Police Dog’s Heroic Sacrifice The Inspiration Behind Aron’s Law

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

AKC Announces Recipients of 2016 Paw Of Courage Award

As a show of appreciation to working dogs who serve and protect our country, the AKC announces the new Paw of Courage award to four worthy recipients. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently launched its newest award called the AKC Paw of Courage. This award is given to working dogs that have either been injured or killed in the line of duty while serving the country. “These working dogs possess great courage and dedication,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. “They continuously put their lives on the line, and have sacrificed their own safety, well-being, and in some cases even their lives, to keep us safe. Each dog awarded with the AKC Paw of Courage has made a significant sacrifice in the line of duty.“ So far, the AKC Paw of Courage has been awarded to four canines on the police force. The first recipient was Ogar of Smith County’s Constable Office in Texas. The one-year-old Belgian Malinois was a courageous canine in the force and was also a delightful family dog. He loved to run circles around the swimming pool with Deputy Constable Kevin Petty’s two little girls. He also loved to play tug of war and was a master escape artist. Related: Retired Marine Dog Awarded Highest Military Honor While conducting a routine traffic stop with Constable Petty, a perp fled the scene, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. When the suspect evaded police on foot in a wooded area, K9 Ogar was deployed. Upon confrontation, he was shot and killed. Constable Petty says that Ogar sacrificed his life to save his, as he was always by his side and looked up at him with true love and devotion. K9 Officer Jag was also a Belgian Malinois dog who served with the Twin Rivers Unified School District Police Department in California for five years. Jag competed countless events and won numerous awards during his time at the police force and also dedicated many hours doing public outreach programs in schools and nearby communities. “K9 Jag was everything a handler and a school Police Department could want. He knew his job and did it well,” says his partner, Sergeant Arlin Kocher. Related: Top Dogs Honored with AKC Humane Fund For Canine Excellence While completing his annual certification, the eight-year-old dog was struck and killed by a vehicle. Sergeant Kocher described Jag as being a powerful, intense yet still energetic and sweet dog who excelled in every aspect of his career and is credited with hundreds of narcotic searches, over 50 suspect surrenders and three apprehensions during his career. The third recipient of the Paw of Courage award was given to K9 Officer Betcha from Rutland County Sheriff’s Office in Vermont. The two-year-old Australian Cattle dog served as a narcotics tracking K9 and was with the police force for a year before he was struck and killed by a vehicle during the line of duty. His handler, Deputy Sheriff Edward Hunter, said Betcha was his fourth K9 partner but the “first dog that I can say was my therapy.” When Betcha was off-duty, he loved playing Frisbee and sticking his head out the window to let people snap pictures of him as he passed by. The final recipient of the new award was given to K9 Officer Kirjger of the Norfolk Police Department in Virgina. Police were responding to a domestic violence call when the man barricaded himself inside the home with his wife as a hostage. After several hours, the suspect exited the house and opened fire to the officers, fatally wounding four-year-old Officer Kirjger. Officer Kirjger and handler Officer Ryan McNiff’s partnership because during a 16-week training course, where the due learned obedience, tracking, open area searches, apprehensions, building searches and control commands. “Krijger was not only my partner, he was also my best friend”, says Officer McNiff. “Krijger taught me many things about courage, honor, loyalty and friendship”. Related: Police Dog’s Heroic Sacrifice The Inspiration Behind Aron’s Law Officer Krijger was responsible for over 30 felony apprehensions and performed many public demonstrations within schools and communities. On his off-duty hours, K9 Krijger could be found sitting on the patio enjoying a good bone or running around the backyard with one of his many toys. His favorite events consisted of outdoor barbecues and simply enjoying a relaxing fire pit at night with his human family. All four of these dogs are very well-deserving of this award and will be truly missed. Thank you for your years of service and may they give you plenty of delicious doggy treats on Rainbow Bridge.

