Hunks and Hounds 2015 Is Basically The Best Calendar Ever

by Christina Peden

October 21st, 2014 12:00 AM

hunks and hounds 2015 is basically the best calendar ever

Precious pooches + hound lovin’ hotties? Where do we sign up?!

Um, somebody call the fire department, because it’s getting a little hot in here…

Celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz is the mastermind behind the just-released “Hunks and Hounds” 2015 Calendar, featuring uber-buff shirtless male models cuddling up to the most adorable of rescue pups.

Ruiz, who is also a guest judge and photographer on RuPaul’s Drag Race (one of our favorites here at Pet Guide!), is donating all proceeds from sales of the calendar to Louie’s Legacy, a New York City-based rescue group. So far, the calendar has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the rescue, but more help is always needed.

Basically, you’ve never had a better reason to ogle muscled men in their skivvies than you do now.

The project was inspired by Ruiz’s very own rescue pooch, an adorable Pitbull named Oliver, who was once on the kill list at a California animal shelter.

“The message of the calendar is that we should all be kind to animals and protect them from harm,” says Ruiz. Were truer words ever spoken? We think not.

Go here if you’d like to get your very own copy of the Hunks and Hounds 2015 Calendar (and really, why wouldn’t you?).

[Source: Metro UK, Facebook]

Christina Peden

Christina Peden is a lifelong animal lover and avid wordsmith. She lives in Toronto with her boyfriend Ryan where they are proud pet parents to puppy, Matilda and cat, Oscar. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying Toronto, Canada's all-too-short patio season, taking advantage of the city's numerous parks or curled up with a good book.

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Vroom, Vroom! NASCAR Pet Calendar Revs Up To Help Pets In Need

NASCAR champ Greg Biffle and fellow racers strike a pose for this 2016 calendar. Proceeds to help non-profit animal welfare groups throughout the U.S. Gentlemen (and ladies), mark your calendars! With the holiday season right around the corner and gift giving top of mind (hey, time flies and so will the snow pretty soon!), this calendar ticks the box for those on your list who love animals, are NASCAR enthusiasts or have a giving, charitable spirit. It seems that back in 2005 dog lover and pro stock car racer Greg Biffle, his wife Nicole, and their dogs Gracie and Savannah, decided to form the Greg Biffle Foundation. Their goal? Raise funds to deliver financial aid to non-profit animal welfare groups throughout the U.S. so that dogs and cats can get back on the road to a better future. Related: CFHS Is Out To Prove That Real Men Love Cats

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Boxer

Boxer Basics You don’t usually come across someone who doesn’t know what a Boxer looks like. Enjoying widespread popularity, Boxers sport that square jaw line and impressive under bite that gives them a fighter-like appearance. Sporting strong legs and deep, loud barks that make you take notice, Boxers are an impressive breed that is great for families. Notorious for being incredibly intelligent, Boxers are often used for service purposes like police dogs and therapy aid. Along with Golden or Labrador Retrievers, Boxers rank among the most popular dogs for this important work. It’s not just its intelligent that makes it a real people dog – Boxers love being around people! They love human affection, especially from children, and will never leave your side when you’re at home. There are plenty of reasons why a Boxer will make a welcome addition to your family – read on to find out more about this breed. Notorious for being incredibly intelligent, Boxers are often used for service purposes like police dogs and therapy aid. Origin We’ve filled you in on the recent history of the Boxer breed. They make great pets, service dogs, and even guard dogs. But let’s go back to its past, where you’re sure to find in much more interesting. Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were used by butchers to control cattle and for hunting purposes (they could run and hold down wild boar and bison), as well as being one of the first breeds of dogs used as police and military dogs. Unfortunately, they were also used for dog fighting – a Boxer would stand up on its hind legs and “box” with its opponent. Boxers were later imported to America after World War I, and gained popularity in the late 1930s. Pedigree

