Warm Winter To Blame for Increased Leptospirosis Cases

by Lori Ennis

March 29th, 2017 12:00 AM

warm winter to blame for increased leptospirosis cases

Thanks to a warm winter, U.S. veterinarians are seeing an increased amount of leptospirosis cases. Here are some recommendations to help protect your pets.

In Paramus, New Jersey, more than 10 dogs were treated for leptospirosis they most likely contracted from drinking water contaminated with the bacteria. Leptospirosis, or lepto, is a potentially fatal infection and can be transmitted through the urine of infected wildlife, mainly rodents.

Related: Leptospirosis in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

Five dogs were treated at BluePearl Veterinary Partners, and two of the five died. Three dogs were treated at the Bergen County Veterinary Center and all survived; and three or more are being treated at Oradell Animal Hospital and their status is unknown. Tracy Horyczun, hospital administrator at BluePearl, says that the number of dogs they are seeing with Lepto is elevated for this time of the year. Lepto is not typically seen this early, but she believes the warmer winter much of the U.S. has experienced has given rise to the disease in wildlife animals.

The urine of infected animals such as rats or squirrels is the most common source of infection. It seeps into melting snow or rain–a dog on a walk may drink from the puddle and contract the potentially fatal disease.

Related: Warmer Winter Means Higher Risk of a Leptospirosis Outbreak

Veterinarians recommend a vaccine that covers multiple strains of the leptospirosis bacteria as most effective way to prevent your pet from contracting the disease. If pet owners forgo the vaccine, they should not allow their pets to drink standing water while outside or on walks.

If pet owners see signs of tiredness, red eyes, or chills in their pets, they should seek veterinary care immediately. Lab tests are needed to determine positive cases of lepto, and if untreated the infection can severely damage a pet’s organs, or even kill them.

Vets warn that humans can also catch the disease, but that the infected urine would have to go through the mouth, eyes or other exposed body part of a human for that to happen. Still, pet owners should also be cautious as they walk their pets. Person-to-person transmission of lepto is possible, though rare.

Lori Ennis

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Deadly Dog Disease ‘Alabama Rot’ Afflicting Pets in the UK

Pet owners are being warned to be on lookout for signs of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot, which has shown up in confirmed cases throughout the United Kingdom in the last several months. There is no known exact cause for the deadly disease known as Alabama Rot, though it is believed to be acquired from the paws and legs of dogs who go on muddy walks. The latest confirmed case of the disease has been reported in Cornwall, England, thought Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists have reported numerous cases throughout England since January. Concerned clinicians are warning pet owners to be on the lookout for symptoms in their pets. Related: What Is Mange In Dogs? Alabama Rot is actually Idiopathic Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy, also abbreviated as CRGV. Some vets think that it is a parasite, while others believe it to be bacterial. Most widely, it is believed to be from toxins that are produced by E. Coli, and acquired when dogs take walks through affected, muddy waters. Because there is no exact cause, there is no vaccine, though it is under study in the United Kingdom, as the first case was confirmed there in 2012. The first identified cases were in America in the 1980s. According to a report published by the British Veterinary Association in 2015, there is a poor prognosis for dogs when azotaemia, or high nitrogen levels in the blood, develops. Related: Warm Winter To Blame for Increased Leptospirosis Cases With the latest confirmed case in Cornwall, pet owners are being strongly cautioned to keep their dogs from mud while walking, and to be on diligent when spotting the symptoms. Initially, skin lesions on the chest, abdomen, and legs develop, along with skin lesions, red patches or swelling. In a quarter of the cases, Alabama Rot leads to kidney failure. Officials in Cornwall advise pet owners who are in doubt as to the origin of any skin lesions to contact their vets immediately upon noticing. More information, including locations of confirmed cases, can be found at Vets4Pets.

