February 14th, 2018 12:00 AM

bichon frise is top dog at westminster dog show 2018

It’s a wrap for the Westminster Dog Show, and we’ve loved every second of it! From adorable tricks by Bean the Sussex Spaniel to the Best In Show being perfectly named for Valentine’s Day… it was a great couple of days!

The Westminster Dog Show always makes us giddy. Yeah, yeah, we know some people are watching some sports thing with medals or something, but let’s be real–the competitions we can’t keep our eyes from have been between some of the most amazing dogs at the show! Some have stolen our hearts, some have impressed the jeepers out of us, but all have reminded us how much we love dogs and we love this show!

Conveniently, the Best In Show was also all about love–a sweet Bichon Frise who goes by Flynn, but whose official name is CHP CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love! Talk about a happy Valentine’s Day for that pupper!

Without further ado, here are the winners from the top groups!

Sporting Group Winner

Bean the Sussex Spaniel broke out the epic cuteness at the . How do you compete with that?! pic.twitter.com/qtPsvRtiMP

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 14, 2018

Sussex Spaniel: GCH CH Kamand’s Full of Beans

‘Bean’ stole our hearts at the end of his routine as he adorably begged for a treat for a job well done. Clearly? Really well done!

Working Group Winner

Giant Schnauzer: GCH CH Ingebar’s Tynan Dances With Wildflowers (Ty)

Terrier Group Winner

Norfolk Terrier: GCH CH Yarrow Venerie Winning Ticket (Winston)

Herding

Border Collie: GCHP CH Majestic Elite Clever Endeavor (Slick)

Toy

Pug: GCHS CH Hill Country’s Puttin’ On The Ritz (Biggie)

Non-Sporting

Bichon Frise: CHP CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love (Flynn)

Hound

Borzoi: GCHG CH Belisarius JP My Sassy Girl (Lucy)

2018 Best in Show

Bichon Frise: CHP CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love (Flynn)

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Top Dogs at 2017 Westminster Dog Show – Day 2

Is there such a thing as overdosing on dogs? It’s been two full days of dogs galore. I’ve met people and dogs from around the world; learned about the dog show industry; and petted so many pooches, I think Oscar is going to be able to smell them all on me when I get home tomorrow! It’s been another spectacular year at Westminster, and I can’t wait until next year’s event. Until then, here’s our round up from day of 2017’s Westminster Dog Show: Sporting Group Winner

Top Dogs of the 2017 Westminster Dog Show – Day 1

I’ve been on the floor since 8 am this morning. The better part of my day was spent at Piers 92 and 94, watching the best of the best battle it out for the chance to make to Madison Square Gardens. I had a chance to get up close and personal with dogs you wouldn’t always see at the dog park. Ibizan Hounds, Cirnechi dell’Etna, Brussels Griffons, and a few Xoloitzcuintli. But in the end, there can be only one… in each of the judging group. Here are the winners of day 1 of the 2017 Westminster Dog Show: Hound Group Winner

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

Gordon Setter

Gordon Setter Basics Originally deployed in Scotland to retrieve hunted birds that had fallen to the ground, the Gordon Setter’s strong hunter’s instinct, skill with scents, and general companion qualities have made it a very popular breed indeed, as well as an enduring one. Having been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884, it is far ahead of many modern breeds that could be considered more popular. Today, a Gordon Setter is known as an excellent, loyal, and obedient breed that looks great with a properly-groomed coat but is also an ideal exercise partner and friend in the outdoors. As part of the Irish Setter’s pedigree, it’s hard to deny that the Gordon Setter has had a long, rich history of pleasing owners and hunters. But today, the breed can also be considered an ideal companion even if you don’t have any birds for it to sniff out – they are friendly, energetic, and respond well to training. If there’s ever a dog that exemplified the phrase “man’s best friend,” the Gordon Setter would have to be considered one of the leading contenders. Here’s more information about this strong, historical breed. The Gordon Setter can be an ideal companion even if you don’t have any birds for it to sniff out – it is friendly, energetic, and respond well to training. Origin It should be noted that many other dogs similar to the Gordon Setter have actually not retained its heritage like the Gordon Setter has. In the early 19th century, this breed became popular thanks to help from Duke Alexander, the fourth of Gordon, and continued to make its mark as a popular hunting breed with strong scent-sniffing instincts. Able and willing to please, the breed was brought over to America, as well, where it also found popularity enough to be recognized by the American Kennel Club long before the 20th century. With its strong hunter’s instincts and excellent companionship, they have enjoyed a relatively stable history as a breed, including their adherence to a “black-and-tan” coat that is considered perhaps its strongest trademark.

