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Sniffer Dogs Could Be Used To Screen for COVID-19

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
April 6th, 2020 12:00 AM
sniffer dogs could be used to screen for covid 19
Once again, dogs are proving they’re (hu)man’s best friends as researchers from the United Kingdom are training dogs to detect the scent of coronavirus in an effort to aid in mass screenings.


We know a dog’s nose knows amazing things, and researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LHTSM) think they’ve got the solution to the need for better and quicker COVID-19 screenings with man’s best friend.


The team of researchers and scientists believe they can train dogs to smell the distinctive odor that the coronavirus gives off. They’re doing so with a project that is being funded through crowdsourcing, and they hope that dog screeners can be effective warriors in the battle against COVID-19.


Related: How You Can Help Your Local Shelter During COVID-19 Crisis


While they are not fully sure that the dogs will be able to be trained to give consistent and accurate results, there’s no reason to believe they couldn’t. Already, dogs’ noses are used as sniffers for different diseases like cancer and diabetes, and they’re even used to warn their humans of impending seizures. They’ve been shown to be able to detect bacteria and even Parkinson’s disease, so there’s no reason to believe they couldn’t do this.


In previous research, the LSHTM has worked with Medical Detection Dogs, a charity that works to help train dogs to detect things that could save the lives of humans. One training program sowed that dogs could successfully detect malaria, and the testing exceeded the standards required by the World Health Organization standards.

James Logan is the head of LSHTM’s Department of Disease Control. He said that the research is in the very early stages, but it’s well known that diseases and viruses like influenza have very distinct odors. If COVID-19 follows suit and also has a specific smell, Logan is confident that a dog could learn and detect that smell repeatedly as part of a screening process.


Logan and his team think that the scent diseases and viruses have comes from the oxidative stress the infections cause. This oxidated stress releases compounds in our blood, and that can be released in our breath and skin. Logan says researchers believe it’s our body’s stress response to an infection that makes it detectable to dogs, though they’re not exactly sure about the intricate details of the response. LSHTM is working specifically with a Labrador Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel, as they both have strong senses of smell and the ability to be trained quickly and easily. The few dogs they’re working with have already been working with malaria screening. Logan says that it may take 4-6 weeks to train the animals to recognize the odors of samples that tested positive for COVID-19 and to learn how to differentiate them from those who have common colds or no illness at all. Just a few dogs would make a huge difference, Logan says. Imagine being able to screen 4,000-5,000 people a day, particularly those in the front lines of medical care, to be sure they were their healthiest and safe to be around others.


Related: What Experts Say You Need To Know About COVID-19 And Your Dog


Right now, screening is variable and may or may not be happening because people don’t want to put themselves at great risk. Particularly for places like public transportation areas –airports, train and bus stations and the like– virus-sniffing dogs could mean the difference between viral spread in pandemic numbers and quick recognition and treatment of just a few.


For more information on the project or to help your fellow humans by allowing dogs to do what they do best, you can contact their IndieGoGo site.

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Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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CDC Expands Social Distancing Guidelines Now Include Pets