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer Basics In the world of dog breeds, there is perhaps no dog with a more intimidating name than the “Giant Schnauzer.” But when you actually take a look at the breed, you find that the Giant Schnauzer is really a fairly compact dog for its size and, given enough exercise, can actually be a calm companion. That being said, there are a lot of unique things about this breed you’ll want to be aware of before you’re sure that this is the right breed for you. Although they’re known as “giants,” this breed is simply a larger breed, and is only really a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. These dogs don’t have to be as intimidating as they sound, but you should certainly know what you’re doing if you want to be able to acquire a dog of this breed, train it, socialize it, and help it to grow into the confident, friendly dog that it deserves to be. If you’re a good owner, you’ll probably find that the Giant Schnauzer is perfectly capable of being a good dog in return. Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Origin Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Specifically, the Giant Schnauzer comes from the Bavarian areas of Germany, making it a true German country dog and one that has been bred and well-suited for an outdoor lifestyle. The Giant Schnauzer rose to prominence at the dawning of the 20th century, giving it a similar timeline to many of the more popular German breeds of today, including the German Shepherd. Closely related, of course, to the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer also comes from a lineage that includes German Pinschers. Known as the Riesenschnauzer in Germany – a simple translation of “Giant Schnauzer” or “the giant” – the origins of the Giant Schnauzer’s habits come from herding and driving cattle in Bavaria. The Giant Schnauzer also has a history of being used as a guard and police dog, as did many hearty breeds in the same area and relatively same historical timeline as that of the Giant Schnauzer. Pedigree

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog Basics When you think of a dog with a classic, tri-colored coat appearance, there’s a good chance you imagine the Bernese Mountain Dog. A type of Sennenhund from Switzerland, this large dog has the athleticism, temperament, and general sociability that many people would consider makes it an ideal pet. Originally farm dogs, they’re accustomed especially to country life and have a general ability to get along with animals of different species like horses and cows, making them ideal for, of course, farmers. But not having a farm is no reason to ignore a breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog. With a good instinct for guardianship as well as a healthy disposition toward outdoor activity and a general sociability, this dog is versatile enough to make a great pet for your family. Perhaps it’s appropriate that this breed often wears three colors, because it’s also capable of handling a variety of roles around your house, as well. Let’s take a closer look at the Bernese Mountain Dog’s characteristics and see if it’s really right for you and your family. It’s hard to go wrong with large dogs that are used to activity and companionship, but there might be something about the Bernese Mountain Dog that convinces you this breed is the one for you and yours. When you think of a dog with a classic, tri-colored coat appearance, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a Bernese Mountain Dog. Origin “Bernese” refers to the Canton of Berne in Switzerland where these dogs originated as farm animals that would accompany farmers on a number of tasks. This helps explains its versatility and natural disposition when in open fields and in the country. Interestingly, the Bernese Mountain Dog was used during the Civil War as a war dog but eventually its numbers for this purpose declined. The breed was revitalized in the United States later on, and today enjoys a new popularity both in Switzerland and in the U.S. Back in Switzerland, the breed was at one point referred to as the “Godly” as a reference to a village where they were believed to have spent a lot of time in. Pedigree

Chow Chow

Chow Chow Basics One of the most ancient of dog breeds, the Chow Chow – like other ancient breeds – hails from Asia. It first originated in Mongolia before being transported and bred in China. With a distinctive appearance (its name in Mandarin approximately translates as “puffy-lion dog”) full of hair and resembling a bear crossed with a dog, it’s hard to miss this dog. But what is its popularity like in the United States, and can these dogs be considered friendly roommates for you and your family? As we delve deeper into the world of Chow Chows – which is really the ancient world of dog breeds itself – we’ll find out more about what makes the Chow Chow such an interesting and unique breed. As it turns out, the rich history of this dog can be traced to working-class roots but the breed has risen to become more of a show dog and companion dog – or both, because when you have this breed as a companion, you’ll want to show it off! Here is an overview of the breed. One of the most ancient of dog breeds, the Chow Chow – like other ancient breeds – hails from Asia. Origin Like the Pug, another ancient breed, the Chow Chow comes from Asia. Specifically, the breed originally hails from northern China or Mongolia – and its history extends back as far as thousands of years. Even DNA analysis has confirmed that the Chow Chow is actually the oldest breed of dog in existence, its breed purity having been maintained for millennia. If that’s a little intimidating for you as a new dog owner, consider that these dogs survived so well because they made such excellent companions, and even workers, although they do have more cat-like personalities, as we’ll learn later one. In terms of tracing the dog’s history to specific dates, there are sculptures of Chow Chow-like dogs that date to the Han Dynasty, which ran from 206 B.C. to 22 A.D. Their history even comes up through the United States, as President Calvin Coolidge owned a Chow Chow.

