Quiz: Can You Guess the Doodle?

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Quiz: Can You Guess These Famous Movie Dogs?

Quiz: Can You Guess The Breed By Its Tail?

Game Of Thrones Leads To Increased Surrenders Of Husky Dogs

The popular show Game of Thrones is proving to be un-pup-ular for Huskies, as rescue clubs in California report an exponential increase in surrenders of the breed. Game of Thrones fans love all things GOT. Including their beloved “ Direwolves,” which look an awful lot like Huskies. Patty Lacava has two huskies and lives in the San Francisco area. Related: Maine Governor Pardons a Husky On Death Row She says that since Game of Thrones has been on television, it’s like her dogs are celebrities, and everyone wants to have photos with them as she’s just taking her leisurely walks with them. LaCava says that Game of Thrones uses a type of sled dog–Inuits–as a stand in for the Direwolves, which are with the House of Stark. The Bay Area Siberian Husky Club says that since HBO debuted the show, there is a huge boom in the popularity of the breed, but many don’t know what all is entailed when it comes to having Huskies as pets. They estimate a jump of about 300 percent increase in Husky adoptions since the show started. Huskies need lots of exercise and require tremendous amounts of space and focus on making sure they are good family members. Most who are looking to adopt Huskies simply don’t know how involved the training and maintaining of a Husky is, and end up surrendering them. Related: Game Of Thrones “The Mountain” Loves His Tiny Pomeranian It’s important that anyone contemplating a Husky knows that they are high energy dogs–we’re talking running five to ten miles a day– and that there is much more to them than what they see on television shows. Most Husky groups and rescues will offer opportunities for dogs to get together and get their energies out, as well as give Husky owners resources for helping them to be the loyal family dogs they can be–with the proper exercise and training, of course. [Source: ABCNews7]

AKC’s Lure-Coursing Test Turns Mixed-Breed Dogs Into Tracking Champs

Put your dog’s instinct to track with training from the ACK’s official coursing class. And everyone’s welcome to join – even mixed breed dogs! While we can learn virtually anything by picking up a book, taking a class or going on-line, some skills are just plain inherent; you have them or you don’t. Think Olympic athlete, star hockey or tennis player, and even champion hunting, herding or coursing dog. Like most of us, you probably think your pup is a natural born champion when it comes to chasing down a ball or catching a Frisbee and now you may have the chance to prove it. You see although the fast-growing sport of lure-coursing is reserved primarily for sight-hound breeds (e.g. Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Afghan, Whippet), if your little guy loves to run and chase things, this may be his ticket to owning an actual coursing title! Related: Dock Diving Dogs are Making a Splash this Summer The term “ coursing” actually refers to your dog’s basic instinct to track by sight and chase small prey (in this instance, it’s a mechanical lure) and now the highly esteemed American Kennel Club (AKC) that deals primarily with recognized purebred dogs, is running tests to rank the coursing skills of mixed breed dogs that can include the family pet! While these tests won’t ever qualify him for Crufts or Westminster, they are a chance to formally gauge his talents against others and gain bragging rights if he earns himself a title. So how does it work? Right off the mark, your dog needs to be at least 1 year old and have an AKC, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) or Canine Partners number (just check out their websites to apply for your number). Related: 5 Foot Friendly Tips That Will Save Your Athletic Dogs Paws On the day of the event, your dog will run solo, through a specified course while chasing a lure. He must do this a number of times, non-stop and within a stated maximum amount of time – so without becoming distracted, winded or stopping for a pee-break. The test is challenging but not gruelling, so expect your pooch to have fun during the process! Unlike the trials undertaken by champion purebreds, your boy won’t have to run long distances or make extreme turns as he pursues the lure (which can be tough on joints). In fact, the test has been modified so that dogs less than 12 inches in height must cover approximately 300 yards within 1.5 minutes and larger dogs approximately 600 yards in no more than 2 minutes. To learn more about the lure-coursing tests or to find a date and location near you, check out the official AKC website. Additionally, AKC offers tips for those interested in having their dog participate in this fun sport: Make sure your pooch is healthy and capable of running a course. If in doubt, get your veterinarian to check him out before committing.Gauge his interest in the sport by testing him with lures and how long they hold his attention. It may be shorter than you think.On the day of his test, bring lots of fresh water, a strong, soft leash, and AKC recommends you bring his crate if the lure field is a distance from your vehicle.Dress for an active day by wearing comfy clothes and shoes that will allow you to easily catch, release and hold onto your excited dog.Manners count and it’s important your pooch have obedience basics down pat. With lots of dogs in a high energy environment, you’ll need your pooch to come, sit and stay on command.