Why You Should Adopt a Dog From a Shelter

Complete your family and adopt a dog from a shelter If you’re looking to add another member to your family, you should adopt a dog from a shelter. There are thousands of dogs looking for a forever home and chances are you’ll find a loving companion that will give you and your family years of unconditional love. Many people are reluctant to adopt a dog from a shelter for various reasons. After all, there’s a stigma attached. These dogs were given up because they have “issues”. But these so-called issues were caused by a deficiency in the human owner – lack of leadership, exercise and training. In the right home, you’ll find that many of the issue disappear with the right amount of love, patience and attention. One of the many great things about a dog is that it lives in the moment. That means they forget the past and can’t wait to get to the fun the future holds for them. Sure, the previous owner might have thought that this dog was broken, so it was traded in until they could get a “perfect” dog. But when you adopt a dog from a shelter, that adult pooch you have your eye on in the shelter is ready for a fresh start. If you treat this dog right, you’ll find it has so much more potential than the previous owner saw. The best reason to adopt a dog from a shelter – you’ve just made a loyal friend for life. Before you even go to adopt a dog from a shelter, you need to decide the right kind of dog for your family. Is there a certain breed that works better for your home environment and lifestyle? Do you have kids and other animals in the household? Do you have an active or sedentary lifestyle? Can you step up to the plate and be the leader your dog needs? These are all important questions you need to answer before you adopt a dog from a shelter. Once you’ve come up with a general game plan, it’s time to start visiting rescue shelters. Don’t just focus your energies on one – be sure to get to several shelters in order to see a wide range of dogs. We know that you’re excited, but you don’t have to bring home a dog on your first day out. You’re not doing the dog or your family any favors if you choose based on a first impression, and you end up returning it. In fact, it may hinder that dog from being adopted by another family – dogs that keep getting returned have a greater chance of being put down. When you find a potential dog, approach the cage carefully and calmly so it sniff you. Don’t be alarmed if a shelter dog growls or barks at you – it may be wary of strangers, especially since so many come through the shelter every day. Take the dog out of its cage (with the assistance of the shelter staff, or course) and take it for a walk. Keep in mind that this dog probably has some pent up energy and is raring to go (hey, you would too if you were kept in a cage all day). After you pick the right pound puppy, it’s time to sort out all the paperwork and take your dog home. Check to see that all of its health records and procedures are in order so you have everything you need for your regular vet. Be sure to check out our article on what you should do to make the transition from the pound to your home a smooth one. And the best reason to adopt a dog from a shelter – you’ve just made a loyal friend for life.

Got the Flu? Disease Expert Says It’s Safe to Cuddle With Your Dog

Nothing makes you feel better when you’re home sick with a cold or the flu than chicken noodle soup and puppy cuddles. Don’t worry – they can’t catch your bug, says an infectious disease expert. You can’t catch a cold or flu from your dog – and vice versa – so if snuggling with your dog makes you feel better when you’re sick, feel free. William Schaffner, M.D., professor of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, gives his thumbs up on this natural cure, and we couldn’t be happier! Related: Highly Contagious Dog Flu Strain On the Move You know how good your dog makes you feel when you’re feeling icky, and as long as your pooch makes you feel better, snuggle away. Pets won’t catch or spread human viruses, but you should still cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze – that’s just common courtesy! Related: Chicago Pooches Caught Up In “Dog Flu” Epidemic “The pet is a comfort, not a hazard,” said Schaffner. “You can’t get a cold or the flu from your dog or cat.” Even if you have a friend dropping off a fresh supply of tissues and they pet your dog or cat before wishing you a speedy recovery, it’s still unlikely they’ll catch your virus that way. The pesky strain of a cold or flu you’re suffering can only be transmitted by humans. That means you can catch them through close personal contact, like breathing in the air near a contaminated person, or by touching a surface that’s come in contact with the bug (like a door knob). Go back to bed with a hot water bottle and tuck in with your dog. He’ll make you feel better in no time! [Source: Science Daily]