What To Look For In A Doggie Daycare

Tips On What The Perfect Doggie Daycare Will Offer Only dog people can relate to how important it is to find the right doggie daycare for your fur baby. There are lots of reasons why your pup would need to go to doggie daycare: perhaps you’re away all day, or maybe your dog needs some socialization skills, or you just feel better when your dog is being taken care of by caring people. Whatever your reasons are, there is some homework involved in finding the right doggie daycare for your pooch. There are a range of doggie daycare facilities to choose from. Vets and groomers offer day boarding, as do well-known pet stores, retailers and open-space facilities. There are even people offering their own doggie daycare from their homes. We’ve put together a few tips for you to watch for when picking out a doggie daycare. There is some homework involved in finding the right doggie daycare for your pooch. Initial assessments: Not all dogs are a good fit for a particular facility. Because dogs have different temperaments, always insist that your dog receives an initial assessment to see if it’s a suitable environment. The other dogs that hang out at that doggie daycare may have a totally different energy than your dog’s – during your first visit, introduce your pooch to the group slowly and safely.Cleanliness is next to dogliness: You can’t expect a doggie daycare to be so clean that you can eat off the floor (ick), but it should be tidy and shouldn’t smell like a dog bathroom. Take a look around and make sure accidents (because they do happen) are cleaned up quickly and the other dogs are healthy looking.Supervision and Staff: Someone needs to be the pack leader, even when dogs are playing. A good doggie daycare will have proper supervision to ensure proper doggie manners are present at play. A live body should be with the pack at all times – lazy dog sitting by glancing now and then through a window or gate isn’t going to cut it. A good rule of thumb is there should be one human to every 10 to 15 dogs.Size does matter: Is there enough room for your dog to play, both indoors and out? Inside, your dog should have about 70 to 100 square feet of space to run around off leash. As for outdoor space, it should be more than just a place for your dog to do his business. Being inside all the time is boring, even for a dog. The doggie daycare you choose should have a large, secure space to play and get some fresh air (and of course, have a pee break).Experience and Control: You don’t want to leave your best friend with someone who has no experience working with dogs. Ask questions and find out how long the doggie daycare has been in business, who is in charge and how experienced they are when it comes to working with dogs. Ask around at the dog park or at a local dog club to see what businesses come highly recommended. And see what kind of control measures the daycare employs. Look for positive reinforcement training rather than a doggie daycare that uses aggressive or physically tactics. Do you put your dog into a doggie daycare program? Would you recommend it? Leave your comments below. And if you are on the hunt for a doggie daycare, make sure to go to more than one business before making your decision – it’s not all about convenience or locale, it’s about your dog’s safety and comfort.