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

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

New Canadian Law Makes It A Criminal Offence To Harm Service Dogs

How can this not be a law already?! Thanks to Quanto’s Law, thugs who hurt police, military or service animals will do hard time. At long last, and following on the heels of similar legislation already introduced in the U.S., Canada has passed their Justice for Animals in Service act. Named Quanto’s Law (officially called Bill C-35) for a beautiful, Edmonton-based police dog who was killed in October, 2013 by a knife-wielding thug, the law speaks to the importance of protecting all who serve and protect. Prior to this new direction, the best you could expect to charge a suspect with was animal cruelty. Related: Police Dog’s Heroic Sacrifice The Inspiration Behind Aron’s Law The new law – which seems like a no-brainer to me – has received Royal Assent, making it an offence to kill or injure a law enforcement, military or service animal such as a seeing-eye dog and includes both dogs and horses. Such a crime is punishable by up to 5 years in prison on indictment and 18 months and/or a fine of up to $10,000 on summary conviction. Hey, aren’t these the same penalties that already apply to animal cruelty charges? Apparently they are, but what this new law does is position the charge within the Criminal Code under the police and peacekeeping officers section. This will ensure the letter of the law is applied in each and every case of a service animal that is maliciously attacked. Okay, so they’ve given the act some much-needed bite. Related: “Best Province To Be An Animal Abuser” Introduces New Animal Protection Law What I find interesting is that this isn’t the first time such a bill has been pitched to the government. Following the 2006 killing of a Toronto police horse that was deliberately struck by a truck driver, an effort to introduce similar legislation failed to gain traction. In light of Quanto’s death, it was again brought forward by Ontario Conservative MP Costas Menegakis, and now everyone is listening – as well they should.

Dogs Are Man’s Best Friend Against Terrorist Attacks

When it comes to fighting terrorism, no robot or technology-based tracking system does a better job than a living, breathing canine. The human nose has 5 million olfactory senses in the nose. Dogs, in comparison, have about 200 million. It’s no wonder then why dogs are better equipped to sniff out and track explosive particles left behind by human terrorists. In recent years, dogs have been trained to pick up the scent of explosives on people moving through crowded places, such as subways or airports. So far, they’ve proven to be a better warning system than anything engineers have invented and they may be the best defence against terrorist attacks similar to that of Brussels, which claimed the lives of 35 people. There are only about 130 of these “vapor wake” dogs who have gotten the patented training nationwide wide since its development about 10 years ago and according to the chief trainer, there’s only one dog in Europe. Related: Police Dog’s Heroic Sacrifice The Inspiration Behind Aron’s Law The New York City Police Department’s counter-terrorism unit graduated its latest squad of dogs, who are capable of sniffing out and following these vapor trails. For security reasons, the NYPD don’t disclose how many of these dogs cover the nation’s largest subway system, as it has over 400 stations with millions of riders. The New York department has thousands of officers, 100 dogs (including traditional bomb-sniffers and drug dogs) and uses highly sophisticated computer systems linked to surveillance that can spot a bad that has been sitting in one place too long. But because of the changing nature of terrorism attacks, they aren’t as effective as these new vapor wake dogs. Nowadays, it seems that terrorists are using small decided in crowded areas, which is why these dogs may be the best line of defence against these attacks. The NYPD’s latest graduating dog class of eight underwent 15 months of training to sniff out these explosive particles in the heat plume left by humans as they walk through a crowd. Their training differs greatly from bomb-sniffing dogs, who look for something stationary, or dogs who are used to find drugs. So far, only one piece of technology has come close to the sniffing capabilities of these vapor wake dogs. Professor Otto Gregory from the University of Rhode Island has created an electronic sensor designed to continuously monitor an area for vapor from explosives. This would be a one-up from the quick hand or luggage swab travellers are randomly selected for at airports. While the sensor hasn’t been deployed in any real-world scenarios yet, it does have the advantage of not needing months of training like dogs require. Theoretically, other animals that also have sophisticated olfactory abilities, such as elephants and even rats can be used, but the fact that dogs have a natural relationship with humans means that we won’t see a vapor-smelling rat running around airports any time soon. Dog trainers generally agree that Labrador Retrievers are usually the best kind of dogs to train for this kind of work, as they are non-aggressive and social. German pointers and spaniels are also great choices. Related: Top 10 Service Dogs The demand for these dogs is rising. Since January of these year, there have been orders to put 36 more dogs through training according to Paul Hammond of the AMK9, the security firm that works with the Auburn University veterinary school, the institution where the vapor wake training was pioneered. The training costs an average of $49,000 for each dog and they are licensed for a year. After a year, the dogs need to be retrained to account for terrorists’ changing tactics. These dogs are not only useful for large places such as airports and subway systems, but they’ve also been in high demand from major sports teams and theme parts, who need a way to search crowds safely. [Source: ABCNews]