How to Clean Your Dog’s Toys

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The Luuup Litter Box Kickstarter Offers 3 Trays, No Mess

Never pick up cat poop again with the Luuup Litter Box. This three tray perpetual sifting litter system is just what finicky cat parents want in their homes. I love my feline roommates. I really do. But let’s be honest; when it comes to cleaning the cat litter box, having a tooth filled is by far more appealing (and much less likely to invoke the gag reflex). At one point I did mentally toy with the idea of having them toilet trained, but in a one bathroom house the thought of having to wait in line for Simon to “finish” made that one a non-starter. I was intrigued when I learned that former CITY TV newswoman and television personality Dini Petty has resurrected what was a pretty good idea back in the day. To recap, back in 1994 she was pitch-woman for a unique cat litter box design that made the task of poo-poo pick up much less icky. Rather than digging deep and scooping around, you simply pick up the tray and shake it. The patented three-tray slot design meant that solids remained in the top tray and the clean litter fell into the tray below. You then dumped the clumps and re-stacked the trays with the first tray now at the bottom and the box with the cleaner littler, on top. Related: The Most Common Litter Box Mistakes You’re Making Apparently after its 1990’s launch in Canada, it expanded down into the US where it sold more than 2 million units then seemed to disappear. Fast forward twenty-plus years and its back with an improved functionality (larger for portly cats and lower for our older girls), better design aesthetic and a superior quality construction. It’s now ready to be rolled out as the Luuup Litter Box (pronounced “loop”), Petty has secured the rights to the unique design format and a Kickstarter campaign is being used to raise the funds necessary to produce the boxes en masse (translation: keep them affordable). They’ve worked out the kinks, identified manufacturers and created a framework for production and fulfillment. The boxes are made in Toronto, Canada and the facility is handy to the Luuup offices which mean regular inspections and trouble-shooting will ensure a consistently superior product. Related: 5 Fresh And Effective Ways To Control Litter Box Odor Next steps? Production will begin as soon as a modest $50,000 funding goal is reached, and with $22,000 (and growing) already raised at time of writing (the campaign ends on Monday, March 14, 2016) , it’s a sure bet this product is going to see the light of day sooner than later. You’re probably wondering what’s in it for you, right? For $39, you’ll move to the front of the line and receive your very own Luuup Litter Box and be named to the Luuup Website’s Wall of Thanks. Have a multi-cat household? For a mere $58, you receive two Luuup Litter Boxes and your name on the aforementioned Wall of Thanks! This product ships to the U.S. and Canada. According to Petty, they’ve designed The Luuup Litter Box to be the last litter box you’ll ever have to buy and I like the idea of that! View details or buy one on the Luuup Litter Box Kickstarter page.