Irish Doodle

Irish Doodle BasicsAre you looking for a smart, energetic, and family-friendly pooch to bring into your life? Then you’re in luck! Also known as the Irish Doodle Setter, Irish Poo Setter, Irish Setterdoodle, and Irish Setterpoo (Whew! That’s a lot of aliases!), the Irish Doodle is a super cute, friendly, and light-hearted medium-sized crossbreed. That’s right, they have almost any many lovable qualities as they do names. A mix of Irish Setter and Poodle, the Irish Doodle is ideal for anyone seeking a dog that won’t shed a lot and who will be loyal, social, and intelligent. This dog rarely barks and will even get along great with children and pets. In other words, it’s a perfect dog to bring home and make part of your family. After a few days with your Irish Doodle, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without him!If the Irish Doodle sounds too good to be true, rest assured that it isn’t. These dogs are very real and they live up to the hype! Combing adorable looks and an equally loveable attitude, this crossbreed is becoming hugely popular. After a few minutes spent in the radiant presence of these irresistible pups, you’ll understand why. To find out if this dog would be the right fit for your family, check keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. We’ll tell you everything that you need to know about the Irish Doodle and why you need to bring one into your home post haste.The Irish Doodle is a super cute, friendly, and light-hearted medium-sized crossbreed.Origin The Irish Doodle is one of the newest designer dog breeds. As it is the case with most of these dogs, the Irish Setter and Poodle mix also doesn’t have much of a history to speak of. Or at least they don’t have a well documented history. Intentionally bred crossbreeds are still somewhat of a novelty in the world of canines. Before the 1980s, when the creation of the Labradoodle opened a whole new world of possibilities for hybrids, all mixed breed dogs were a product of accidental mating. Mutts, although undeniably as lovely as their purebred fellows, simply weren’t as popular or coveted. Thankfully, all of that has changed quite dramatically. In fact, designer dogs can now cost several times more than their purebred parents! It’s amazing how things can change in a few short years.As a designer dog breed itself, the Irish Doodle was probably first developed at some point over the last 30 years. Similarly, this Doodle hybrid likely had its start in the United States, like most hybrids did. Owing to the difficulties associated with discerning what are mutts and what are designer dogs, there’s no way to accurately pinpoint the time and place of the breed’s beginnings. Breeders simply didn’t think to document that sort of thing until quite recently. However, despite a general lack of information about the breed, the Irish Doodle does have an impressive history…through its parents. The Irish Setter originated in 18th century Ireland, and the Poodle is an even older breed. There have been records of Poodles stretching back as far as 15th century Germany. So there’s quite a rich heritage to the Irish Doodle, even if their exact origin remains a mystery.Pedigree

Yorkie Bichon

Yorkie Bichon BasicsWant to conjure up an image of pure adorableness within your brain? Who doesn’t?! So try this: imagine combining the adorable Bichon Frise with the irresistible Yorkshire Terrier. Did your heart just melt? How could it not?! Well good news, you don’t have to limit yourself to imagining this remarkably cute hybrid. This incredibly cute little pooch actually exists. In fact, you can even introduce the Yorkie Bichon into your family if you are in search of a super cute pup to call your own. These dogs are real and they will live up to your dreams.In fact, the Yorkie Bichon is more than just a pup with good looks. These dogs have substance to back up their eye candy. They are friendly, fun, and loving. They will fill your heart with joy and slather love all over your family. To bring a Yorkie Bichon into your home is to bring a little fur ball of pure happiness into your life. Sounds perfect, right?So, will you be bringing home one of these pups asap? You’ll want to do the proper research first and fortunately you’ve come to the right place for that. To find out everything that you need to know about the Yorkie Bichon, simply keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything is about to be revealed. Read on.The Yorkie Bichon is a cross between a purebred Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier.Origin The Yorkie Bichon is a designer crossbreed from the United States. But, apart from the country he originates from, there’s little else we know about this adorable fluffy dog. Sadly like pretty much all hybrid dogs, there simply isn’t much documentation available about the breed’s history. One of the main reasons why the history of the Yorkie Bichon is so full of mystery is the fact that mixed breed dogs haven’t always been thought of as designer dog breeds. It stands to reason that there have been many accidental mixed breed litters of the Yorkie and Bichon Frise throughout history, way before Yorkie Bichon got his name and status as a hybrid. We’ll never know for sure.However, based on what we already know about the designer dog breeds in general, we can pretty much figure out how it happened for the Yorkie Bichon. It’s highly likely that it shares the origin story with many other designer hybrids from the United States and that it was first developed sometime in the last 20 years. Other than that, we simply don’t know much about how this hybrid came to be. Thankfully, we do know quite a bit about why you need to bring one of these remarkable (and mysterious) pups home.Pedigree