Chihuahua

Chihuahua Basics There are few dogs out there who more iconic than the Chihuahua. The ultimate purse dog. Pups so small and adorable that many owners sadly treat them more like accessories than pets. You may have recognized this breed from its presence on the big and small screen – Bruiser from the movie “Legally Blonde” and the Taco Bell dog are two of the most famous examples (not to mention Paris Hilton regularly posing with one and claiming it was her pet). Perhaps you fell in love with the breed after watching the movie “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” (it happens, we won’t judge!). No matter how you became a fan of the tiny Chihuahua dog, once you’ve owned one, you’ll be hooked on the breed for life. These little pups are just that lovable. With their goofy antics, a sparky character, and plenty of attitude, these doggos have a ton of unique traits that make them a great companion. People of all personalities can find something that will attract them to this dog breed. Sporting a large head, expressive eyes and a friendly disposition, the Chihuahua fits into the lifestyle of many types of households. You wouldn’t know to look at it, but the Chihuahua makes an excellent watchdog – of course, you shouldn’t expect it to protect you from any threat (even though many rodents could easily over power this pup). So, is the Chihuahua the right pet to join your family? There’s only one way to find out. Read on to learn more about this fantastic breed. We are about to reveal everything that it is worth knowing about the finest toy dog to ever come out of Mexico. Sporting a large head, expressive eyes and a friendly disposition, the Chihuahua fits into the lifestyle of many types of households. Origin Delving into the Chihuahua’s history, historians can make a good guess at how this breed came to be, although as with most dog breed histories, it is hard to verify. What we do know is that the breed is named after a Mexican city and was first seen around the Aztec era. Even though it is named after a particular city, the Chihuahua was likely plentiful all over the country. And you can consider the Chihuahua an ancient breed – it can be dated as far back as 500 A.D. This dog dives deep into the annals of Mexican history. There’s a reason the pup is such a beloved export from that country. In a way, the Chihuahua is part of the foundation of modern Mexico. The evolution of the Chihuahua can be such an interesting glimpse into the overall development of dog breeds in South America. After ancient peoples colonized this continent far back in history, the primitive dogs that accompanied them were isolated from any outside influence. The interbreeding that occurred over the following millenia led to quite a unique genetic footprint – and that is why Chihuahuas are so unique in looks and character! As such, they share many similarities with the other popular ancient dog breed from Mexico – the Xoloitzcuintli. Together, they held an important place in the culture and society of the ancient inhabitants of Mexico, such as the Aztecs. Pedigree