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier Basics Of all the terriers, there may be none that so embody what we imagine this type of dog to be than the Airedale Terrier. An authentic English terrier finds its home in a specific place – Airedale, of all places – but is just as happy to make its home with and your family. Like many terriers, you will find that this dog is capable of a lot of love, a lot of companionship, and can even make an excellent playmate. Its overall attractive coat is hard to resist for the younger members of your family and you’ll find there’s nothing quite like petting a terrier. There’s a reason, after all, they call Airedale Terriers the so-called king of terriers. But is the Airedale Terrier for you? Depending on the type of “dog person” you are, your answer will vary. Each dog breed has its own strengths and weaknesses, and these strengths and weaknesses mean specific breeds can be more suitable to certain types of dog owners. As we learn about the Airedale Terrier, we’ll also learn about the terrier group as a whole and hopefully you’ll just find a little something out about the types of dogs you’d prefer to bring home. Let’s find out more about the Airedale Terrier. Like many terriers, you will find that this dog is capable of a lot of love, a lot of companionship, and can even make an excellent playmate. Origin Like many terriers, the Airedale Terrier hails from the British Isles – England, specifically. Many people hypothesize that the Airedale Terrier comes from the Aire valley in England, which obviously lends itself to the dog’s name – although names can be deceiving, particularly if the wrong one catches on. Since the Airedale Terrier’s history, like many other breeds, is focused on the 19th and 20th centuries, when it started gaining recognition, we can safely say that this breed did probably arise out of that region in England. How were they bred? They were bred as jacks-of-all-trade, able to provide both companionship, a keen hunter’s instinct, and have developed a sporty, active demeanor. The first Airedale Terriers – or at least their ancestors – were not very similar to the Airedales that we see today. This makes this specific breed a relatively recent development in the world of terriers. Pedigree

Gang Gang Cockatoo

Gang Gang Cockatoo General Info Get ready to meet one of the biggest clowns in the world of pet parrots – the Gang Gang Cockatoo. These lively, smart and goofy parrots are incredible charmers and bring a lot of fun wherever they are. With their tricks, silly dances, and a spirited personality, the Gang Gangs are definitely a perfect choice for those who like fun and entertaining pets. And, in addition to their lovable temperament, these cockatoos also have unique and cute looks that are easy to recognize and hard to resist. The word Gang Gang comes from the Aborigines of New South Wales. It is the only name for these cockatoos.

Purple Crowned Lorikeet

Purple Crowned Lorikeet General Info Unique in the diverse family of Lories, these cute tiny birds make friendly and loving companions. Thanks to their small size and relatively quiet behavior, Purple Crowned Lorikeet is a great choice for an apartment pet. Besides their lovely personality, these little birds also have a striking appearance. Full of bright colors clumped together on their small bodies, the Purple Crowned Lorikeet never fails to impress. Additionally, these social little birds do well in aviaries with other birds of similar size. Thanks to their small size and relatively quiet behavior, Purple Crowned Lorikeet is a great choice for an apartment pet.

Mallee Ringneck

Mallee Ringneck General Info A breed with a long and rich history as a pet, Australia’s Mallee Ringneck is one of the most unique and captivating parrot breeds out there. Their stunning appearance and a stunning array of colors, combined with the goofy and often sweet personality, makes them wonderful to be around. Often called the Twenty Eight parrots, this species has a few distinct breeds, each with their own distinct details. First bred in captivity as early as 1909, they’re now a very popular breed of parrots in aviculture. As a pet and aviary bird, Mallee Ringneck is commonly seen in England and the rest of Europe. In the USA, they’re still somewhat rare.

Rock Parrot

Rock Parrot General Info These cute, chubby birds are a part of the Australian Grass Parrot family. The Rock Parrot, also known as Rock Elegant, can thank the charming looks, and friendly, spirited personality for its popularity. Even though a pet Rock Parrot might require a little bit more care and patience than some of the other parrots of their species, it is more than worth the effort. In return for your love and care, you can expect to get a loyal feathered friend. These birds thrive best in an aviary setting, where they can enjoy more freedom and a lifestyle closer to their natural one.