Mail Carrier Threatens to Stop Deliveries Due to Troublesome Tabby

It’s a stereotype we’ve seen in movies, cartoons, and television shows: the age-old view of the dog chasing the mailman. This has led to (understandably) more rules and restrictions regarding what is permitted and when a postal worker can deny mail delivery due to safety concerns. But what if that safety concern isn’t a dog at all? What if it’s a naughty cat keeping the postal workers away? This is the reality for a couple in Staffordshire, England. Lee Haynes and Jo Woodley’s three-year-old tabby Ernie’s antics have recently led to a letter from Royal Mail advising they will suspend mail delivery if the situation isn’t addressed. The letter stated: “I’m writing to let you know that we’re experiencing difficulties in delivering mail to your address because of the actions of at cat at your property. Your cat is behind the letterbox clawing at mail and fingers. The risk of injury requires action be taken by you to ensure the safety of our delivery staff.” It goes on to state that the couple has 14 days to install a mail cage behind the letterbox, arrange an alternative delivery point, or take steps to keep the cat away from the letterbox during mail delivery. For those who share their hearts and homes with a tabby cat, this may come as a surprise. While some cat breeds are known for their sass and trouble-seeking personalities, tabbies are generally seen as friendly, affectionate, and happy cats. But, like any stereotype, there will always be those that exist outside the box. When asked about Ernie’s behavior, Haynes said the cat wasn’t trying to cause trouble or harm anyone. He saw mail delivery as a game. “Ernie spends most of his time lying down but he’s fascinated by the letterbox,” Haynes explained. “As soon as he hears it he’s there like a lightning bolt. His paw comes out the letterbox to try and grab whatever’s there, but maybe he’s accidentally grabbing the postman’s fingers. He doesn’t use his claws, just the pads of his paws to try and grab the letter. But I wonder if the postman thought he might scratch.” The couple purchased and installed an external mailbox in response to the threat of their mail delivery being suspended. However, they report that Ernie is quite disappointed that his favorite game has come to an end.

Top 10 Ginger Dog Breeds

Gingers sometimes get the raw end of the deal. Why is that? Because we’re kinda keen on these orange-hued pooches – aren’t they handsome?! The word “ginger” means something different to each of us. For the health-conscious, it’s likely fresh ginger root while for those who are fans of old movies it may be Ginger Rogers. If you love classic TV sit-coms you may be thinking of the aptly-named redhead from Gilligan’s Island, while for monarchists it is, of course, Prince Harry. So, it should come as no surprise that with dog breeds, it’s no different. There is a wide range of opinions as to what this zesty color palette refers to. Is it a bright, peachy-orange coat, perhaps one with a warmer golden hue or maybe a deeper, rusty tone? At the end of the day, its all in the eye of the beholder and whatever you envision when you put the words “dog” and “ginger” together, you’re right. While not all breeds have that full-flame ginger coat, you might be surprised at the number that have worked a snappy shot of it into their color mix. So, let’s check out the top 10 breeds that we think are, well, peachy keen:

Pitsky

Pitsky BasicsDo you want a unique-looking, energetic, and bold dog? Then the Pitsky just might be the right breed for you. This designer dog is a handsome and muscular cross between an American Pitbull Terrier and a Siberian or Alaskan Husky. They are perfect for people who love either of those popular breeds. They are an especially appealing option for husky-lovers who live in warm climates that aren’t ideal for purebred huskies. Owing to their parental breeds, Pitskies are spirited and smart, but also demanding dogs. They do best in high energy households and require lots of exercise.Ontop of all of that, both his mom and dad need an experienced owner, so their offspring is no different. With the wrong person by his side, a Pitsky can be stubborn, unmanageable, and even aggressive, so it’s important to train and socialize them in a timely manner. Pitskies might be wonderful designer dogs, but they are not a viable option for first time dog owners. They need experienced owners who can handle the occasionally tough responsibilities inherit in raising a Pitsky.As a mixed breed dog, the Pitsky will inherit traits from both of his parents, so there’s no way to predict how they’ll look once they grow up. Pitskies are unique in appearance, and no two of them look the same. Pitskies can be any color, have short or long hair, stand up or floppy ears, and even carry on the blue eyes common in huskies. One thing is certain, though: you’ll fall in love with these puppies as soon as you lay your eyes on one. Of course, even though they are undeniably cute and have a lovable temperament, the Pitskies are not a good match for every family. Read on to find out if this designer dog breed is the right choice for you! All the info that you’ll need is below. Simply keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to discover if you’ll be bringing home a Pitsky anytime soon.The Pitsky is a handsome, muscular cross between an American Pitbull Terrier and a Siberian or Alaskan Husky.OriginThe origin of the Pitsky is unknown. Husky and pitbull mix dogs have been around for decades, but it’s not until recently that they became a product of intentional breeding. No breeder currently claims that they were the ones to start producing Pitskies first. However, it’s highly likely that the breed came to be during the peak of designer dogs craze. In the last 20 years, crossbreeds have been becoming more popular, so it’s probable that this is the timeframe in which someone decided to cross huskies to pitbulls in an effort to create a new designer dog breed. Unfortunately, there’s not really any other information about the origin of the Pitsky. Like most designer dogs, no one really bothered to document their history. All we can do is feel grateful that they exist.Pedigree

