Why Do Dogs Lick People?

by Mary Simpson

September 22nd, 2020 12:00 AM

We all love dog kisses! But why is your dog doing it? There are several reasons why dogs lick people – and love just happens to be one of them.

I used to joke that when my dogs licked me, they were simply cleansing their palates between meals. I mean, I love them with all my heart, but between doggy breath and having seen what they scoop when out in the leash-free park, the cleansing towelettes are always close at hand.

And, while you may be thinking that your dog licks you because he loves the salty taste of his favorite human, you’d be both right and wrong. Dogs lick people for a number of reasons and while it is often linked to affection, there are some reasons that should be explored.

Communication

We’ve all had the “stare down”, where our dogs patiently wait to see if we’ll notice them. Licking is the same thing, but a more pro-active way of getting our attention. If they want to go out, lead you to their treats or an empty dish, you’ll find the licking to be unrelenting. When this happens, allow him to lead you to the source of his obsession – it may be important.

Pleasure

Licking releases endorphins in your dog and these make him feel relaxed and trippy. Just like when he was a tiny pup and his mom licked him while he nestled in with his litter mates. It takes him back to a happy place and this helps relieve the stresses of his day.

Affection

Okay, here it is. He loves you. And he wants to show you this by licking your hands, face, arms… Just like he would do with another dog he feels close to. It’s a care-taking action that shows he wants to look after you. And if you take it from a more primal standpoint, it’s a ritualistic greeting that pack animals do to one another.

Tasty

It could be all about him. Humans have naturally salty skin and particularly on a warm day or after exercise when you’ve worked up a nice salty sweat, it’s even more pronounced. His licking may be more in pursuit of that salty flavor rather than any sentiments of love.

Submission

If he’s feeling vulnerable or anxious, licking can be a sign that he’s trying to be friends. It harkens back to the theory that the less dominant members of a pack will often lick the alpha or lead dogs to show they are submissive.

But what do you do when the licking is compulsive? When this oral fixation isn’t restricted to just you, but to visitors, strangers, other animals and even inanimate objects? It can be a sign that your dog is bored, high-strung or anxious about something. And it’s not a one-off instance (think fireworks), but an ongoing problem. In this instance, seek advice from your veterinarian. If it isn’t physical but behavioral, look for solutions that indulge his need to lick, but in a controlled manner. Rubber kongs with hidden treats, or even licking mats where his wet food is spread out and he laps it up. When he starts to lick compulsively, simply redirect him to these pacifiers.

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and two felines who prefer to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

More by Mary Simpson

Popular Pet Guide

Is My Cat Overweight?

View Article

Why Does My Cat Lick Me?

Kitties do strange things sometimes, like lick your hands or hair. And you might be wondering why your feline friend would think that you need to be groomed.

Why Do Dogs Eat Sticks?

Dogs will put just about anything in their mouth – but sometimes there’s a reason for it. Read on to find out why dogs eat sticks – and is it safe to let them do it. When you are out and about with your doggo – in the park or in the yard – it is likely that you will spot them busy carrying or merrily chewing away at a stick. This might leave you wondering. Why would your doggo munch on an unappetizing, dirty stick? What is it that makes sticks appealing to dogs? The explanation might be simpler than you expect. One reason is just plain old fun. Sticks are all over the place and are basically free toys in the park. Once outside, a dog will be overwhelmed and full of that hyperactive joy – known as the zoomies. And when the zoomies hit, a simple thing as a stick seems like the most entertaining toy that ever was! Some dogs simply enjoy the texture of a stick and the feeling of gnawing on it – for reasons known only to them. But there is also a more natural explanation to the doggo-stick romance. And that leads us all the way back when dogs were wild and untamed. In their natural habitat, dogs would utilize sticks to sharpen their teeth and strengthen their jaws and gums. This practice survived to modern times and pet dogs – they will often chew on sticks and other hard things in order to keep their jaws trained and strong. If you don’t prefer your pupper to chew on dirty ol’ sticks, you can find plenty of specially designed dog toys that will train their jaws and teeth in the same way. Puppies and young dogs will also have a tendency to vigorously chew on sticks and other things. The reason here is similar: at this age, their teeth are still emerging and forming up. They might cause the dog some small discomfort, which they would want to counter and remedy by chewing away at a stick – or anything else for that matter. You can also help them by providing adequate toys. It might be best if you prevent your dog from chewing on sticks altogether. Occasional fetch and simple play can be ok – but vigorous chewing for hours on end is not OK. This is due to the fact that a stick that has been chewed for long will produce dangerous splinters and slivers, which your dog can swallow. On the other hand, a slimy stick covered in drool cannot be good – it can develop bacterias that you would want your dog to ingest. Also, some sticks can be covered with harmful material, such as pesticides and the like. A stick from a forest and a stick from a lawn by the side of the road are usually not the same. All in all, you want to pay attention to your dog’s behavior at all times. A bit of harmless fetch with a stick is not to be discouraged, but do make sure to take that stick away once the chewing becomes vigorous. Instead, apply positive reinforcement and offer special chewing toys in order to provide a healthier exercise for your dog’s jaws.