How To Clean A Stinky Dog Collar in 8 Simple Steps

What’s that smell? It’s not dog breath – it’s coming from his collar! We often forget that collars need to be washed to help keep our pooches smelling fresh. Wow! That stinks! How many times has this been your reaction when you smell a strong odor coming from your dog’s collar? This is a common situation that many dog owners often solve by purchasing a new collar. Save your money! The good news is you can easily clean his collar and have it smelling fresh quickly. Whether it’s an already made product or a homemade recipe, you can have that collar going from staaaannnky to stupendous in no time. Why Does My Dog’s Collar Stink? Let’s just face it. Our dogs like being dirty. And that means their collars get dirty too. Obviously–if you know your dog’s been sprayed by a skunk or been rolling around in the local deer poo–you have a pretty good idea of why his neck makes you want to gag. But the reality is that collars are often the least-considered aspect of keeping our dogs groomed and we forget that dirt, mold, bacteria, parasites and a whole host of other ickies like to hang out in our dogs’ collars. Many collars have fibers that hold on to those germies, and then when you mixe that with your dog’s body oils, dirt on fir and even sweat and skin smell? A collar can reek. And it really makes no difference what the collar material is, honestly. Leather, polyester, nylon…they all get dirty and they all need to be cleaned properly (and regularly) to help ward off infection as well as stinky dog smell. How To Clean Synthetic Dog Collars Doing this is probably easier than you may have thought. Every time you clean or bathe your dog, do so for his collar. If you bathe or groom at home, you can use that same dog shampoo you’re using on Fido on most synthetic collars. If there are some stains, you can use an old tooth-brush or soft-bristled brush to get into the nooks and crannies of the collar. Be sure to use hot water for best bacterial cleaning and then hang by the buckle until it’s totally dry. You don’t necessarily want to put it back on your dog until it is (prevents yeast issues), so be sure you have a backup collar for your dog while you’re cleaning it. You don’t want him to run off with no ID! Related: 4 DIY Homemade Cleaners That Are Safe For Dogs What To Do If Your Dog’s Collar Is Badly Stained? Some pet parents like to use vinegar and baking soda on really stained collars. It’s a safe, non-toxic way to get stains (and smells) out, and you can make a solution of this and let a synthetic collar soak (or be brushed) to get the collar clean. You’ll want to rinse with hot water again, and let it fully dry by hanging. This is only for synthetic or cloth collars; leather collars need different care. How To Clean A Leather Dog Collar If your dog’s leather collar just needs some spot cleaning, you can still use a vinegar/baking soda mix and a toothbrush to gently spot clean where it’s needed. You’ll want to rinse gently (but not submerge for extended time) and you’ll want to completely dry it out when you’re done. Leather conditioner after is always a wise move and way to preserve the collar. If your dog’s leather collar needs more cleaning than just spot cleaning, you can buy a leather cleaner to do the job. If in a pinche because poochy got into something raunchy and rolled everywhere, you can use a gentle dog soap or mild cleaner and warm water, but you’ll want to be sure to let it dry fully and condition after if you can so you preserve the integrity of the leather. Easy DIY Recipe For Cleaning Dog Collars If you’re looking for an all-purpose solution for regular collar cleaning, this little diddy takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish and keeps your dog’s collar clean and stink-free! Items Needed Bowl or bucketRubber glovesBaking sodaToothbrush or similar brushLavender oilTowel Step 1: Fill the bowl or bucket with warm water and add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Stir until the baking soda has been melted by the water. Step 2: Place the dog collar in the water and let it soak for 10 minutes. Related: DIY Cleaning Solutions For Stinky Pet Stains Step 3: Scrub the collar with a toothbrush or similar type of brush until clean. Make sure you get in all of the crevices of the collar. Repeat step 1, 2 and 3 until the collar is clean and odor has lessened considerably. Step 4: Clean and rinse the bowl or bucket thoroughly and refill the bucket with fresh water, adding 2 drops of lavender oil. You can also use peppermint oil or any other essential oil that you may prefer. Step 5: Soak the collar in the aromatic mixture until the bad odor has disappeared. Step 6: Rinse the collar off by running it under the faucet. Step 7: Pat the collar dry and place it on a flat surface to dry. Step 8: Place the fresh-smelling collar on your dog. Dog collars absorb oils from the skin as well as attracts dirt and grime. Depending on your dog’s activity level outdoors, you may need to clean his collar on a regular basis to keep it clean. Dog’s that enjoy the outdoors, go swimming, roll around in the mud and participate in high-level activities will require frequent cleaning. Keep in mind indoor dogs will also need a good cleaning once you detect the first scent of odor. The above cleaning method is suitable for fabric, nylon and leather collars. You can also add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the baking soda and water mixture if you find that the collar has deep stains. At times, a leather collar may require additional cleaning. If you observe staining or discoloration in a leather collar you will want to use saddle soap to remove deep, set-in stains. Notes For Before You Get Started Always use rubber gloves to protect your hands and arms while cleaning the collar. Avoid submerging your hands in the baking soda and water mixture. It can cause dryness and irritation to those who are sensitive to baking soda. As an alternative you can replace the baking soda with apple cider vinegar. Keeping your dog’s collar clean on a regular basis will prevent odor and keep the collar in good condition, which keeps your dog smelling sweet and saves you money. It will also keep the skin that is nearest to the collar healthy, since dirt buildup can develop into bacteria have a negative impact on the skin. Repeat the steps as much as needed during each cleaning session to reveal a clean, fresh scented dog collar.

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

Miniature Boxer

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

Utonagan

Utonagan Basics There are many reasons why owners settle on a specific dog breed. Often it all comes down to aesthetics. Some want a dog that looks as close to a teddy bear as possible for obvious reasons. Others seek a pup that resembles like a hot dog or large rodent due to their specific taste in cuteness. Then there are the owners who want a dog that looks less like a toy and more like a predator. They essentially want to own a pet wolf without any of the inherent danger. It’s that specific type of dog owner that we’re targeting today. If you fall into that category, then you are going to love the Utonagan. When you see the Utonagan dog breed for the first time, you might think that you are looking at a wolf. That’s no accident. In fact, the Utonagan breed was specifically developed to look like a wolf. Originally sold as a wolf hybrid, this dog is actually a mix of three distinct breeds. Despite their wild appearance, Utonagan dogs make wonderful companions and family pets, though they may be a challenge for inexperienced dog owners. This is not exactly an ideal first dog to train, requiring an owner with a very specific set of skills. Owing to their unique parentage, largely based on working dog breeds, these hybrids require a firm hand and someone who can act as the leader of the pack. They are not aggressive dogs but they can be strong-willed and can develop behavior issues if their owners don’t work with them on time. If trained and socialized on time, Utonaganas are fantastic companions for families with children or active singles and couples. They do need a fair amount of exercise, so the wolf-dog might not be the best choice for a small apartment in the city. Farms and houses with big fenced-in backyards are dream furever homes for the Utonagan. Do you have the right temperament to raise an Utongan right? Or is this a dog destined to walk all over you? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. We are about to reveal everything that there is to know about this remarkable breed of dog. By the end, you’ll either be racing out to find a Utongan breeder or researching other dogs that might be more suitable for your home. The Utonagan breed was specifically developed to look like a wolf. Origin Originally known as the Wolf Dog, the Utonagan breed was developed during the 1980s by Edwina Harrison. Harrison created the breed by crossing five mixed-breed rescue dogs of unknown origin with Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamutes. The goal of this crossing was to produce a dog that had a wild and wolf-like appearance combined with the sweet and gentle nature of a domesticated dog. Throughout the years, various breeders took to developing the breed, making sure to select the finest dogs for breeding through meticulous genetic screening for health issues. The Utonagan breed was first created (and later developed) in the United Kingdom, and has had a few name changes since its start including wolf-dog, and Northern Inuit. There are also British Utonagans, which are the result of Utonagan dogs bred to one of the founding breeds- Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, Siberian Husky- or a Northern Inuit dog. The breed has yet to gain any recognition from major breed clubs including the AKC, the UKC, and the British Kennel Club. It will still take a few more generations of development before any of those clubs will be willing to even consider recognizing the Utonagan. Pedigree

Study Proposes Smartest Dog Breed And You May Be Surprised

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

Biewer Terrier

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

Mastador

Mastador Basics If you are specifically seeking out a dog who will quickly feel like a member of the family, then you may have just found your newest furry relative. The Mastador is a great family dog with a tremendously friendly yet protective nature. Gentle giants in the truest sense, these large dogs might look intimidating to some, but they are actually very sweet and make perfect pets for families. Some dogs are big enough to pose a threat, while others are big enough to cuddle properly. The Mastador falls into the latter category. They love affection, being involved in family activities, as well as playing with their owners, kids and other dogs. A Mastador can be protective and will defend their home and family if they feel it’s necessary, so socialization and behavioral training should be completed at an early age. This is a dog that requires special and attentive training, so be sure to keep that in mind and make that you are up for the responsibility. The unique combination of traits is something that the Mastador owes purely to his parents. As a designer dog breed, this big sweetheart of a pooch is actually a mix of two purebred dogs- the Bullmastiff and the Labrador Retriever. The two parental breeds pass on the best of their traits to the offspring- accounting for the mix of protective and sweet in the Mastador. With a pedigree like that, it’s easy to see why this pooch is so beloved. Of course, even though the Mastador is an adaptable dog that does well in various living situations, these hybrids are not a perfect match for everybody. They require experienced owners who will know how to assert themselves as the leader of the pack. Similarly, their energy levels and size should also be considered before you make a final decision. So, is the Mastador the dog that you’ve been looking for? Well, the good news is that you’ve come to the right place to find out. All you need to do is keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about these glorious canines is about to be revealed. So, to find out if your family would make a perfect match for the Mastiff and Lab mix, read on! The Mastador is a great family dog with a tremendously friendly yet protective nature. Origin While his lineage hales from the United Kingdom (specifically Bullmastiff) and Newfoundland, Canada (specifically Labrador), the Mastador hybrid actually originated in the United States. Yet, apart from the place where this rare and impressive breed was first developed, there’s not much else we do know about the origin of the Mastador. The majority of designer dog breeds faces the same “issue” mainly because of the fact that there have always been around, but rather than being intentionally developed, they were often the results of accidental pairings between purebred pets. There’s very little documented history about hybrids. It’s uncertain when specific breeders even began specializing in the Mastador. No breeders have come out and claimed that the Bullmastiff and Labrador Retriever mix was their creation, so there’s no way to know when or who first bred Mastadors intentionally. However, the general information er have about hybrids gives us an idea about the Mastiff and Lab mix, too- it’s highly likely that first litters of this new breed were born sometime in the last 15 to 20 years. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to determine much more of a specific history than that. Pedigree

American Ringtail Cat

American Ringtail Cat Breed History The American Ringtail Cat is also referred to as the Ringtail Sing-a-Ling. This is a fairly new experimental breed that started with a rescued cat named Solomon in 1998. When Susan Manley found him, he was a 2-day-old kitten who needed to be bottle-fed in order to survive. As he grew and reached the age of 4 weeks, she noticed that he had a unique tail that would curl over his back. After having Solomon examined by a veterinarian, it was determined that there was no underlying medical issue or deformity that caused his tail to curl. The cat seemed perfectly comfortable and content, holding his tail curled over his back when relaxed. In 1999, Susan started a breeding program whose goal was to reproduce this curled tail, which she had also noted in other feral cats throughout the northern California neighborhood where she lived. A few breeders began working with Susan by 2005. The cats with curled tails were bred with purebreds and Domestic Shorthair cats. And in that same year, The International Cat Association, also known as TICA, gave this new breed “Registration Only” status. The American Ringtail Cat (also known as the Ringtail Sing-a-Ling) is a fairly new experimental breed. Breed Traits

Is It Okay to Have Sex in Front of Your Dog?

Birds do it, bees do it – hey, it’s natural! But it can be hard to do when someone is watching you. That’s why you may ask if it’s okay to have sex in front of your dog. Your dog is your best friend and you are his. He loves you more than he loves anything in the world, so you shouldn’t be surprised if he acts a little possessive from time to time. But some dogs take it too far. For some dogs, even the simple act of someone hugging their owner can seem like a threat. Dogs don’t always understand human body language or our actions, so they can easily be confused. But how does your dog feel when you’re having sex? What does he make of it all? Keep reading to find out. Related: Planned Parenthood Uses Pussycats For New Sex Education Videos What is Your Dog Thinking? If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably had experiences where your dog showed up in the middle of a situation at an inconvenient time. Perhaps it’s when you’ve just cleaned the floor and he chooses that moment to run across it with muddy paws. Things like this happen but you probably aren’t concerned about it, much less bothered by it. But when you find your dog staring at you having sex, it can be a little unsettling. Related: Having the Awkward Talk About Cats Humping Though your dog may not understand exactly what you’re doing, he has some sense of what’s happening and could react in one of several ways. Animal communication experts suggest that dogs see sex as an exchange of energy and, perhaps more importantly, as a redirection of your attention away from the dog and onto someone else. For some dogs, this can trigger jealousy or incite some kind of territorial reaction. That’s when your dog starts to act a little creepy. For some dogs, they just see sex as a form of activity or play that they want to be part of. So, they jump on the bed or whine at you until you give in and give them the attention they’re craving. What Should You Do? If you don’t like having your dog around while you have sex, simply close the bedroom door or put him in another room. This is a simple enough solution that works well in most cases. In other cases, however, the dog can become very territorial and protective of his owner, sometimes going so far as to step into the moment and try to break things up. If this happens on a regular basis, you may need to consult an animal behavior expert to work with your dog. Generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with having sex in front of your dog. What really matters is now you feel about it. If it doesn’t bother you and if it doesn’t seem to bother your dog, there’s no reason to make a change. If your dog starts becoming dominant or territorial, however, that is another matter and an issue you may need to address. Sometimes it’s difficult for dog owners to understand their dog’s behavior. Put yourself in your dog’s shoes for a moment and consider what he might be thinking when he sees you having sex. Perhaps you’d rather not think about it at all, but you should still know that your dog isn’t getting any kind of strange enjoyment out of it – he’s simply curious or concerned.