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

Springerdoodle

Springerdoodle BasicsWhen it comes to Poodle-mix designer breeds, there are a lot of options to choose from. There are many such hybrids, and they all vary in their characteristics. They can be cuddly and cute, or energetic and mischievous. It is often hard to find a designer breed that has a truly balanced set of character traits. But, if you’re specifically seeking a dog that will quickly become a member of your family, you may have just found it. The Springerdoodle is one of the most popular designer dog breeds (it is a a cross between a purebred English Springer Spaniel and Poodle) because it makes a fantastic family pet. They have a variety of lovely traits, and at their core they are just big friendly goofs. These enthusiastic and active dogs really love being around people, and they also enjoy being around other pets. The dogs thrive off of company and make an effort to plaster smiles on the faces of everyone around them. They are loyal, smart, easy to train, and eager to please. In other words, Springerdoodles are absolutely ideal family pets.This dog breed could be perfect for your family if you want a dog who will lift your spirits and entertain you both in the great outdoors and inside your home. They can even show a bit of a protective character, guarding their family with utmost loyalty. And while it’s hard to imagine a home that wouldn’t benefit from the presence of a Springerdoodle, every dog owner has their own needs and interests. Most people would adore having one of these pups around, while others might have different qualities that they seek out in a canine companion. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to learn some important facts about these great dogs and find out if this could be the ideal pup for you! There could very well be a Springerdoodle in your future. The only way to know for sure is to read on!The Springerdoodle is a cross between a purebred English Springer Spaniel and Poodle.Origin When it comes to relatively new and unique crossbreeds, it is always challenging to find their exact origins documented. In the past, many designer breeds came about by chance or accident – with two purebreds mating with one another without any design behind it. With that, it could be entirely possible that a Springerdoodle was made decades ago – there’s no way of knowing for certain. Still, even though we don’t know these particulars, there are things we can say with relative certainty. The Springerdoodle is a designer crossbreed from the United States, but unfortunately, there hasn’t been much official documentation kept about the history of designer dogs so we don’t know much beyond that. No breeder has claimed credit for creating or even naming these remarkable pups. All we know is that they entered the dog market at some point in the late 20th century. Our best bet is that the breed was specifically created during the 90’s, when there was a real craze for unique designer dogs, and many crossbreeds appeared for the first time then. Either way, the lack of a definite origin does not prevent us from adoring every little bit out of a Springerdoodle – they’re here now and here to stay, and that is all that matters in the end. Pedigree

Adorable K9 Puppy Takes a Nap During His Swearing-in Ceremony

It’s no secret that  service dogs play an important part in our society, fulfilling many roles from police and military dogs, to guide dogs and rescuers. But at the end of the day, when all the serious stuff is done with, these pooches are just like any other furball, with their adorable antics and quirks. Especially when it’s puppies that are still learning the ropes – it’s cuteness overload and this lil’ K9-to-be only goes to show it.Bear, the latest K9 trainee pup at the  Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado didn’t fail to amuse the crowds when he decided to take a solid nap in the middle of his swearing-in ceremony! Seems there was just too much excitement going on, so Bear said “To hell with it!” and just laid down to snooze. Of course, considering the fact that Bear is still just a puppy, and had been training hard for his special roles, all is forgiven. No one had the heart to scold him for napping on the job! The crowds laughed and the ceremony still went on as it should. Bear is training for some very important roles in the future. He will be a special therapy dog that will be helping children remain calm and happy in stressful situations. That’s not an easy thing to do, and therapy dogs go through a lot of rigorous training to learn everything they need to know before stepping into their service role. What is more, such training begins very early, when they are just a few weeks old. Together with his K9 buddy Otis, Bear will soon begin fulfilling his important duties - and in that way make many kids much happier. With plenty more work ahead of him, Bear certainly deserved that much-needed nap – even though it was technically during “work” hours. His funny episode certainly opened a real flood of comments on social media. Some said that the rest was well deserved, as, after all, it is very hard being that cute. We have to agree!