Why Do Dogs Get Eye Boogers?

Dog eye boogers – are they a cause for concern? Here you’ll find all the deets about why dogs get eye boogers and what to do when it happens. There is a lot of quirky stuff about dogs, some pleasant, and others – not so much. If you are a dog owner, there is no doubt that you noticed those pesky eye boogers appearing from time to time. While they are nasty to clean, moderate eye boogers are quite normal. However, if the discharge becomes constant or increases, it might be a sign of an allergy or some other underlying issue. There are a number of possible reasons for this, but none should be a reason for excessive worry. Here’s why eye boogers appear, and what steps you can take to make them disappear! Dog eye boogers accumulate over time. Usually, all they are the dried tears that gather in the corner of the eye, mixed in with the dust, pollen, and all the microscopic bits and pieces that might get in touch with your dog’s eyes. In a sense, these tears are your pet’s natural remedy against the possibly harmful stuff that can get into the eye. Special glands generate the tears, keeping the eye well lubricated and “flushing” out all the things that should not be there. In the end, all that discharge ends up in the corner of your pet’s eye – and we often call it “dog boogers”. Typically, dried dog tears, aka “eye boogers”, will come in a moderate amount and will gather in the corner of the eye. When dried and crusted, these secretions get a brown color and can leave marks as they run. The best way to clean these boogers is with commercial dog eye wipes or a damp cloth. It is crucial not to use any harmful liquids or commercial wet wipes, as these can damage the dog’s eyes. But when do eye boogers become an issue? Some of it is normal, but an excess amount certainly is not. If you notice too many boogers, too much discharge, and extremely wet eyes, it is likely something is amiss. Often enough, your dog will somehow let you know that something is not right, usually by showing some of the telltale signs. Is your doggo blinking a lot, constantly scratching their eyes, always squinting? Chances are, there is irritation at hand and a veterinary checkup might be needed. What you also need to take into account that certain dog breeds might produce more eye boogers and at a faster rate, and can also be more prone to eye infections and irritation. Eye boogers are produced in larger quantities in brachycephalic breeds. These are the so-called “flat-faced” breeds, with squat muzzles: Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, and others. With their short noses and large round eyes, these breeds will usually drool more and have more tears, so it’s good to notice when this becomes very excessive. All in all, dog boogers – and the brown stains that they leave behind – are not something you should be alarmed by. They are usually a sign of normal functioning of the eyes and signify that all the bad particles have been flushed away. However, nothing is good in excess amounts, so make sure to have a vet checkup if you notice something is not quite right.

Why Do Dogs Stink When Wet?