High School Track Team Runs With the Big (and Little) Shelter Dogs

A high school track team in Florida knows the answer to, “Who let the dogs out?” Turns out, they did…and do five mornings a week as they take shelter dogs running with them! George Steinbrenner High School’s track team is pretty spectacular, if you ask me! Five mornings a week, the team takes shelter dogs out running with them–giving companionship and exercise to the dogs who are waiting for their furever homes. Related: High School Student’s Service Dog Inspires Legislation Against Discrimination Coach Bob Ennis says that the pups get to spend about an hour a day with the team, running, hanging in the shade and of course, practicing their ‘sprints’ as they chase after squirrels! Coach Ennis says one of his runner’s mothers originally talked to him about incorporating shelter dogs to their practices, after she’d learned about a program in California that was similar. Ennis contacted the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and folks at the shelter were more than happy to offer their pups for some cross country companionship. Glen Hatchell is a dog trainer who works with the Humane Society and Hatchell worked with the runners to teach them some basics of running and working with the dogs.

Tubby Tabby Steals the Spotlight in These Wedding Pictures

Marriage may be about making each other (fat and) happy, and this newlywed couple knows that has a lot to do with their own fat cat, who recently appeared in some post-wedding pics in all his fur glory. Once upon a time, a fat tabby was in a shelter in Washington D.C. He was called Symba, the Tubby Tabby, and he was adopted by a couple–Kiah Berkeley and Peter Sorkin. They decided to also call him Vito, and share his life on Instagram and Facebook. Related: Famous Fat Cat Who Inspired Meme Honored With Statue Berkley and Sorkin recently married in Ridge, MD, which is two hours away from where they live in Washington, D.C., so Vito, unfortunately, was not able to be part of the wedding party. But that didn’t stop him from being part of the wedding pictures! The couple’s photographer, Kristi Odom, knew how important Vito was to the couple and how big a part of their lives he is, she wanted to include him in pictures too.

Interactive Pet Adoption Center Isn’t Your Typical Animal Shelter

A new innovative pet adoption center in Los Angeles’ Silicon Beach neighborhood is replacing the typical animal shelter with a unique, welcoming space. When you think of the traditional animal shelter, a typical, nondescript concrete building usually comes to mind. The conventional animal shelter is getting its make-over as a new and improved pet adoption center featuring an interactive and unique community space for pet adoptions. Welcome to the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace–a café, education center, a ton of adoptable pets, and a human-sized hamster wheel. That’s right! Even the hamster wheel was upgraded for human enjoyment at the cheerful, welcoming facility. Don’t forget to stop by the museum-style exhibit that features a variety of adorable animals! Related: Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is not your average pet adoption center. The brand new facility had a price tag of a whopping $20 million at the 30,000-square-foot building in Los Angeles’ Silicon Beach neighborhood. The unique space features high-tech and comfortable adoption suites for 80 cats and dogs, including additional space for smaller fur-balls like bunnies. You’ll also find a paws-itively awesome structure known as the “Scratching Post” where cats can climb, explore, and even go fishing in the digital fish pond. Related: Strike a Yoga Pose and Help Shelter Cats Find New Homes General Manager Carol Laumen describes The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace as a fun place for people to enjoy, even if they don’t want to adopt. Cafés, community rooms, and activities like obedience classes and dog massage workshops are available to keep the public busy and inspire them to adopt a new furry family member. The location is appealing and is designed to be friendly and accessible for everyone with open hours between 10-6, Wednesday through Sunday. The transition from animal shelter to interactive pet adoption center is a trend that has been on the rise for decades and meant to reduce or eliminate the unnecessary killing of adoptable animals.