Top 10 Flyball Dog Breeds

An exciting sport that’s perfect for active dogs, flyball competitions are drawing large crowds. There are pooches that are built for the game – check out these flyball dog breeds. New to flyball? In a nutshell, it’s a canine relay race in which teams of dogs take turns jumping hurdles and retrieving a tennis ball. The twist is that in order to get the tennis ball, each dog must pounce on a spring-loaded box that ejects the ball and once he has it, he has to return to his team before the next dog can start the course. And there are certain pooches that can be considered flyball dog breeds. Teamwork, speed and agility are needed and the upside is that it’s a competition where mixed breed, non-pedigree and even rescue mutts can compete with the pure-breeds to bring home the ribbons. If your pooch is a hard worker, quick on his feet and a team player, this may be the sport for him. Ready to learn which canines made our Top 10 flyball dog breeds? On your mark, get set… Border Collie

Chipoo

Chipoo BasicsLooking for a dog with a name every bit as adorable and his cuddly little appearance? Then you need a Chipoo in your life. An energetic and friendly little pup, the Chipoo is a great companion dog and loves to be part of a family environment. This pup not only soaks up attention and affection, he gives it back in spades. He loves to play, he’s quite intelligent, he’s considered easy to train due to his desire to please, and because of a tendency to bark when excited, he is an effective – albeit tiny – guard dog. He is also known to be quite independent, turning any space into his own personal play zone – including a small apartment – so lots of toys are a wise investment. In other words, this is a sweetheart of a doggo who can fit into just about any home. But, is the Chipoo the right pooch to bring 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 Chipoo is about to be revealed.The Chipoo is a great companion dog and loves to be part of a family environment.OriginSimilar to other designer dogs that have Miniature or Toy Poodle DNA running through their veins, Chipoos likely originated in the U.S. back in the 1970s. That’s about a decade after the first poodle-mix (the Cockapoo) came on the scene. The Chihuahua is thought to date back to an ancient civilization that lived in Mexico between the 10th and 12th centuries. Poodles are believed to have originated in Germany around the 13th century, while the more recent Toy variation came out of the U.K. around the 18th century. Unfortunately, there’s not much known about the history of the Chipoo beyond that. Like all designer dogs, there simply wasn’t much documentation kept about their history. No breeder has even claimed credit for being the first to breed Chipoos deliberately. Sadly, the history of designer dogs simply isn’t considered as important as that of purebreds.Pedigree

Scottish Straight

Scottish Straight Breed HistoryThe Scottish Straight is one of the feline breeds that make up the Scottish Breed Group, along with the beloved  Scottish Fold. More specifically, according to  The International Cat Association (TICA), the Scottish Breed Group consists of the Longhair Scottish Fold and the Shorthair Scottish Fold, as well as the Longhair Scottish Straight and the Shorthair Scottish Straight, for a total of four breeds. The group is quite unique in many ways, and it is known for being smart, affectionate, and attractive. Let’s learn more about these Scottish felines, and what makes them so special! This breed of cat has an interesting history. The very first Scottish Fold was a barn cat whose name was Susie. She was found by William Ross in 1961 in Scotland, on a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire. He quickly recognized that she had a standout feature: folded ears that made her look a bit like an owl. This kitty was later bred with other breeds, such as the  American Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, and Persian.    One important thing to realize is that the Scottish Straight is almost identical to the Scottish Fold, and they can actually be born within the same litter. The only difference is in the ears. While Scottish Folds have those iconic ears that fold down, Scottish Straight cats do not. As the name implies, their ears are straight like other breeds. The reason for this difference lies in the breed’s origins. All Scottish Folds can trace their ancestry back to that first kitty with folded ears, Susie. However, the selective breeding program did not solely produce kittens with those unique ears, as some had straight ears. Thus, all Scottish Folds that do not develop the unusual folded ears are simply called Scottish Straights. So, when you learn about the Scottish Fold, you’re also learning about the Scottish Straight, and vice versa. Again, they can both be born in the same litter, and will, therefore, showcase the same personality traits and physical attributes. Today, the Scottish Straight is known for its wonderful temperament. Many pet parents all around the world absolutely love having these kitties as part of their families. Not only are they super cute, but they also have a personality that makes them lovely companions for people of all ages. Of course, like other breeds, there are certain qualities that Scottish Straight cats will exhibit, both in looks and behavior, and it’s those qualities that help them stand out against other felines.   Breed Traits