There’s always a distinctive smell coming from your pooch after he gets wet. Have you ever wondered why dogs stink when they get wet? You’ve just come in from the rain after having walked your now sopping-wet pooch. You enter the house, remove your boots, and stand back as he rigorously shakes all that wet away, and begins to wag his tail. While he’s a happy boy, you’re thinking “whoa, what on earth is that funky smell?” Well, that’s the smell of wet dog and until he has been thoroughly dried, he’s going to spread that dank scent throughout the house and onto any soft surfaces he cares to rub himself against. Related: Best Dog Wipes So, what causes that distinctive “wet dog” odor? It’s actually as bad as you’d think. It’s a stinky combo of microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria that naturally occur deep down, on your dog’s skin and just settle in for the long haul. And, like most natural organism, they excrete volatile compounds (AKA poop). Just add a little water and what you have is the answer to why wet dogs stink. Yes, that odor is in fact a cocktail of reconstituted feces from those millions of microorganisms. Now that you know what causes the smell, how do you prevent it from infiltrating your home, your car, and clothes? I mean, dogs will continue to jump in lakes, pools, get caught in rainstorms, run under hoses, and have baths, right? There are a few tricks you can use to banish doggy smell, such as: After his bath, you need to devote lots of heavily absorbent towels to blotting him off and preventing those drips. Yes, he’s still going to shake and run around trying to rub himself along the rug, bed, sofa… but with effective, preliminary towelling you can eliminate a lot of the excess moisture and help him dry more quickly.Introduce him to the blow dryer. Kept on a low speed at a minimal heat setting is a great way to move the drying process along. Towel him dry first, then run the hand dryer up and down his coat, slowly brushing as you go. Treats and soothing words can also go a long way in making this a positive, one-on-one process that he’ll look forward to.After toweling him dry (meaning he’s not dripping wet or sending out jet sprays when he shakes himself off), you could opt to let him air-dry. For colder days, let him free range around the house but don’t let him settle into his crate or bed – it will inhibit drying. If it’s a warm day, take him out for a walk. Warning: if you simply let him out into the yard to air-dry, he’s going to roll in dirt. No question about it, your dog will roll in dirt.Check out some of the many scent neutralizers designed specifically for use on a dog’s coat. Whatever you do, don’t resort to Febreze or home deodorizer sprays which can cause any number of serious reactions if applied directly. Check out sites like Amazon, Chewy or PetSmart to find a product that’s suitable for your pet.

Why Do Dogs Nuzzle?

A sure sign of affection, we love when our dogs nuzzle us. But there’s more to a dog’s nuzzle that meets the eye – here are all the things it could mean. Nothing is more satisfying than cuddling up on the couch with your dog after a long, hard day. Even if it’s the middle of summer and you’re sweating through your clothes, the comfort of having your dog snuggle up to you is well worth it. When your dog nuzzles you, you probably consider it a sign of affection, but could it be something more? Related: How Do Dogs Show Affection? What Does It Mean When Dogs Nuzzle? Some dogs act like they just can’t get close enough to their owners. Whether you’re on the couch or lying in bed, your dog will position himself to obtain as much contact as physically possible. He’ll nudge his wet nose into your hand, nuzzle his face up next to yours, or snuggle up against you. These are common dog behaviors, but many dog owners don’t stop to think about the reasoning behind them. Here are some of the top reasons dogs nuzzle their owners: When your dog nuzzles you after you walk through the door, it is his way of greeting you and telling you he’s happy to see you.If your dog’s nudging and nuzzling starts to seem excessive, it could be an expression of dominance – this is more commonly done to other dogs than to humans.When your dog nuzzles up to your face and gives it a quick lick, it may be a sign of respect – a way of acknowledging the hierarchy of your relationship.Most dogs are not known for their subtlety, so sometimes your dog nuzzles you in an attempt to extract attention or a tasty treat.In some cases, nuzzling (especially to your face or another’s dog face) is a way of finding out whether there is food to be had – your dog can smell it on your breath. As you can see, there are a variety of reasons your dog could be nuzzling you and the underlying motivation may change from one instance to another. Read on to see whether it is okay to let your dog keep nuzzling or if you should try to discourage it. Should You Control Your Dog’s Behavior? Though repetitive nudging and nuzzling might get annoying at times, there is generally no reason to discourage this behavior. In fact, you may want to do the opposite. In the same way that your feelings might be hurt if someone rejects your show of affection, your dog doesn’t like to be denied either. Giving him a pat on the head or a quick belly rub when he nuzzles up to you will strengthen your bond and encourage your do to trust you. If your dog nuzzles you at inappropriate times or if it takes on an air of begging, you may want to curb the behavior a little. When your dog nuzzles you at the table, ask him to lie down or send him to another room until the meal is over. If your dog nuzzles visitors and they dislike the behavior, train your dog to sit when people come to the door and let the visitor offer attention if desired. Your dog loves you more than you will ever know, even if you don’t feel like you always deserve it. Nuzzling is just one way your dog shows you affection, so take it gladly as often as he offers it.