4 Most Common Mistakes New Aquarium Hobbyists Make

Hey, we all make mistakes. And when it comes to aquariums, there are a few common ones that new hobbyists are bound to make. No matter what hobby you decide to get into, there is bound to be a learning curve. In many cases, the mistakes you make while learning a new hobby don’t really matter; but in the case of the aquarium hobby, those mistakes could be deadly – for your fish, anyway. Before you set up your first aquarium, take the time to familiarize yourself with the top four mistakes new aquarium hobbyists make so you can avoid making them yourself. Top Mistakes New Aquarium Owners Make Cultivating a thriving freshwater aquarium is, to some degree, something you can really only learn by doing. This does not mean, however, that you shouldn’t do some research before you begin. Here are the top four mistakes new aquarium hobbyists are most likely to make: Starting Too Fast: The task of actually setting up your aquarium doesn’t take long – you just have to fill the tank with water then add your decorations and equipment. Unfortunately, many new aquarium hobbyists don’t understand the importance of giving the tank time to cycle before adding their fish. The term “cycle” refers to the nitrogen cycle – the natural process through which beneficial bacteria in the tank break down organic wastes (like fish food and feces). It takes a few weeks for a new tank to develop a strong colony of beneficial bacteria and if you add your fish before that happens then they will likely die of ammonia poisoning because there won’t be enough bacteria to break down the waste products properly. Related: Setting a Schedule for Routine Tank Maintenance Choosing the Wrong Fish: Even if you give your new tank time to cycle before adding fish, choosing the wrong fish could be a serious mistake. Some fish are naturally peaceful by nature while others are aggressive and territorial – if you try to mix the two you are just asking for trouble. It is also important to remember that different species of fish come from different habitats in different parts of the world. You want to choose species that have similar habitat requirements and then cater the conditions in your tank to meet those requirements. Related: Exploring The Riparium Starting Too Small: Many beginners in the aquarium hobby make the mistake of thinking that a small tank will be easier to maintain than a larger tank. One of the most important things you need to learn about maintaining an aquarium is that water quality is key – dirty water or improper water chemistry (things like pH and water hardness) can kill your fish very quickly. The larger your tank is, the higher the water volume. This means that if something happens to affect the water quality or water chemistry in your tank, those changes will have a lesser effect in tanks with higher water volumes. If you make a mistake with water chemistry in a small 5-gallon tank the effects could be devastating – the same mistake in a larger 20-gallon tank might not be much of a problem at all.Neglecting Simple Maintenance: Once you’ve set up your aquarium your job is not done- you still have to maintain the tank. Performing weekly water changes of 15% your water volume is essential for maintaining high water quality in your tank. You should also test your tank water on a weekly basis to make sure the pH, water hardness, and other aspects of water chemistry are in line. Cultivating a thriving freshwater aquarium can be challenging, especially if you are completely new to the aquarium hobby. By doing your research and familiarizing yourself with common mistakes before you begin, however, you can increase your chances of success.

Kromfohrlander

Kromfohrlander Basics A friendly and fun-loving breed, the Kromfohrlander is loyal, affectionate and can adapt to a variety of households. Though it looks something like a terrier, this breed has low hunting instincts, which makes it a good choice for households with other pets. A German breed, the Kromfohrlander was developed during the 1940s and he is prized for is intelligence and good-natured spirit. A friendly and fun-loving breed, the Kromfohrlander is loyal, affectionate and can adapt to a variety of households. Origin The Kromfohrlander (or the Kromi) is still a fairly new breed, having only been developed in Germany during the 1940s. This breed is descendant from a military mascot dog named Original Peter. The dog was found by American soldiers in France during the second World War and brought to Germany where he was lost. He was rediscovered by Ilsa Schleifenbaum who then used him to develop a new breed. Original Peter was bred with various terrier- and griffon-type breeds for about 10 years to create the Kromi. The breed was first recognized by the FCA in 1955 and remained largely a German breed until it was first introduced in America by Gene Cummings in 1997. In 2012, the Kromfohrlander was admitted into the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service. Pedigree