New Zealand Rabbit

New Zealand Rabbit Breed History/OriginThis unique breed of pet rabbits has such an interesting background it almost equals their fantastic character traits. Although their name suggests it, these rabbits are not actually from New Zealand. In fact, they are the first American rabbit breed to be developed. At the beginning of the 20th century, American breeders crossed the popular rabbit types from the ‘old country’ in hopes to develop a meat-producing, show quality rabbit. By 1913, their crosses with genes of Belgian Hares and Flemish Giants were gaining popularity under the name of New Zealand Red Rabbit. Soon after, the albino sports of the breed were developed separately. The first litter of what will become New Zealand White rabbits were born in 1917 when a New Zealand Red doe had four albino kits. The striking beauty of these pure white sports with crimson eyes prompted the breeder to try and replicate them through selective breeding. After this, the rest is history. In just a few years, American breeders managed to come up with a new and distinct breed of rabbit that will become one of the most popular amongst pet owners – many decades down the road! A universally well loved and unique rabbit breed, New Zealand Rabbits became very popular all across the United States. From there, it was only the matter of time when the breed would become successful all across the globe. Over time, many breeders tried to improve upon their qualities or selectively breed them for different purposes. This resulted in several subtle variations, mostly centered on coloration. Today, there are 5 distinct New Zealand Rabbit breeds that are recognized by ARBA. New Zealand Reds were recognized in 1916, New Zealand White Rabbit in 1920 and Black New Zealands in 1958. The newest additions to the breed are the broken variety, which was accepted by ARBA in 2010 and the blue variety which had the same luck in late 2016. It is not out of the realm of possibility that further variations of the New Zealand rabbit will come about, and be accepted by ARBA in the future. Either way, potential owners are given a great choice when it comes to different colors and appearances. New Zealand Rabbits are large, muscular animals that have a beautiful coat.Overall DescriptionThe New Zealand has a rather well-rounded commercial body shape, which is slender yet muscular. In many ways, they have that iconic, unmistakable classic bunny look that is balanced and has great appeal to potential owners. This breed was primarily developed for the production of meat and their appearance shows it. From hips to loins to ribs, the New Zealand rabbit is a well-filled animal. Their head is moderately rounded, and in proportion with the rest of their body. Ears are thick, well-furred with rounded tips and carried erect. Does are bigger than bucks with a maximum weight of 10 to 12 pounds, where the male of the breed is supposed to weigh between 9 and 11 pounds. While the difference is not too great, you can still certainly tell which is the male and which is the female New Zealand Rabbit. Coat

English Angora Rabbit

English Angora Rabbit Breed History/Origin The Angora rabbit is one of the oldest domestic breed of rabbits, originating from Ankara, Turkey (historically known as Angora). They eventually made their way to America where, prior to 1939, there was merely one type of woolly rabbits, which was called the “Angora Wooler.” In 1939, the Angora Wooler was re-classified into two type of rabbits – the French and English type. In 1944, the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) officially separated these into two breeds, which are now known as the French Angora and English Angora Rabbit. The English Angora Rabbit is docile and sociable. Overall Description These small, compact rabbits have a broad, flat head and short ears with plenty of woolly fur on them. They also have fur on their faces (unlike any other Angora), as well as woolly feet. Coat

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