Rex Rabbit

Rex Rabbit Breed History/OriginThe Rex Rabbit wasn’t born yesterday, ya know! This is an illustrious little bunny with quite a rich history worth exploring. The Rex Rabbit was developed around 1919 in the French village of Louché-Pringé, by breeders who were impressed by this wild rabbit’s beautiful and luscious fur. Naturally, they wanted to domesticate it! This stunning breed was gradually developed from a litter of wild gray rabbits. They were selectively bred into a domestic breed and shown in an international rabbit show in Paris in 1924, where there was great interest among breeders because of the recessive rex gene. The breed was an instant success! And for a number of reasons, too. These rabbits may have been found int the wild initially, but they quickly exploded in popularity and became coveted as pets. Following its first showing in Paris, the breed was introduced to the United States that same year and was shown by American rabbit breeder John C. Fehr and his partner Alfred Zimmerman. The breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association (ARBA) soon after. It’s been a stable in the homes of rabbit lovers ever since. To see a Rex Rabbit in person is to fall hard into bunny love. You’ll need to own one immediately and you won’t regret it. Read on as we learn all the tidbits that make this rabbit breed so wonderful! The Rex rabbit has short, soft fur that points out instead of against their bodies, making this breed super plushy.Overall Description

Carrot and Applesauce Soft Dog Treat Recipe

Looking to bake up an easy dog treat for your senior pooch? Then this Carrot and Applesauce Soft Dog Treat Recipe will be right up your alley.

Goldador

Goldador Basics It’s always difficult to decide which breed of dog to bring home. There are too many amazing pooches out there to choose from and every single one of them has amazing qualities. In particular, many people find themselves torn between the equally beloved Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. If you find yourself facing this impossible choice, you should know that there is another option. Why not have the best of both worlds and get yourself a Goldador?! Also known as Golden Labradors, the Goldador is a hybrid of two of the most popular dogs in North America. A wonderful family pet, an amazing service dog (they’re even used as bomb sniffing dogs) and a superb hunting companion, sometimes we wonder if there’s anything the Goldador can’t do well. Known for its trainability and willingness to please, this designer breed is a breeze to train, as he just wants to make you happy. Having a Goldador in your home guarantees constant smiles. The Golden Retriever and Lab mix is a large, athletic dog that will do best living in a house with a big backyard. However, with enough exercise, they can adapt to apartments as well. These dogs can be happy just about anywhere. Their versatility and easy-going attitude are just some of the many things people love them for! Ideal for a wide range of families and lifestyles, this hard-working dog would be a joy to any household. Whether they are playing, working, or relaxing, your Goldador’s favorite place will be by your side. Their affectionate behaviour and loyalty to owners is truly something special: the Goldador is the living embodiment of the phrase ‘man’s best friend’. While their many impressive qualities make these mixed breed dogs a popular choice for pet owners, they might not be the best match for everyone. There’s only one way to be certain that this is right dog for you. Keep your eyes glued to this page and read on to learn everything that there is to know about the Goldador and find out if you’ll be bringing this adorable doggo home anytime soon. Also known as Golden Labradors, the Goldador is a hybrid of two of the most popular dogs in North America. Origin

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