Pitbull

Pitbull Basics There are few dogs out there more controversial than the Pitbull. Many people believe that the Pitbull is a wonderful family companion while others believe that this hybrid needs to be banned from their communities. The truth is that most Pitbulls, like all other dog breeds, are absolutely reliable pets that are great with kids and love people. Most of their bad reputation can be attributed to bad owners and irresponsible tabloid journalists. It’s certainly not the fault of any Pitbulls out there, who are absolutely wonderful pets as long as they are bred and trained responsibly. Those who want to have a Pitbull as a member of their families must do their research. Buying a Pitbull on the corner or through the local classifieds ads is a risky situation. It is essential that the buyer talk to the breeder extensively about his experiences and hopes for this hybrid breed. They should ask about health clearances as well as meet both of the parents and any other relatives on the premises. Because of the bad breeders of “Pitbulls”, it is important that the potential buyer be knows everything about the breed before bringing a Pitbull into his household. Is a Pitbull the right dog to bring into your home? Possibly, but there are many factors to consider. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Keep your eyeballs glued to this page and scroll away to find out if these dogs are the right choice for you! Pitbulls are reliable pets that are great with kids and love people. Origin Nobody really knows the exact origin of the Pitbull began. According to most sources, it seems that this dog breed was a result of breeding bulldogs with terriers to create a new hybrid. The goal of the breeders was to produce a dog that would feature the strength of the bully breeds complemented by the perseverance and agility of the terrier. The reason why these particular traits were desirable was that the new hybrid was supposed to excel in bull baiting and bear baiting, two gruesome “sports” that were particularly popular in the 16th century. By the 18th and 19th centuries, a distinct breed of dog was popular in England – the bull-and-terrier. Sadly, the breed was mostly – if not exclusively – used for rat baiting and dog fighting. It is now commonly believed that the bull-and-terrier was the breed of origin for the Pitbull, which later evolved from mixing in the United States. These origins are sad and unfortunate, but they do explain where the Pitbull’s bad reputation comes from. These dogs shouldn’t be judged by the sad things that humans have trained them to do. They are so much more than that. While these two aggressive main traits certainly can be seen in Pitbulls today, it doesn’t mean that these dogs are inherently violent. The strength and the tenacity can be wonderful traits if directed towards a productive activity, rather than exploited for violence. This is yet another reason why Pitbulls deserve revaluation from dog lovers everywhere. Luckily, time showed its prettier side, and the practice of dog fighting and similar bloodsports were banned in most places around the world. With that, pitbulls got a long-deserved chance to show their true face and a kinder, protective side – one that we can see and enjoy today. Pedigree

Domestic Longhair

Domestic Longhair Breed History Considered one of the most popular cats in the United States, the Domestic Longhair is also one of the most common breeds. But it is actually a combination of several breeds, so you can call these cats mutts. In other words, the Domestic Longhair is not a recognized breed. Today’s Domestic Longhairs are descendants of the Domestic Shorthairs that lived more than 400 years ago. Their fur grew long because of a spontaneous mutation that allowed the coat to be thicker and fuller so the cats could stay warm in cold and icy areas like Russia, Turkey, and Persia. When the early settlers made their way to America, they brought Domestic Longhairs with them in order to help control the rodent population on their boats. Today, these super cute kitties with luxurious coats make wonderful pets, and they still have that natural instinct to hunt down prey. Also, even though they might be a bit harder to find than Domestic Shorthair cats, if you check your local animal shelters, you may discover that some Domestic Longhairs are patiently waiting for their forever home. Considered one of the most popular cats in the United States, the Domestic Longhair is also one of the most common breeds. Breed Traits

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.