As many states look at ‘reopening,’ the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend social distancing measures to battle the spread of COVID-19. Now, they’ve expanded that recommendation to include social distancing for pets. The CDC guidelines contend that as more information about the virus and how it spreads continues to pour in, they have the belief that the virus can spread from humans to animals in some situations. They are referring to some pet cats that were believed to be infected after close contact with people who tested positive for COVID-19, as well as a tiger at a New York zoo who also tested positive for SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Related: Sniffer Dogs Could Be Used To Screen for COVID-19 They are quick to emphasize, however, that no evidence shows animals play any significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 at this time. It’s important to note this, so that animals are not abused or surrendered for fear of catching the virus. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread mainly through respiratory droplets that come from coughing, sneezing or talking. Just as people who are sick with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from people and animals (their pets included) while they are ill, the CDC now also recommends social distance guidelines for pets as well. For those who have animals in their home, the CDC recommends: Not letting your pets interact with other animals or people outside your household.Keeping cats indoors so they don’t interact with other people or animals.Always walk dogs on a leash and maintain at least 6 feet from other animals and people.Stay away from public places like dog parks or other places where people and dogs gather in large numbers.Talk to your veterinarian if you believe your pet is ill or you are worried about your pet’s health. If you are sick with COVID-19, or even if you suspect you may be ill, you should also try to restrict your contact with your pets and other animals as you would people. In those instances, the CDC recommends the following: Try to have other members of your household take care of your pet while you’re ill.Avoid contact with your pet while you’re ill–this includes cuddling, petting, snuggling, kissing or being licked or sharing any food or bedding.If you can’t avoid being the one taking care of your pet, wear a facecloth/mask and wash your hands before and after you interact with your pet. If your pet becomes sick while you are still ill, the CDC does not recommend taking them to the veterinarian yourself. Instead, they advise you to call your vet and let them know you’re sick with COVID-19 (or recently had been). Your vet will then determine what the next steps for your pet are as the CDC has released guidelines for veterinarians during COVID-19. Related: Quarantined With Pets? Here Are Must-Have Essentials During COVID-19 Remember the CDC reiterates that there is NO evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19. The risk of animals spreading it to people is low based on current information and evidence, but it’s still always a good idea to use good hygiene and healthy habits around your pet. The CDC suggests these to be: Washing your hands after interacting with your pet, their food, waste or supplies.Clean up after your pets properly and use good pet hygiene. Don’t forget–now is actually a great time to consider fostering or adopting a pet. And following safe guidelines will make it even better an adventure.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Basics When it comes to the perfect family dog, it’s hard to go wrong with a Golden Retriever. First bred for hunting, the Golden Retriever has made a natural progression into a wonderful family pet. Obedient, good-natured, intelligent, eager to please and eager to learn, the Golden Retriever is also known for its friskiness – you’ll find that it never loses its joy for playing. Wonderful around children of all ages, this breed is the ideal companion for most dog lovers. If you’re looking for a watchdog, you’d best go with another breed – since the Golden Retriever is so friendly, it will want to play with strangers, making it a poor choice for guard duty. Because this breed is so smart, Golden Retrievers make excellent guide and service dogs. And although the breed differs slightly from Britain to North America, there’s no change in its friendly and loving disposition. Read on to learn more about the Golden Retriever. When it comes to the perfect family dog, it’s hard to go wrong with a Golden Retriever. Origin Used as working and hunting dogs, the Golden Retriever breed originated in Scotland in the mid-18th century, where it would hunt and retrieve small felled game during hunting trips. These dogs even developed water-repellent coats and webbed feet to help them retrieve waterfowl. These days, the Golden Retriever doesn’t hunt as much as it used to, but it still retains the skills that made in a successful hunter. Often referred to as Gold Retriever and Golden Labrador Retriever, it should be noted that Golden Retriever is a distinct breed from the Labrador. Pedigree

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Basics For many people, understanding dogs is simple. They find a friendly, loyal, easy-to-get-along with breed like the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever and they’ll never want for a good friend again. But for the dog lover who appreciates all sorts of breeds, the Retriever doesn’t only sporty, friendly dog most of us grew up learning about. There’s more to the retriever story, and one only has to travel to the United States – and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, specifically – to find it. Of course, by now you know we’re referring to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, perhaps one of the great under-appreciated dog breeds out there. You won’t have to look far to find a quality dog after you’ve encounter a Chesapeake Bay Retriever or two; many times, whether you live on your own or with a family, a great Chesapeake Bay Retriever will be exactly what you’ve been looking for in a dog. The uniquely American heritage and breeding is a benefit to those of us who keep our dog breeds simply and domestic. Here’s a little bit more about this great breed of dog that more people should be talking about. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a classic retriever when it comes to behavior and training. Origin You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or, more fittingly, a dog historian to figure out where the Chesapeake Bay Retriever hails from. It’s not a trick question: the Chesapeake Bay Retriever does indeed trace the origins of its unique breed to the Chesapeake bay on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. What’s unique about the origins of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, however, is that you can trace their lineage to two very specific dogs. These dogs, named Sailor and Canton, were brought to Maryland at the dawn of the 19th century and bred with other dogs in order to create a breed unique in and of itself. These two dogs weren’t Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, but they were known as Newfoundland dogs, which suggest that you can indeed trace the history of the Chesapeake Bay Retrieve further back if you want. The retriever has become a favorite in the Maryland and Chesapeake Bay area, even becoming Maryland’s state dog in 1964. If the history of Sailor and Canton is ever challenged, we at least know that the breed was recognized as its own in the late 19th century, not unlike many breeds we would consider “older” than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