First Thing’s First: Teaching Your Puppy How to Focus

To a puppy, everything he sees is new, exciting and needs to be licked or sniffed. But learning to focus and recognizing his name is an important part of a puppy’s training course. Nothing is more exciting than bringing home a new puppy. The car ride home with the little pup snuggled safely in someone’s arms is an exciting drive. Names are discussed, everyone is excited, and you can’t wait to get the new baby home and on track. And that is the moment training begins. Training doesn’t just mean obedience – training means everything from learning to sit to learning the routine of the house. And before anything can be done, the puppy needs to learn how to focus. Name Recognition A puppy doesn’t inherently know his name the moment you decide it. To them, it’s a noise – just like everything else that comes out of our mouths. They don’t know the difference from us saying ‘Spot’ or ordering Chinese food over the phone. It’s all just noise at first. But the truth in training is that we can’t do anything with our dogs if we can’t get their attention first. Related: 6 Tips On Teaching Your Puppy To Come When Called Step One: Once you have settled on a name for your new companion, you need to begin to connect the name to something positive. Treats, toys and praise are the best way to accomplish this – the key to having a successful bond with your dog is finding out what motivates them. Spend some time figuring out what makes them happy and then we can move on. Step Two: Put your puppy on a leash or in a small room with nothing to distract them. Say their new name loudly and happily – and just once. Wait for them to look at you and them immediately reward them. If it takes them more than a few seconds to respond, make some sort of happy noise (kiss, clap, etc.) and then reward their attention. It is important to say the name only once – even if they don’t understand immediately, because you don’t want to get in the habit of repeating yourself. Keep practicing this step until the puppy looks at you immediately when you say their name. Related: How To Train A Puppy To Stay Step Three: Move into a different room with a bit more distraction. When training a new puppy, distraction means just about anything from a leaf blowing to a shadow on a wall. Practice saying their name and rewarding in different areas, slowly building up the distraction level until they respond immediately no matter where you are. This step can be tricky since every dog has different triggers. Remain patient and go at your puppy’s pace. If you try this in the backyard and it’s not working, go back to trying inside the house. For the dog to learn the command, they need to succeed nine out of 10 times or they will become frustrated and give up. Step Four: Fade the reward. While at first we treat every time, as the dog learns to respond to his name we can begin to fade the treat reward. Randomly reward with treats, and then balance it out with praise. It’s wise to get in the habit of making the puppy work for what they want. Call their name and get their attention before feeding them, leashing them, going outside, playing, giving them attention, etc. Bonus Tips: While this seems like an easy thing to teach, it is tough for puppies and also for rescue dogs who have had their name changed upon intake or adoption. NEVER repeat their name when training. While it seems harmless, it can have long lasting effects. Spot will learn he doesn’t have to listen until he hears his name called four times. Also, NEVER punish the dog after calling their name. If you yell at Spot for getting in the garbage, he will remember that and the first time you try to tell spot to come, he will run the opposite direction. While this is the most basic thing we can teach our new puppy, it is going to lay the foundation for how your dog will listen to you in the future. Don’t get ahead of yourself, work on one thing at a time and go at the dog’s pace. Practice in tiny increments throughout the day and always end on a happy note.

Anderson Cooper Donates Bulletproof Vests to Virginia K9 Unit

Four paws up for Anderson Cooper! The CNN news anchor steps up to buy bulletproof vests for every K9 in the Norfolk, Virginia police department. He may have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but Anderson Cooper’s heart is pure gold. It seems the famed CNN news correspondent (of Vanderbilt lineage) donated his fees from an upcoming speaking engagement to ensure the town’s police K-9 unit were equipped with bulletproof vests. The catalyst was an event that happened on January 11 in Norfolk, Virginia – the same town where Cooper would soon be delivering a lecture. A man had barricaded himself into his home during a standoff and during the ensuing gun battle; a beloved police dog named Krijger was shot and killed. Related: Police Dog’s Heroic Sacrifice the Inspiration behind Aron’s Law