Miniature Aussiedoodle

Miniature Aussiedoodle BasicsThere are few dogs more seductively adorable than this. Small, sweet, sassy, and smart- you’d be crazy not to fall in love with these unique dogs. These obscenely cute doggos inspire love at first sight whereever their furry little bodies appear. The loving and little Miniature Aussiedoodle brings the hypoallergenic properties of the Miniature Poodle together with the playful nature of the Miniature Australian Shepherd. The result is an active and low-shedding dog that is great with kids and other animals. If you have some experience as a dog owner, you’ll see that this hybrid learns quickly and responds well to positive reinforcement training. In fact, many pet owners train their Miniature Aussiedoodles for competitions and dog sports due to their intelligence. There’s very little that this dog can’t do.Of course, while there are many things that make Miniature Aussiedoodle appealing to pet owners, there are also traits and quirks this breed has that not everyone can appreciate. For example, his love of all things family means he doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods, so a stay-at-home family member or a dog walker would be just the ticket for this affectionate pooch. Similarly, his curious and playful nature leads to relatively high energy levels and people looking for a couch potato breed might not find these hybrids to their liking.So, is this the dog destined to come home to you and your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All will be revealed. So, to ensure Miniature Aussiedoodle is the ideal match for your family and vice versa, keep on reading! It’s really your only option.The Miniature Aussiedoodle combines the hypo-allergenic Miniature Poodle with the Miniature Australian Shepherd.OriginThe origin of the Miniature Aussiedoodle is unclear, but that’s true for the majority of designer dog breeds. In the late 1980s, when Labradoodles became all the rage and set the trend for crossbreeds. From there, many mixes followed. The Miniature Aussiedoodle is just one of the dozens of ‘doodle’ designer dogs that hoped to combine the hypoallergenic coat and the intelligence of the Poodle with other desirable traits from a second purebred. Based on what we know about designer dogs in general, it’s probable that the Miniature Aussiedoodles were first bred in the United States, sometime in the last 20 to 30 years. Unfortunately, we simply don’t know much about the history of the breed beyond that.The history of the Miniature Aussiedoodle might be short and somewhat enigmatic, but the same can’t be said for parental breeds. Their history is quite rich and storied! The Poodle started out in Germany centuries ago as a hunting retriever-style dog, but has been bred throughout generations to achieve more of a more companionship-centered personality (as well as a variety of sizes). The Miniature Australian Shepherd was first introduced in the United States back in the late 1980s and contributes 50% of the Miniature Aussiedoodle’s DNA. This smaller-scale pooch is not a crossbred version of the full-sized Australian Shepherd but in fact a purebred. By continually selecting and breeding the smallest pup in the litter, breeders were able to produce a pint-sized version of the Aussie native. Hence the Miniature Australian Shepherd moniker. This tiny pup earned that name!Pedigree

Which Member Of The Paw Patrol Is Right For Your Family?

Doggos never cease to inspire us. Through art, fiction, or just some daily inspiration from canines in your life, dogs always find a way to charm, endear, and entertain. Nowadays, it’s our kids who are going bananas for fictional pooches, though, thanks to a popular kid’s show. The Paw Patrol is a popular children’s cartoon, following the adventures of a charming group of dogs led by a noble and steadfast German Shepherd named Chase. And since 2013, they’ve rescued their way into the hearts of many eager followers, especially the little ones. But just who exactly is in the Paw Patrol, and what breeds inspired such a band of champions? After all, these imagined cartoon puppers had to have a real-life counterpart and inspiration? Let’s dig deeper into this fun group of furry adventurers, as we discover the real breeds that hide behind the made up characters. Paaaaw Patrollll. Go on. Admit it. You know you just sang that as you read it, didn’t you? Well, odds are you sang it because you are familiar with The Paw Patrol, a Canadian CGI-animated television show that debuted in August of 2013. Since then, it rose to great popularity, especially with the younger audiences. It is by far one of the most watched Nickelodeon shows, and children (and children at heart and dog lovers and just about anyone who loves a good rescue story) can’t get enough of the kind-hearted, good-doing group of furry friends who are on the case regularly. They are just that adorable.And although these are make-believe doggos in a drawn-up fantasy world, they still had to be likened to some real life canines. So, who exactly makes up the Paw Patrol, and what are the breeds behind the characters really like? We’ve got the scoop!