Shelter Spotlight: Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue

Hull’s Haven is a haven for Border Collies and any dog in need This month, we travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to spotlight Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue (HHBCR). This volunteer operated, non-profit rescue group takes in not just Border Collies and Border Collie mixes, but any dog in need. These dogs have been surrendered, neglected or placed in shelters, and Hull’s Haven works tirelessly to find them permanent, loving homes. Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue places dogs with loving foster families, who care for the dogs until they find their forever homes. That means they don’t operate within a stand-alone shelter system – without these foster homes, Hull’s Haven wouldn’t be able to save these dogs. Inspired by an amazing woman named Shahna Rice, HHBCR was started December 2006. The foundation has a versatile approach when it comes to rescue – they work with puppy mill rescues, US and interprovincial rescues where there are high-kill shelters. Their mantra of “Mercy Knows No Borders” is one they firmly believe in. Another great thing about Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue (yes, there is more great things about this organization) is their “Yes, I Can” program. A part of the foundation’s public education mandate, this program helps to promote healthy self-esteem in children and build positive focus for a balanced life. The stars of this program are Riddle and Dee Dee Waboose. Riddle is a special Border Collie who was born with no eyes and has epilepsy, but he doesn’t let this get in his way. With his amazing attitude, keen awareness of his surroundings, and uncanny ability to get what he wants, Riddle teaches kids that any kind of obstacle can be overcome. Dee Dee Waboose is deaf, but she doesn’t let that slow her down. She’s been taught to do so many cool things. Together, dogs teach kids that if they want something badly enough, they can achieve their goals by willing to work hard enough. Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue is always looking for volunteers, loving foster families and donations, either monetary or supplies. Monetary donations go toward spaying/neutering, deworming, vaccinating and any other necessary vetting, as well as the transport of dogs, or saving them from a hoarding situation. To learn more about this awesome organization, visit Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue’s website.

Tibetan Spaltese

Tibetan Spaltese Basics A lively, spirited breed, the Tibetan Spaltese is an easy-going pooch with a friendly demeanor. These hybrid dogs were created by crossing the gentle Maltese with the happy-go-lucky Tibetan Spaniel. A true companion dog with a bit of a watchdog flair, this designer dog breed will be a perfect match for families with older children, seniors, and singles. The Tibetan Spaltese is an undemanding dog, with low-maintenance coat and moderate activity needs. If you live in an apartment and want a pooch that would be happy and content in a big city environment, consider this hybrid. They’ll give you unconditional love and make every day brighter- and won’t ask much in return! You might have also come across this breed under the names Maltibby or Maltibbie, but all of these names are used for the same mixed breed dog. The Tibetan Spaltese is an undemanding dog, with low-maintenance coat and moderate activity needs. Origin

Toy Rat Doxie

Toy Rat Doxie Basics You’ll never be bored with a Toy Rat Doxie by your side! These unique and adorable designer dogs were developed by crossing the short-legged Dachshund with the spunky Rat Terrier. The combo of two small dogs makes for a feisty, lively and amusing canine companion that does great with singles and families alike. The Toy Rat Doxie is a loyal, affectionate dog that bonds strongly with his owner. Although they have a strong prey drive and can have a mischievous behavior at times, they are couch potatoes at heart. These petite pooches love nothing better than to cozy up to their owners and get some ear scratches before they take a nap. If you think that this one-of-a-kind mix of laziness and animation, as well as sweetness and mischief, would perfectly suit you, read on to find out more about the Toy Rat Doxie! The Toy Rat Doxie is a loyal, affectionate dog that bonds strongly with his owner. Origin

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Adoptable Dog of the Day – Max

We’d like you to meet Max, our Adoptable Dog of the Day from Adoptapet.com. Max is an adult male German Shepherd from Portland, Oregon. He is already neutered, housetrained, purebred, and good with kids. Max’s Story: Hello and nice to meet you. I am a beautiful German Shepherd… a German Shepherd to the Max and I’m in dire need of a second chance. I am very typical of my breed and will prefer my person to be by my side. I am intelligent and try real hard to focus on the task at hand… but sometimes I get distracted. I’m thinking about getting petted, thinking about following you are around… thinking about gazing longingly into your eyes awaiting your next move while you rub my belly. Mostly I am thinking about what I can do next to make you happy. I do know my basics but I could use some more training. I have to admit I have leash-reactive issues I’m working on, but I am making improvement and even enjoy going jogging! I will do best in a home with a fully fenced yard, as I also get worried with all the strange noises outside, which means I do so prefer to be indoors, and am well behaved inside! I’m full of potential, but I just didn’t get a lot of attention and training as a pup. I’m learning now though! I’m an active guy and would like to live with some German Shepherd-savvy people who understand that us Shepherds get anxious easily and will be patient, gentle and consistent. I’m pretty dominant with other dogs, so I would do best in a pet-free home. However maybe with the right dog, probably a girl, I could be a relaxed boy (I’m not really a good fit for a kitty). Small children make me nervous, but older, calm children would be fun! They just must be big enough to handle my size, energy and dedication to affection. Would you care to give this loving gentleman a second chance? I sure deserve it… to the Max. To learn more about Max and other adoptable dogs, please visit Adoptapet.com.