KoolDog Indoor Dog House Perfect For Condo Living

An Indoor Dog House That’s Part Of Your Decor Modern living has gone to the dogs… well, the uber-cool, stylish ones that is. Designed to blend into you home décor, the KoolDog ain’t your backyard, DIY indoor dog house. A comfortable indoor dog house for your pet, the KoolDog boasts a patent pending design that lets you match the house to your interior surroundings. You can choose different color schemes by selecting different wood finishes for face cover and a coordinating slipcover for the cushion. Related: The Puphaus Ensures Your Dog’s Digs Are Better Than Yours “The idea behind Kooldog house is that as a pet lover, I couldn’t find any dog house that is modern and can fit into my home décor,” said Ki Park, one of the brains behind KoolDog. “The idea behind Kooldog house is that as a pet lover, I couldn’t find any dog house that is modern and can fit into my home décor,” said Ki Park, one of the brains behind KoolDog. “I love minimalistic approach in decorating my home, I truly believe that less is more and having one perfect piece of furniture is better than filling the room with stuff. Related: Building a Dog House is a Snap Thanks to Magnetized Bad Marlon’s Stylish Abodes “As a result, I have designed a dog house that is modern and can be customizable for different home décor. These days, people are more conscious about their surroundings and careful about selecting furniture for their home. Just like any other products, there are things that we buy because we need it or because we love it. Kooldog house falls into we love it at first, however, for people who are looking to decorate their home with nice furniture, it is defiantly an item that they need it for sure. Nobody likes to have an ugly plastic crate beside expansive sofa when people come over for visit.” And you don’t have to worry about keeping it clean – the KoolDog’s main body can be wiped clean using a damp cloth, while the cushion cover comes off so you can throw it in the washing machine. You can to assemble this indoor dog house yourself, but it only takes about five minutes and you don’t need any tools. The KoolDog indoor dog house comes in small and large. You can order online at the Building a Dog House is a Snap Thanks to Magnetized Bad Marlon’s Stylish Abodes.

Belgian Malinois

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

Top 10 Best Water Dog Breeds

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

Study Finds Yelling At Your Dog Affects Them More Than We May Think

We know that yelling when we’re angry doesn’t typically produce beneficial results, but we are all human and it happens. A new study, however, showed that just because dogs don’t understand our words, that doesn’t mean they aren’t affected by our anger and the tone in our voice. It’s good food for thought and why we shouldn’t ever yell at our furbabies.

How to Perform the Dog Heimlich Maneuver

No owner looks forward to facing emergencies with their pet. Whether it is an injury, an accident, or choking on food, it’s bound to be a lot of stress, for your and your pet. Still, it pays to be prepared for all scenarios. There’s always a possibility something could happen out of the blue, especially related to food and choking, and a diligent owner needs to be prepared for such a situation. Dogs can choke on many things: food, toys, or random objects that look edible. After all, doggos are known to be silly and put everything in their mouth, and often gulp down food voraciously. In case of an emergency, do you know how to perform the dog Heimlich Maneuver?For many people, if someone near them started choking, they wouldn’t hesitate to take action and administer the Heimlich maneuver. It is one of those classic life-saving performances that everyone knows, at least to a degree. But what do you do when a dog starts choking? The procedure is entirely different, right? There’s a real possibility that it could happen to you at some point of your pooch’s life. There is such a thing as the dog Heimlich maneuver; it just takes a slightly different approach than you would have for a human.When a dog or cat chokes, it can be a scary situation for any pet parent. Fortunately, if you know the most common choking hazards in pets, then you can get your pet the help she needs and, in some cases, prevent choking all together. Here are five common causes of choking in pets.What Would Make A Dog Choke?There are several reasons a dog might choke and need the Heimlich. Here are some of the most common.Foreign ObjectsThis is the biggest thing you need to worry about with dogs and choking. They are curious by nature. They like to eat by nature. They find stuff and destroy it, naturally. But dogs accidentally inhaling whatever it is that they’re chewing on can choke. Sometimes these are super tiny toys or their fragments, a piece of trash they found interesting on their walk, or anything in between. A particularly naughty and overly curious doggo might gulp these down with zero hesitation. And that’s not just things they shouldn’t have. It can be as easy as them inhaling parts of their chews, their bones, their stick…essentially anything smaller than their windpipe or the back of their throat can lodge and choke them. While the dangers of all this are fairly minimal, the possibility still exists.Supervise chewing, and take chews that are too small away. Never give them rotten and crumbling sticks to chew on, and quickly forbid their snooping into forbidden tiny things.Collapsing TracheaThis is a common cause in senior small breeds. The Heimlich may not always help because it’s an actual collapse of an organ but if your dog has something lodged in combination, you can still save his life with the procedure.Constricting CollarsMany owners seem to have trouble finding appropriate and fitting collars, or mistakenly think that collars should be tight. This is wrong. Be careful of constricting collars. This may prevent them from swallowing appropriately, or their airways to be fully open as they eat, and this can cause a problem. Make sure there is enough room for two fingers to slip under their collar to prevent issues. Also be careful with natural leather collars that might shrink in size if they dry out after being wet. All in all, you want to be as careful as possible with your choice of dog collars – they might do more harm than good if not chosen with care. First Steps to Take with a Choking DogIf you suspect that your dog is choking, the first thing you need to do is remain calm – becoming hysterical will not help anyone. In fact, dogs can sense what their owners are feeling and if you become worried and upset, your dog will too and that will just make matters worse. The next step is to confirm that he is choking and to attempt to remove the object by hand. If this first step is not possible, then you must proceed to the Heimlich maneuver itself.Related: Basic First Aid Tips for DogsCarefully approach your dog and speak to him slowly in a soothing voice. Even if your dog has never bit anyone in his life, he might snap if he feels threatened or afraid. And in the situation of choking, their fear might be off the charts. Place one hand on top and one hand on the underside of your dog’s muzzle and gently open his mouth – look inside to see if you can see something blocking your dog’s airway. If you see an object, try to remove it by hand, being careful not to let your dog bite you. If you cannot see the object or if you cannot reach it, you may need to administer the Heimlich maneuver on your dog.Administering the Dog Heimlich Maneuver