Product Review: Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot

Lounging ain’t easy… but someone’s got to do it. And for pooches who chill full-time, you’ve got to get your dog the Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot. The Cool-Air Cot Pet Bed combines portable convenience, outdoor durability, and pet-friendly comfort. When you want your pet above muddy, bug-infested, hot or wet surfaces, this cot is the perfect resting place for on the deck, by the pool, at the beach, camping, RVing and more. Lola B. Boston takes on the difficult task of making summer lounging… pretty hecking cool.

Survey Finds Dogs Influence Home Buying More Than Children

A recent survey from SunTrust reports that millennials are more influenced by their dogs than their children when it comes to buying a house. Yes, when it comes to reasons for buying a new home, dogs are close to the top of the list. Even above other factors such as marriage or children. A massive 33% of 18-26 year olds state that a dog is their biggest deciding factor when it comes to choosing a property. The reasons given are generally that people want some outdoor space so they can get a dog, or they want a larger garden for a dog they already have. In the survey, dogs ranked higher than getting married, which was the main factor for 25% of people. The birth of a child came in third at 19%. The only higher factors were a desire for more space and investments reasons. Related: Study Shows Urban Pet Owners Pay More Rent And Have Less Choice In Apartments It may seem odd at first, although we adore our dogs, it seems a little excessive that they are becoming the driving force in our house buying habits. But when you look more closely it makes more sense. First time buyers are generally moving from rented accommodation. From rentals to home ownership – it’s better for our pets In rented housing you may not be allowed pets, or if you are, there will be strict rules. Of course you also have to be extra careful that your dog doesn’t ruin anything or you’re likely to have to foot the bill. In a property you own yourself you can be a little more carefree. You have more free rein to adapt your property for the needs of your dog. Perhaps renewing the fence in the back yard so Rover can’t jump over it and escape. Or maybe you feel your home isn’t safe for you pets, if you live on a busy road or you have a high balcony. Related: 5 Important Tips on Dog Proofing Your Balcony It would be interesting to find out if this extends to other pets. I’m sure people will avoid a location with lots of traffic if they have cats that go out. Perhaps someone who adores rabbits would make sure they had a patch of grass for them in their new home. There are many things we may want in a new home. Perhaps you’d love a big kitchen or an en-suite bathroom, but we also need our new home to be perfect for our pets.

South Korea’s New President Adopts Shelter Dog As Part Of Campaign P

It’s not often we see politicians keep election promises, but South Korea’s new president Moon Jae-in has, and in doing so, has rescued a dog once meant for the meat market. Sadly, it’s no secret that in some parts of South Korea, the consumption of dog meat is common, and often considered a delicacy. There are over 17,000 dog meat farms in South Korea, and there are currently no laws regarding a dog farming. Related: Ad Campaign To End Dog Meat Industry Aims To Touch People’s Hearts Which is why the adoption of a dog from an Animal Sanctuary during ‘Bok Nai,’ (a time when most dog meat is traditionally consumed by South Koreans) by South Korea’s new president appears to be an action that shows his support for better animal rights for the pets of the country. The President’s official Facebook page presented the “First Dog,” Tory–an adorable four-year-old mutt who was adopted from the Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE) shelter. Tory is the first shelter dog to ever be a “First Dog,” though certainly not the first “First Dog.” Moon’s ousted predecessor Park Geun-hye had nine dogs at the ‘Palace’ and even left them there (for their own protection, she says) when she left.

Three-Legged Dog Serves as the Perfect Ring Bearer

One man’s desire to give his bride a special surprise left the guests in tears of happiness as they watched a special ring-bearer walk down the aisle! David Michel’s bride-to-be Jenny loved animals. Michel loves Jenny, so he asked his friend for a special guest to appear at their wedding in New York. Tod Emko is Michel’s friend, and has a rescued dog named Piggy. Michel wanted Emko to bring Piggy, and for Piggy to have a very important job–that of ring bearer. Emko co-founded Darwin Animal Doctors, which is an organization that rescues and helps sick and/or injured animals. Piggy was one of those animals–in fact, Emko rescued Piggy in 2009 from the Dominican Republic. Piggy had been hit by a bus, and a group of visiting vets was able to amputate Piggy’s leg and save his life. Related: 10 Dapper Dogs Celebrating Weddings Emko and his friend Andrea Gordon adopted Piggy, flew him to New York and certified him as a therapy dog and companion animal educator for Darwin Animals Doctors. Piggy’s remarkable recovery and life astound all who know him. Including Michel’s fiance Jenny. She also wanted to have something special for her wedding day, and it turns out that great minds think alike. Jenny had asked Emko to help her surprise her fiance with Piggy as well, just a few hours after Michel originally asked! The lovebirds figured out they’d wanted the same thing–to surprise each other with Piggy as ring-bearer–and knew it was meant to be. Piggy didn’t let a missing leg take away from his commitment as the best ring-bearer ever, and he did a lovely job obeying commands and being serious about the very important job he had. The couple was overcome with emotion, and so were the guests! Piggy stayed for the reception, of course, where he showed everyone how a three-legged-dog could really break it down, and he had the guests in love with his sweet eyes and personality.

Mystery Solved: Why Cat Breeds Look Alike, But Dog Breeds Don’t

Dog breeds take the lead with the highest number of recognized breeds compared to cats. But why is there such a difference? You may have noticed how cats seem to always resemble each other with similar, yet distinct traits. You’ll see the average cat prance around with it’s long, skinny body and whiskered button nose. Meanwhile, dog breeds represent the most diverse range of shapes and sizes from the tall and powerful Tibetan Mastiff to the short and fluffy Pomeranian. The Mastiff and Pomeranian are two very different and opposite-looking canines with two very different purposes. The question: Why don’t pedigreed cats show the same differences in body shape and size as dog breeds do? Related: Would You Buy a Genetically Modified Super Dog? Almost 15,000 years ago, canines underwent domestication to become man’s best friend. As the human-canine bond developed, people began to realize that dogs possessed the ability to perform specific tasks that could benefit humans in huge ways, whereas felines held simpler roles such as living as a household companion or hunting annoying mice. This realization urged breeders to undergo selective breeding and ultimately build the dogs that will help humans survive. Meanwhile, as dogs were being bred to achieve particular traits, cat owners weren’t too inclined to reinvent the cat’s body. Related: Show Off Your Creativity With DôyenWorld’s DôyenDog and DôyenCat According to the Cat Fanciers Association, there are 42 recognized cat breeds in the US. As for dogs, a whopping 190 breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The World Canine Organization acknowledges a staggering 340 dog breeds. For decades, cats have been bred to produce consistent physical features such as a shortened snout, inward folded ears, round and lean faces, and a variety of colors and textures. This led to an increase in diversity of dogs and the set consistency of features seen in cats. When breeding to animals that tend to look alike as cats do, it is common to see less diversity among the breeds.

Maltipoo

Maltipoo BasicsThe Maltese Poodle mix is a popular designer dog for a good reason – the combination of two hypoallergenic, cute dogs results in a new breed that inherits the best traits from both parents. Not only is the Maltipoo as sweet as they come, but they have all it takes to be a fantastic companion dog. This is a pup that will steal your heart and you’ll never get it back. The major downside of owning one is merely that you’ll have a hard time accepting any other breed of dog ever again. Once you go Maltipoo, no other pooch will ever do!This designer dog was developed by crossing purebred Poodle and Maltese to create a new breed of designer dog that will have all of the traits of a perfect companion dog, from their low-shedding hypoallergenic fur to small stature and loveable personalities. The breed is officially recognized under two names – Maltipoo and  Malt-A-Poo – but has various alternative names you can find it under. These include Malti-Doodle, Malt-A-Doodle, Maltedoodle, Malt-oodle, Malt-A-Poo, Malti-Poodle, Maltesepoo, Maltese-Poodle, Maltesedoodle, Moodle, and Multa-Poo. Whew! That sure is a lot of names for a Maltese Poodle mix, but considering their immense popularity, it doesn’t come as a big surprise that people have been figuring out different names and labels for their adorable hybrids.The Maltipoo is generally friendly and outgoing. This pup will act as if everyone in the world is his best bud. The love goes both ways, too. It’s inescapable. People simply can’t resist the Maltipoo’s soft coat and spunky attitude. Maltipoos are easy to train because they are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. This crossbreed is the perfect dog for first-time dog owners or for those living in small spaces with no yards, such as an apartment or a condo. They will fill those small spaces with their spunky energy, but thankfully your stuff will be safe from any doggy destruction.Maltipoos are bred to be hypoallergenic dogs. However, not all puppies will grow to fulfill this hope. If allergies are the reason for getting a Maltipoo puppy, make sure to check your reactions first. You should spend a considerable amount of time with with your puppy and others from the litter to ensure that your allergies won’t kick in. Let’s face it; nobody wants to get a new puppy only to have to give him up weeks later due to allergy problems. So putting in the effort early will save you some heartbreak, even if it’ll be tough to tear yourself away from the adorable little of Maltese Poodle puppies once you start having a reaction.OriginUnfortunately, there is still quite a bit we don’t know about the history of designer dog breeds, but the biggest mystery about them is their origin. Apart from the popular Labradoodle, not many hybrid breeds have a well-documented history. What we now think of as designer dogs were considered little more mutts by pure breed dog snobs for so long that no one bothered to chronicle their official origin. In many instances, the first litter likely came about by accident. We simply don’t know where most of these beautiful brands of pup came from, unlike many of the more established pure bred doggos.When it comes to the Maltipoo and their history, it’s not that different from most of their mixed breed fellows. The Maltese Poodle mix was created in the United States, sometime in the last 20 to 30 years. The Maltipoo dog was created by breeders to be a small and affectionate companion. Their intended role is to be a wonderful pet that would fit into any family’s lifestyle. Simple as that. The original breeders certainly hit their mark. There’s simply no denying that the Maltipoo is a great companion for almost any family. Both the Poodle and the Maltese are popular dog breeds, so combining the two together was thought to bring out the best in both breeds. This is a pup designed to be loved and after a few minutes in their presence, you’ll be more than happy to comply.Pedigree

Schnoodle

Schnoodle BasicsAfter sliding its furry form into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog. The Schnoodle seems to exploding in popularity exponentially, with dog lovers everywhere desperate to get their hands on this delightful animal. As a mixed breed, this adorable pooch has two purebred parents- the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This hybrid breed fills the role of many types of dog – lap dog, family dog, therapy dog and even a show stopper. You could say this is a well-rounded breed that will fill any position available! Not only is the Schnoodle cute and adorable, it is playful and lovable, making him the ideal family pet. It’s hard to find anyone who won’t fall for a Schnoodle.With a wide range of sizes available, Schnoodles come is small, medium and larger sizes. Depending on the size of Poodle and Schnauzer bred, your Schnoodle can weigh anywhere from 10 to 60 pounds (Schnauzer come in Miniature, Standard, and Giant, while Poodles come in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes). And, because of the Poodle mixed in, this dog has a hypoallergenic coat, which makes him an attractive pet for allergy sufferers. Please read on to learn about this wonderful hybrid dog breed.In addition to Schnoodle, this designer dog is also known as Mini Schnoodle, Miniature Schnoodle, Schnauzerdoodle, or Schnauzerpoo.So is this dog with multiple names, a variety of sizes, and endless reasons to love him worth bringing home to your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about the Schnoodle is about to be revealed!Making its way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog.Origin Developed in the 1980s, the Schnoodle made its appearance due to an increased interest in Poodle mixes. The “culprit” for the popularity of all things doodle was the first designer dog to be created- the Labradoodle. Breeders came to realize that the exceptional intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle bring a lot of value to the mix. Crossbreeds with this breed in the family tree still remain one of the most popular hybrids!Although it’s not as popular as many other Poodle crosses, Schnoodle is gathering a dedicated following, thanks in part to its playful good nature and low- shedding, low-dander coat. Unfortunately, like most designer dogs, there isn’t much know about this specific breed’s history beyond those details. Sadly, there simply isn’t much documentation kept about the history of hybrid dogs, unlike purebreds.Pedigree

Cockalier

Cockalier Basics The Cockalier is a designer dog breed that is known for its pleasant personality and super cute looks. These dogs have a lot of energy and are always ready to play, and they are also full of love and loyalty. To find out if the Cockalier is the right dog for your family, keep reading to learn a bit about this popular breed. The Cockalier is a cross between a purebred Cocker Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Origin