A Guide to Dog Menstruation

If you have an intact female dog, you’re going to have to deal with menstruation. Here’s what you need to know to ensure that time of the month goes smoothly. Every woman is familiar with “that time of the month,” but did you know that female dogs go through the cycle of menstruation as well? In dogs, it’s called the estrus cycle but it’s typically referred to as “heat.” Keep reading to learn more about this cycle and how to deal with it. When Do Female Dogs Start Menstruating? A female dog will have her first heat cycle when she becomes sexually mature – when she reaches puberty. There is no one-size-fits all guide to when a dog will reach puberty because it depends on a variety of factors, primarily breed and size. Generally speaking, female dogs can have their first heat around the time they reach 6 months of age (which is why most veterinarians recommend spaying female puppies before that age). Smaller breeds often go into heat for the first time before they reach six months and larger breeds may not have their first cycle until they are 12 to 18 months old. Regardless what age it happens, a dog’s first heat cycle means they are capable of becoming pregnant. Related: Understanding The Dog Heat Cycle How Often Do Dogs Go Into Heat? Once a female dog has her first heat cycle, she’ll go into heat roughly twice a year, about every six months. It takes time for a dog’s cycle to become regular, however, and breed size influences how often the cycle happens. Small breeds, for example, may cycle three times a year while large and giant breeds may only have one cycle every 12 to 18 months. To determine how often you can expect your dog to go into heat, do a little research on the breed or ask your veterinarian. What Are the Signs of Heat in Dogs? It’s a good idea to pay attention to the signs of heat so you can protect your dog against unwanted pregnancy. The earliest sign of heat is swelling of the vulva, but you probably aren’t paying a lot of attention to that part of your dog. The first thing you’re likely to notice is a bloody discharge. Some dogs bleed more heavily than others, so you may need to put a diaper on your dog or be prepared to do a lot of cleaning. Related: What is an Ovary-Sparing Spay? Once the cycle begins, the discharge will become increasingly waterier and the dog may start to display marking behavior. During this time, the dog will also be putting off pheromones – pheromones which a male dog can detect from a great distance. When the discharge becomes watery, this is when the dog is most fertile and when she will be receptive to breeding. If the dog is bred during this window, she is most likely to become pregnant. The Basics of Pregnancy in Dogs Once a dog becomes pregnant, she enters the gestation period – the period during which the puppies develop in her womb. This stage lasts 9 weeks, or about 63 days. It won’t be for three weeks after conception, however, that you’ll be able to detect the pregnancy. After about 28 days, a veterinarian will be able to palpate the dog’s abdomen to feel the puppies and it is safe to perform an ultrasound after about 25 days. At 6 weeks, the puppies’ bones will have calcified enough to show up on x-ray. The cycle of life is a beautiful and amazing thing, but there are risks associated with pregnancy in dogs – especially for breeds with large heads like Bulldogs. Failing to spay a female dog also increases her risk of uterine infections and certain types of cancer. Think very carefully before you choose to breed your dog and if you’re sure you aren’t going to breed her, it’s best to have her spayed by one year of age.

Goberian

Goberian BasicsImagine a dog with a lovely golden coat and stunning blue eyes. That combination is possible when you breed a Siberian Husky with a Golden Retriever (although the Goberian can feature a variety of coat colors and patterns, it isn’t just limited to that golden sheen). As with any mixed breed dog, the charming Goberian will vary in looks, from sporting thick fur to wheaten locks or from having clear blue eyes to warm chocolate ones. You’ll never quite know what to expect with crossbreeding Huskies and Retrievers (even amongst puppies born to the same litter) and that’s only a part of the Goberian’s unique appeal! This is a special designer dog that is unlike any other. Only a few minutes in this pup’s presence will confirm that.The Goberian is a popular and quite attractive designer breed, but it’s not just good looks alone that led to this pup being so beloved. Mixing these two specific breeds also resulted in a dog with great temperament as well. There’s beauty above and below the surface with the Goberian. Friendly, lively, and exceptionally affectionate, Goberians have a lot to offer to the right owner. They are energetic and smart, and will do well in dog sports or as companions to outdoorsy and active families. The Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever mix is quite versatile and can adapt to a variety lifestyles, as long as they have been trained and socialized on time. So, will this remarkable designer dog breed fit in with you and your family? There’s only one way to find out and fortunately, you’re in the right place. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll on to check out the information below and determine if a Goberian is the furry friend that you’ve been searching for.The Goberian is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky.Origin

Texas Heeler

Texas Heeler BasicsThere are many types of dog out there. Everyone has their favorite type. Some like toy dogs, others like show dogs, a few seek working dogs, etc. But there are some folks out there for whom only a herder dog will do. Smart, highly trainable and protective, the Texas Heeler is a herder through and through. This designer dog will impress you with his wit and personality, both of which have made him a popular choice for many in Texas and even outside his native state. The lovely appearance is just an added bonus. It’s tough to feel indifferent to those wiggly butts and one of a kind looks. These pups are absolutely adorable. That’s just a fact.Also known as the Queensland Heeler or the Blue Heeler, the Texas Heeler is a hybrid breed resulting from the crossing of an Australian Cattle Dog and an Australian Shepherd Dog (In other words, the Texas Heeler combines two of the finest herders into one!). The Texas Heeler is an active and intelligent breed that exhibits a combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Because the Heeler is a hybrid, different litters may produce dogs with different physical and temperamental characteristics. Yet, for the most part, the Texas Heeler is a friendly dog and an excellent herder. These dogs also show an affectionate and loving side, creating a strong bond with their owner. You can’t always predict what to expect from a hybrid dog, but those two qualities are practically guaranteed to be in this pup’s personality. Texas Heeler is a perfect pet for families with older children, active owners, or people who live on a farm and want a reliable companion and working dog in one breed. However, while the unique ancestry of this hybrid makes him an ideal choice for many prospective pet owners, there are many other options who would also be a quality match. Is this hybrid truly the right dog for you? Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll on to learn everything that there is to know about the Texas Heeler and whether or not the pooch will fit into your lifestyle. These are multi-faceted doggos with plenty to offer to everyone! An excellent watch and herding dog, the Texas Heeler is a hybrid breed resulting from the crossing an Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd Dog.OriginCrossbreeding dogs is a process that has been practiced for hundreds (if not thousands) of years Yet, despite that long history, it is difficult to tell when the Texas Heeler breed actually originated. Sadly, there just isn’t much documented history available about this or any other hybrid pooch. Most people count the moment when the breed transitioned from unplanned crossbreeding to intentional development of a new hybrid breed as the beginning of any hybrid dog’s history. However, there’s no information about when this happened for the Australian Cattle Dog and an Australian Shepherd Dog mix. It is known that the Texas Heeler is most commonly found in Texas (obviously), but no one breeder or kennel has been officially credited with the creation or development of the breed. Sadly, this is one of the great canine mysteries. However, it is believed that Lucy Guynes may have been responsible for registering the first Texas Heeler in 1970. Unfortunately, that guess is the closest thing that we have to a history of this beloved pooch.After decades of crossbreeding, this intelligent and active designer dog is one of the more popular mixes. While predominantly in demand in his home state, the Texas Heeler is quickly stealing hearts all across the country. And with good reason too! The unique mix of those two purebreds results in a dog that’s suited for the role of pet and of working dog. Beyond that, this pup tends to excel at doggie sports, too. These are active dogs who love to show off their physical prowess.Pedigree

French Boodle

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

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