Sarplaninac

Sarplaninac Basics A large, fluffy dog with a dark-colored coat, the Sarplaninac is more than just a big, cuddly bear of a pooch. The Sarplaninac is a livestock-guarding breed that was developed in the mountainous regions of Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. Despite its large size, this dog is good with people, even if it does take them a little while to warm up. Because of their natural protective instincts, this breed makes a great guard dog. The Sarplaninac is a livestock-guarding breed that was developed in the mountainous regions of Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. Origin The Sarplaninac originates from an area that was once called Illyria but is now called Macedonia. The breed was developed as a livestock guardian and it has been known to fight off large predators like lynxes, wolves, and bears. When the breed was first registered with the FCI it was under the name Illyrian Shepherd Dog – that was changed to Yugoslav Shepherd Dog – Sarplaninac in 1954. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, though its ancestors may have come to the Balkan Peninsula with people who migrated from ancient Asia. The Sarplaninac is actually one of the oldest native breeds in the world, developed from ancient Molosser breeds. Pedigree

Peekapoo

Peekapoo Basics Whether he’s on your lap or chasing squirrels, the Peekapoo is a delightful designer dog that’s suitable for a wide range of households. Loyal and affectionate, this breed is attached to his family – so much so that he may be quite protective of you in certain circumstances. Naturally, due to their petite size, they don’t make good guard dogs- but their tendency to act like one will definitely amuse you to no end! As their name suggests, Peekapoo is a mixed breed dog whose parents are a purebred Pekingese and a purebred Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both his mom and dad have a lot of impressive traits, and their offspring will inherit a good portion of them- if not all. A wonderful companion to those who have mild allergies, the Peekapoo is a true “Doodle” dog, which means he has a low- to non-shedding coat that won’t set you off into sneezes. But that’s not the only reason why the Peekapoo makes a great pet. Low-maintenance when it comes to their activity and grooming needs, and with a friendly, sweet temperament, the Peekapoo has a lot to offer to many pet owners. Seniors and retirees, as well as singles, will find this designer dog a perfect companion, but families with older children might also enjoy the Peekapoo’s goofy antics and eagerness to please. Whether he’s on your lap or chasing squirrels, the Peekapoo is a delightful designer dog that’s suitable for a wide range of households. Origin Developed in the 1950s in the United States, the Peekapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds. In fact, these hybrids had their start even before the term designer dogs was coined in the first place- and their long history is just a testament to their many qualities. Bred to be a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion dog, the Peekapoo gained popularity by the early 1960s and is still a popular breed today. Pedigree

Golden Irish

Golden Irish BasicsSometimes, a combination of two dog breeds simply works like a charm. Like peanut butter and chocolate, the Golden Irish offers to great flavours that taste even better together. Combining the good looks and personalities of the Golden Retriever and the Irish Setter, the Golden Irish makes a wonderful family pet. They offer everything that a growing family could possibly want from their fur baby. These dogs will be thrilled to meet you, excitedly race to the door to see you at the end of every day, and they will remain lovingly loyal to the end. They enjoy getting and giving loads of attention and affection, and they are a lot of fun to be around. These pups make life a little sweeter just by being at your side.Before diving in and bringing a Golden Irish home, though, check out the information below to learn more about this popular designer breed. While these dogs are indeed wonderful, they won’t be the right fit for every household. The only way to find out whether or not they will fit into your home is by doing the research. You’ve come to the right place for that. So keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about owning a Golden Irish is about to be revealed.The Golden Irish is a cross between a purebred Irish Setter and Golden Retriever.Origin

Lionhead Rabbit

Lionhead Rabbit Breed History/Origin Who could possibly resist this fluffy ball of goofiness? A popular pet that is loving and easy to train, this rabbit breed has a lot to offer to every owner. The Lionhead rabbit’s origin started in Belgium when breeders decided to mate a Swiss Fox with a Netherland Dwarf. The result was a rabbit with a genetic mutation causing wool to appear around the head and on the flanks and it became known as the “mane” gene. The Lionhead rabbit grew in popularity in Europe until finally, they made their way to the United States in the late ’90s. In 2014, this breed was officially accepted into the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). Unique in looks – but also in character, the Lionhead Rabbit has a lot of traits that make it a fantastic house pet. Also, they are often seen in beauty shows and exhibitions – where their looks are prized and exemplified. Still, there is plenty you need to know before you become an owner of a Lionhead Rabbit. Here are the most important facts about the breed. The Lionhead Rabbit’s mane is the result of a genetic mutation. Overall Description The Lionhead rabbit has a wool mane circling around their head much like a lion’s mane, hence their name. They have a high head mount, a compact body which should not exceed 3 1/2 lbs. and ears between 2-3 inches in length. Contrary to their compact body, the head of a Lionhead Rabbit can be disproportionately larger, with a well developed muzzle. It is accentuated by the mane, and as such it is the most prominent feature of the breed. The legs are usually proportional and of medium size. The ears of this breed can be quite distinct too – instead of the usual round tip and great size, the ears of the Lionhead are slightly pointed at the top and won’t exceed a length of 3 inches. Coat

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

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Scooter

This cutie pie is looking for some real special peeps to love him! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Scooter, a 4 years old Maltese mix from Sandston, Virginia. He is neutered, microchipped, up to date on his vaccines, and crate trained. Scooter needs to go to a home without any kids or other pets due to his resource guarding issues.Scooter’s TaleSweet, loving, and oh-so-cute, Scooter will be a perfect companion to a couple or a single looking for a four-legged companion to share their adventures with. He is affectionate, loves going on walks, and is quite smart to boot – he is already crate trained and behaves well on a leash. There’s no saying how much he could blossom and thrive with the right people by his side!However, Scooter needs an experienced adopter as he has issues with resource guarding – he guards his toys, food, and treats. He’d need people willing to work with him to overcome this issue, and might even need professional training to deal with it, which is something to consider before adopting this pretty boy. For this reason, it is recommended for Scooter to be the only pet in an adult-only home, even though he does get along great with other dogs – but can get feisty if they go near his food or toys. You might try to feed him separately from your dog to prevent this, but you’ll need to have previous experience with these types of situations. He doesn’t like cats, and young kids are a risk due to resource guarding, as he might nip and growl if a child tries to take his toys or treats.If you’ve fallen for this pretty little pooch and are willing to help him work through his behavior issues, contact Capital Area Rescue Effort (CARE) to learn a bit more about him and the adoption process.

Maltipom

Maltipom BasicsIf you were to picture a dog that was the perfect combination of everything you love about the Maltese and the Pomeranian breeds, you would have a Maltipom. The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian. The result is a small dog with the face, ears and stature of a Pomeranian and the long, flowing coat of a Maltese. The appearance of this breed varies, of course, depending on the parentage – it is possible to have a Maltipom with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage.The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian.OriginThe Maltipom is a more recent designer dog breed- these pooches don’t boast a rich history as their parents do. In fact, there’s not much we know about this new hybrid and his origin. But it’s not to say that the Maltipom is enigmatic or mysterious- there’s a simple reason for that. The exact origins of the Maltipom breed are unknown because hybrid dogs have been in existence for many years. It’s more likely than not that there have been many unplanned encounters of a Maltese and a Pomeranian which resulted in mixed breed litters all throughout history. Of course, the origin of the breed is thought of as the moment when someone intentionally started crossbreeding the two purebreds in an effort to develop a new breed, rather than Maltipoms being a cute ‘accident’. As no one breeder has been credited with the development of the breed, we don’t know when that happened for the Maltese and Pomeranian mix.Pedigree

Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie Basics The Australian Kelpie is a highly intelligent breed of herding dog that likes to work hard. The name for this breed is similar to a creature from Scottish and Irish mythology – a Kelpie is a magical water horse that has ill intentions toward humans, particularly children. In reality, the Australian Kelpie is nothing like this mythological creature – it is friendly and playful, always eager to please its human companions. If you are looking for a clever working breed, particularly for herding, the Australian Kelpie is definitely a breed to consider. The Australian Kelpie is a highly intelligent breed of herding dog that likes to work hard. Origin The origins of the Australian Kelpie can be traced back to the early collies that were imported into Australia during the early 19th century as working dogs. These working collies were bred with other breeds, possibly wild dingoes as well, to improve their abilities for working stock without direct supervision. Though dingoes were illegal to keep as pets, physical similarities between the dingo and the Australian Kelpie suggests that the two were crossed at some point in the past. The first dog to carry the Kelpie breed name was a black-and-tan female purchased from a litter by Jack Gleeson during the early 1870s. Different colors of Kelpie carry different names. Black Kelpies are often referred to as Barb Kelpies, after Barb, the Kelpie who won the Melbourne cup in 1866. Red Cloud Kelpies are the descendants of John Quinn’s Red Cloud that became well known throughout Australia. Related: Australian Cattle Dog Pedigree

Maremma Sheepdog

Maremma Sheepdog BasicsAlso known as the Cane de Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese or simply the Maremmano, the Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian breed of livestock guarding dog. These dogs are known for their thick white coats, fluffy tails, and their fearlessness. The name for this breed comes from the Maremma marshlands where the breed worked for thousands of years, though sheep-farming has decreased in this area in recent years.The Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian breed of livestock guarding dog.OriginThe Maremma Sheepdog is a livestock guarding breed native to the mountains of Tuscany. Breeds of this type have existed since ancient Roman times so the exact origins of the Maremma Sheepdog are unknown. The first time the Maremma Sheepdog was registered occurred in 1898 – the breed was known as the Maremmano in the Libro delle Origini Italiano at the time and it was registered with the Kennel Club Italiano. The first standard for the breed was published in 1924.Pedigree

Florida White Rabbit

Florida White Rabbit Breed History/Origin Judge Orville Miliken wanted to develop an “all-purpose” rabbit, which meant the rabbit had to be show-worthy, have a high-quality coat, ample meat as well as have the docile qualities of a good pet rabbit. Another reason for the breed’s creation is that Mr. Miliken realized that laboratories that were using New Zealand rabbits as test subjects would prefer their rabbits to be smaller, so he tried to meet their need by creating a new breed of rabbit. The judge mated an albino Dutch, a red-eyed-white Polish rabbit and a white New Zealand rabbit back in the 1960s in order to create a new breed he aptly named after his home state of Florida. It was accepted into the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1967 and ten years later, the Florida White Rabbit won its first “Best in Show” (BIS) at an ARBA convention. While primarily developed for its potential commercial purposes, the Florida White Rabbit quickly became a popular pet. Today, the majority of these bunnies live in homes, as family members and cherished companions. Read on to find out if the Florida White Rabbit is a good choice for you! The Florida White rabbit is a wonderful pet for practically any stage of a person’s life. Overall Description The Florida White rabbit is a relatively small rabbit with a round, compact body and a short neck. Their body type is commercial and the appearance of their body is the most important for show judges. A Florida White Rabbit should weight between 4 and 6 pounds, be fine-boned buy with a well-developed body. Their thick ears are not large and generally stand upright, but can fall on either side of their small, round heads. Hindquarters, back, and shoulders are well muscled, especially for such a small rabbit. The hind part of their body is somewhat wider than it is at the shoulders. Coat

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