53 Dogs That Survived a Plane Crash Are Now Available for Adoption

Some dogs really seem to have bad luck all around – but this unfortunate incident might just have a fairytale-like happy ending for all pooches included. A few days ago, a plane carrying 53 dogs and 3 people from New Orleans to Wisconsin, crashed onto the Western Lakes Golf Club course in the town of Delafield, Waukesha county. The twin-engine turboprop aircraft landed on its undercarriage, but before it ended up on a golf course, it came through trees and the wings came off the aircraft, ending up several hundred feet away from it upon landing. Miraculously, though, no one was seriously hurt – human or canine – and all have only had some scrapes and minor injuries. Responders were quick to the scene and started helping dogs out of the crates they were kept in, with veterinarians and doctors at the ready to check everyone’s condition. While the dogs were being rescued from the cargo section, one of them actually jumped in the deputy fire chief’s arms and covered him in kisses – one could think of it as a form of thank you. Well, it certainly made an impression on deputy Wasielewski, as he returned less than 48 hours later to adopt the dog to his family – and she instantly recognized him when he came to the shelter. As Wasielewski said to the Washington Post – “as soon as the lady opened up the door, she bypassed my wife, jumped in my arms, and started giving me kisses“. He teared up and it was over – the decision had been made and this lucky pooch got her forever home at that very moment.While CeeCee (now named Marley) has found her family right there in the plane wreckage, most of her canine companions from the flight are still waiting on their chance to get a forever family. The remaining dogs were transported to a range of local shelters after the crash, and while their physical injuries were minor, the rescuers are unsure of the possible effect the accident could have had on their future behavior when it comes to spending time in a crate – which is why the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha (HAWS) will be giving free behavior training sessions to people who adopt any of the dogs if they turn out to have difficulties with crate training. All of the dogs are available for adoption since that’s the reason why they were transported in a plane in the first place – and are looking for a loving family to take them in and help them forget all about this unfortunate plane crash. HAWS took in 21 of the 53 dogs from the crash, and the rest of the dogs were taken in by The Washington County Humane Society, Elmbrook Humane Society, Humane Society of Sheboygan County, and Humane Society of Jefferson County, in case you’d like to meet some of these lucky survivors and maybe offer one of them a loving home.

Top 10 Cutest Dog Breeds

If you needed something to brighten up your day, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to feel all sorts of warm and fuzzies with our cutest dog breeds picks. If these pups don’t melt your heart, then you might not have a heart at all! Consult a doctor!

Study Proposes Smartest Dog Breed And You May Be Surprised

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

Labradoodle

Labradoodle Basics A popular hybrid dog for families, the Labradoodle has been gaining popularity with dog lovers for a variety of reasons. Also known as the Double Doodle, the Tri Doodle, the Standard Labradoodle, the Australian Labradoodle and the Multi-Generational Labradoodle, this breed is still relatively new on the scene. Even though it was bred to be a hypoallergenic guide dog, this breed has become a favorite in households around the world. And we’re not surprised – wonderful with kids, possessing boundless energy, playful and loving, the Labradoodle fits into most household situations. It’s hard to find a family who won’t fall for this dog. It’s almost as if this designer dog was bred purely to make homes feel complete. A smart and sociable dog, the Labradoodle will make friends with everyone he meets. Plus, his coat is hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for people who have allergies. Because it’s a hybrid dog, no two Labradoodles look the same, so it’s hard to achieve coat standards. But if you’re looking for a happy-go-luck dog that just wants to be loved (so it can love you in return), it’s worth your while to seriously look into the Labradoodle. So, will you be bringing on of these big a beautiful animals into your home? 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 learn about this popular hybrid is about to be revealed. A smart and sociable dog, the Labradoodle will make friends with everyone he meets. Origin Unlike most designer dogs, the origin of the Labradoodle is actually known and it’s rather sweet. Originally developed in Australia, the Labradoodle was bred to be a hypoallergenic guide dog. A vision-impaired Hawaiian woman named Pat Blum was in need of a Seeing Eye dog that wouldn’t bother her husband’s allergies. She reached out to Wally Conron in 1989, who oversaw the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. This was to be the first purposeful crossbreeding between a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever. From the first litter of Labradoodles came a dog named Sultan. He had everything that Pat was looking for – he was smart, had a hypoallergenic coat and the right personality to be a wonderful guide dog. When other breeders saw how successful Sultan was in his job, they started to breed more Labradoodles. Were there “accidental” Labradoodle born before 1989? Probably, but this is the generally agreed upon origin of the delightful hybrid that’s become so beloved today. Poodle crosses are quite popular, and the Labradoodle is one of the most popular of these mixes. Although this is a cross breed, there are organizations working on having this designer breed moved into a registered breed status in the next few years. It will happen. It’s only a matter of time. Pedigree