Golden Pyrenees

Golden Pyrenees Basics One of the more majestic designer dogs to even enter the market, the Golden Pyrenees dog is a delightful and laid-back pooch. This doggo is as gentle as a Golden Retriever when it comes to playtime, yet as watchful as a Great Pyrenees taking care of his or her family (which is your family, children and all!). Friendly, loyal, pretty, and immensely hugable, it’s hard to even imagine a home that wouldn’t suit the Golden Pyrenees perfectly. If you’re a fan of brushing your hair until its silky smooth (and don’t mind vacuuming the house a few times a week), you’ll love going at this dog’s dense coat until it shines bright like a diamond fury canine glory. While some dogs of this mixed breed love to lazy about and become couch potatoes, they have a lot of energy in them and do well with regular exercise and plenty of playtime. So, is the Golden Pyrenees the right pup to bring home to join your fam? You’ve come to the right place to find out! Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. We are about to reveal everything that you could possibly want to know about this glorious animal. By the end, you’ll either be rushing out to find your nearest Golden Pyrenees breeder or quietly contemplating another option. Read on! The Golden Pyrenees dog is a delightful, laid-back pooch. Origin The Golden Pyrenees, also referred to as the Great Pytreiver, is a mix between a Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees. Golden Retrievers are known to be ideal family pets, as they are both playful and affectionate with every member of the family. Great Pyrenees (often used as livestock watchdogs) are very good guardians, known to bark loudly should they see a stranger in their immediate area to alert their masters. Put them together and you have a dog that’s loyal, loving, and protective of its clan. Perfect for close knit families with plenty of space to share with their pets. Pedigree

How Much Does A Dog Cost?

Few people actually sit down and plan out every expense related to owning a dog. And let’s face it – it’s close to impossible to work out the exact amount it’ll cost to own a dog in the long run. So ask yourself, “how much does a dog cost?” We’ve got good news for you – we’ve got a tool that will give you a good idea on how much a dog will run you in its lifetime. When you don’t do some general planning around the costs associated with owning a dog, you’re more likely to get in over your head. In fact, a big reason why many dogs end up at shelters is because owners don’t realize the cost involved and can’t afford them. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t own a dog because it is expensive. We are saying that you need to be prepared. Before you bring home a new furry addition to your family, you should be armed with a summary of the costs involved with owning a dog. That way, you can set up a budget that allows you to sock money away for your pooch. Do you know what expenses are involved with owning a dog? Here’s an easy tool that will do the math for you. You’ll have to do a little research, but you’ll be ahead of the game – there’s no better feeling than knowing that your best friend will have everything he needs to have a healthy, happy life. How much does a dog cost? Use the tool below to find out. [Source: flexpetz.com]

How to Bond With Your New Kitten

It’s more than love at first sight. Start off your relationship purr-fectly by doing all the right things to bond with your kitten. Bringing home a kitten as a new member of your family is an exciting and joyful experience. Even though kittens can definitely be a challenge because they’re so energetic, no matter what your kitten’s personality is like, it’s important to spend time with her so that she can learn your rules and so she can realize that you’re going to be her new best friend. We want to make sure that this relationship starts off on the right paw. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips that can help you bond with your new kitten so that she’ll learn to trust you and love you forever. Related: 6 Valuable Tips for New Cat Owners Give Your Kitten Her Own Room To help your kitten feel safer and at ease, choose a small room that she can stay in so she can get to know her surroundings in a calm and quiet environment. The room should have everything that your kitten needs to feel right at home, including a warm and cozy cat bed, food and water bowls, a litter box, a scratching post, and some kitten-safe toys (avoid leaving strings, small balls, and small objects in the room, as these are choking hazards). It’s also a good idea to keep your other pets out of the kitten room until she becomes acclimated to the space. In the event that you don’t have a spare room for your kitten, you can instead set up a similar area anywhere else in your home where your cat can be warm and safe. You only need to isolate your kitten like this for the first day or two, but make sure that you regularly check on her and spend plenty of time with her so that she can get to know you along the way. Related: How To Prepare Your Home For A New Kitten Take Things Slow Because kittens can be scared of their new surroundings and the new people that they’re around, it’s a good idea to keep her near you as much as possible. The key, though, is to be near her without forcing her to interact with you. For example, you may be in your bedroom with your kitten, letting her play and safely explore while you watch TV. This will prove to her that it’s safe to be around you while giving her safe space. Of course, you want to pet your kitten and interact with her as much as possible, but try to find a balance, and avoid forcibly picking her up and holding her, as this could cause your kitten stress. Allow her to be left alone when she needs to be, let her hide if she’s frightened, and be reassuring as you encourage your kitten to come to you. With gentle consistency and patience, your kitten will quickly become comfortable with snuggling up to you and letting you hold her, especially if she was already socialized before she was adopted. Play with Your Kitten If your kitten were still with her siblings, she would be playing with them throughout the day, so one of the best ways that you can bond with your new furry friend is by playing with her. Purchase a few different types of cat toys, such as balls, stuffed toys, a wand with feathers on the end, etc. Use these to interact with your cat and to simulate a hunt so that she can practice “taking down prey.” Make sure you let her win every now and then, and you can also give her some treats to recreate the act of winning a hunt. Avoid letting your kitten chew on and scratch your hands, as this behavior will be hard to break if she thinks it’s okay to go after hands as a form of play. And when she’s older, with bigger claws and teeth, it won’t be cute or fun anymore. Enjoy Kittenhood Kittens grow up quickly, so enjoy the experience of having an adorable little fur-baby running around the house and snuggling up for a nap with you. Before you know it, your tiny kitten will be full-grown and probably so confident that she’ll be calling the shots.

Arabian Mau

Arabian Mau Breed History The Arabian Mau is one of the oldest of all of the natural feline breeds. Only recently has this desert cat become recognized as an actual breed, even though it has been common in the Arabian Peninsula, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, for over 1,000 years. In fact, if you go to those parts of the world, you will commonly find Arabian Maus living as street cats, surviving independently and adapting to their environment even as the deserts are transformed into cities. “Mau” is actually the Egyptian word for “cat,” and these kitties are active at night, preferring to sleep during the day just like their ancestors did in order to avoid the hot sun of the desert. So, this might be something to consider before bringing one into your family, especially if you would be annoyed by a pet that tends to prefer the nighttime to explore and play. This is a popular breed because, in addition to the Arabian Mau’s beautiful appearance, they can also develop a strong bond with their human family. So, if you are in search of a natural feline breed and you are ready to devote a lot of time and attention to your furry companion, the Arabian Mau might be a stellar choice. The Arabian Mau is one of the oldest of all of the natural feline breeds. Breed Traits

Australian Labradoodle

Australian Labradoodle Basics The Australian Labradoodle is a unique hybrid breed that is beloved for its loyal and loving personality. But before you bring one of these dogs home to be a part of your family, you should learn about their needs. Check out the information below to understand what it takes to keep these furry companions happy and healthy. The Australian Labradoodle is a cross with Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and Curly Coated Retriever. Origin

Cavamalt

Cavamalt Basics Petite, pretty, with a fabulous personality to boot- that’s the Cavamalt for you! This fairly recent designer dog breed was developed by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Maltese. This hybrid is also known as Cav-A-Malt and Maltalier. In addition to their adorable looks and small size, these toy dogs are popular for their easy-going, friendly attitude. The Cavamalt won’t need much exercise and will feel at home in a cozy apartment in a big city. Sweet-tempered and affectionate, this hybrid is a natural-born charmer, so it’s no wonder that is popularity is rapidly growing. Due to the unique combination of traits that this breed owes its purebred parents, the Cavamalt is a perfect pet for seniors, singles, or families with older children. These dogs won’t ask much but will offer a lot of love and joy in return! The Cavamalt is a friendly, good-natured dog that needs very little exercise. Origin Not that long ago, mixed breed dogs were referred to as mutts, but now they’re flaunting the title of designer dogs. What changed? Well, a mix of two purebred dogs was usually a product of an “accident”, but with designer dogs, the crossbreeding is intentional. People are creating mixed breed dogs in an effort to create a new separate breed, with (hopefully) improved and new traits and appearance. As this is still a practice in development, a lot about designer dogs and their origin remains a mystery. Same goes for the petite Cavamalt. There is no verified information about the breed’s creation, but it’s safe to assume that the first litter of Cavalier and Maltese mix puppies was born in the US, sometime in the last twenty years. Luckily, both of the parents have long histories as treasured pets- which speaks volumes about their designer dog offspring. Pedigree

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