Goldador

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

Patterdale Terrier

Patterdale Terrier Basics The Patterdale Terrier is a compact, working breed that was originally bred to hunt foxes and other vermin. While there isn’t as much need for full time hunting dogs these days, the Patterdale Terrier has proven to quite a popular bet. These terriers are particularly popular in Europe, though they are starting to become more common in the United States and other countries. Europeans couldn’t keep this beautiful animal to themselves for long. These pups are far too easy to love for that. What makes these dogs so popular, in addition to their irresistibly attractive appearance, is the fact that they are versatile and adaptable. These dogs are capable of completing just about any task that they are assigned. But, what’s even more so appealing is that they make great pets, too. These dogs fit in well to just about any home and have proven themselves to be fun and loving companions for a variety of owners. Smart, spunky, and full of energy- the Patterdale Terrier might be small, but his spirit certainly isn’t. These terriers might not be as tenacious and driven as they were in the early beginnings of the breed, when they were exclusively selected for hunting, but traces of these traits still survive. While their size and sweet nature might fool you into thinking that they could live happily as a lapdog, that’s far from the truth. Even in the role of a pet and companion, the Patterdale Terrier will need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Still curious to find out if this rare British breed is the right choice for you? Well, the good news is that you’ve come to the right place. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about these remarkable animals is about to be revealed. So what are you waiting for?! Read on to learn all about the feisty Patterdale Terrier. By the end of this article, you just might find yourself running out to the nearest Patterdale Terrier breeder to add another member to your family. The Patterdale Terrier is a compact, working breed that was originally bred to hunt foxes and other vermin. Origin Another common name for the Patterdale Terrier is the Fell Terrier, owing to his place of origin. Fell Terriers are a specific type of small working terriers that all originate from Fell country in England. That makes the Patterdale Terrier quite possibly the group’s most representative breed to date. Breeder Joe Bowman of Ullswater Hunt is credited with developing the breed through careful line breeding. He is to be commended for his extraordinary work. However, he’s not the only one responsible for the look and behavior of the Patterdale Terrier as we know it today. The work he did on creating these dogs in the first place was taken on by various UK breeders, which popularized and standardized the breed. There’s a rich history to this particular pup. There are many breeders involved in developing the dog that we know today and pooch lovers everywhere are forever grateful. The Patterdale Terrier was first brought to the U.S. in 1978, but it is still a rare and fairly unknown breed outside of his homeland. However, in recent years, it seems that the popularity of the Patterdale Terrier is growing, all thanks to their exceptional qualities as working dogs and pets. Soon, this breed may well be just as popular on this side of the pond as in Europe. Only time will tell, but given how delightful these dogs are, our hopes remain high. Pedigree

Utonagan

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

How to Protect Your Dog From Fleas and Ticks

Flea and tick season is here - so how do your protect your dog from these nasty pests?

Why Do Dogs Lick People?

Popular Pet Guide

Is My Cat Overweight?

Popular Article

Here is Why Pet Insurance Costs Are at an All-Time High

Why Do Dogs Lick People?

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles