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Basset Bleu De Gascogne

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
August 31st, 2016 12:00 AM
fast facts

About Basset Bleu De Gascogne

Weight
30-45 lb
Lifespan
12-13 years
Group
UKC Scenthound
Best Suited For
active singles, apartment or condo, house with a yard, hunting
Temperament
friendly, affectionate, mild, adaptable, social, active
Comparable Breeds
Basset Hound, Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Height
12-17 inches
basset bleu de gascogne
Basset Bleu de Gascogne Basics


Also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a hound-type breed known for its short legs and spotted body. These dogs are an old breed, similar in appearance to the Basset Hound. In fact, these two breeds share many similarities and the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is considered one of six Basset Hound breeds by the FCI. If you are looking for a friendly and affectionate breed that is also talented for hunting, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a great option to consider.


Also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a hound-type breed known for its short legs and spotted body.


Origin


The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a direct descendant of the Grande Bleu de Gascogne and its origins can be traced back to the 14th century. The exact origins of the breed are unknown but it is thought to be the result of a crossing between the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the Saintongeois Basset. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne breed was reserved for hunting by the upper class prior to the French Revolution. After the Revolution when hunting became more common among the lower classes, the need for a slower, short-legged hunting dog became apparent. The breed nearly went extinct during the 19th century but it was revived by Alain Bourbon.


Pedigree

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a direct descendant of the Grande Bleu de Gascogne and was likely developed by crossing this breed with the Saintongeois Basset.


Food/Diet


As a medium-sized dog breed, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food diet formulated for dogs of its size. Because this breed is a high-energy hunting breed, however, an active or working breed formula may be more appropriate to meet his needs.


The Blue Gascony Basset is an intelligent breed that excels in hunting so they are fairly easy to train.


Training


The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is an intelligent breed that excels in hunting so they are fairly easy to train. The best way to train this breed is to use positive reinforcement training methods and to maintain a firm and consistent hand in leadership. This breed does have a bit of an independent streak due to its hunting background, so be sure to maintain a position of authority in the home. This dog is not meant to be kept solely as a family pet, so be prepared to train your Basset Bleu de Gascogne for hunting or for other dog sports. Generally, they are happen when given a job to do, even if it is not hunting.


Weight


The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized breed that stands between 12 and 17 inches tall and weighs 30 to 45 pounds.


Temperament/Behavior

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a laid-back breed and it is generally calm as well. This breed is adaptable to apartment or condo life as long as they get their daily walk. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne breed is highly social so they need to spend a lot of time with family – they do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. This breed does, however, have a bit of an independent streak at times so plenty of socialization and early training is recommended. This breed doesn’t always get along with children, though this may be because it is primarily kept as a hunting dog rather than a family pet – it doesn’t have a strong reputation with children in general.


Common Health Problems


The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is generally a healthy and hardy breed not prone to any major inherited conditions. Like all dogs, however, this breed is prone to certain minor health problems which may include bloating, back problems, hip dysplasia, ear infections, and gastric torsion.


Life Expectancy


The average lifespan for the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is 12 to 13 years.


Exercise Requirements


As a hunting breed, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne has moderate needs for exercise. They generally do well with 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily and much of their exercise needs can be met with active playtime or tracking games. These dogs do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.


The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a laid-back breed and it is generally calm as well.


AKC


The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is not currently recognized by the AKC but it is a member of the Hound Group for The Kennel Club in the U.K. and the Scenthound Group for the UKC.


Coat


Like most Basset Hounds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne has a short, smooth coat that lies close to the body. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is mostly white in color with blue ticking and brown or tan markings over the eyes and on the ears. Because the coat is so short, this breed does not require much professional grooming but regular brushing is recommended to keep shedding under control. This dog needs to have its ears checked frequently for signs of ear infection because they are so long and floppy.


Puppies


The average litter size for the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is 4 to 8 puppies. Like most dogs, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne requires plenty of socialization and training from an early age. This breed tends to become a little bit stubborn and independent, so the earlier you can start training your puppy, the better.


Photo credit: Daz Stock/Shutterstock; CaptureLight/Bigstock

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Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Petite Bleu De Gascogne

Petite Bleu de Gascogne Basics Though the name might suggest the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a small-breed dog, that isn’t the case. This medium-sized breed is a scent hound of French origin, named for its proficiency in hunting small game. These dogs are particularly skilled in hunting rabbits and, while more common than its larger relative the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is still fairly rare outside of France and is not yet recognized by the AKC. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a scent hound of French origin, named for its proficiency in hunting small game. Origin The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is one of several French scenthounds descendant from the St. Hubert Hound. This breed is of the Bleu de Gascogne type which is one of the oldest purebred dog breeds in the world and a rarity even in France. The breed type was developed during the Middle Ages and hunting became popular among French nobility and it was bred in different sizes for different types of game. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne was specifically bred down in size from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne to hunt smaller game. This began sometime around the 1500s and the breed continues to be used for this purpose today. A talented pack hunter, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is thought to have been used in the development of other hound breeds which may include the Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and the Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Pedigree The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is descendant from the St. Hubert Hound and bred down in size from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. Food/Diet As a medium-sized breed, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne should do well on a high-quality adult dog food with high protein and moderate fat content. Because the breed is typically used for hunting, however, he may fare better on an active or working breed formula made with quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a hard-working breed. Training The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a hard-working breed like others of its type and it has the typical pack hound mentality. This means that these dogs are bred to hunt with other dogs and that requires a certain degree of independence. This breed is not necessarily difficult to train, but you do need to understand that the breed will be fairly independent-minded and is generally not a good fit for inexpeirneced dog owners and for purposes other than hunting. You’ll see the best results if you execute a firm and consistent hand in training this breed, knowing that the breed is unlikely to be completely compliant at all times. Weight The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized breed, standing 20 to 23 inches tall and weighing an average of 40 to 50 pounds. Temperament/Behavior The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is by no means an aggressive breed, but you should expect some dominance behavior with other dogs if you’re adding him to an existing pack. This breed is generally good with other dogs once they get used to each other, but he may not be a good choice for homes with cats or other small animals due to his hunting instincts. These dogs are friendly with people and can be devoted to their owners, but their stubborn nature requires a fair bit of obedience training and socialization. This breed does best when trained for hunting, though he may be adaptable to family life as long as his exercise needs are met, and he still has an opportunity to use his hunting skills. Common Health Problems For the most part, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a healthy breed. One thing you should be wary of, however, is the risk for ear infections that comes with pendulous ears. Other potential health problems may include hip and elbow dysplasia, tooth decay, allergies, and bloat. Life Expectancy The average lifespan for the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is 10 to 12 years. Exercise Requirements As a hunting breed, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne has high needs for exercise that need to be met on a daily basis. If this breed doesn’t get enough exercise, it is likely to develop problem behaviors such as becoming destructive and becoming very vocal. These dogs are also smart and trainable, so mental stimulation should be part of their daily exercise as well. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is by no means an aggressive breed, but you should expect some dominance behavior with other dogs if you’re adding him to an existing pack. Recognized Clubs Though it is not currently recognized by the AKC, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991 as a scent hound. Coat The Petite Bleu de Gascogne has a short coat that is not difficult to groom – weekly brushing is generally enough to control shedding. In terms of coloration, these dogs are white mottled with black, having a slate-like appearance. They also exhibit black patches on the sides of the head and across the back, often with tan markings above the eyebrows. Puppies The average litter size for the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is 4 to 7 puppies. As a hunting breed, puppies should be started with training as early as possible. If you hope to keep this breed as a pet, early socialization is extremely important – especially for homes with children and non-canine pets. Start your Petite Bleu de Gascogne puppy with a high-quality puppy food and switch to an adult or working breed formula after 12 months of age.

Grande Bleu De Gascogne

Grande Bleu de Gascogne Basics If you’re looking for a strong and dependable hunting breed, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne may just be the breed for you. Descended from a long line of French hounds, this breed is actually more common in the United States than in its homeland of France. While these dogs were originally bred to hunt large game and they continue to be used for hunting, they can do well as pets as long as they are kept by an experienced dog owner and the dog’s exercise needs are met. The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a strong and dependable hunting breed. Origin The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a French hound of the Bleu de Gasgogne type. The breed is thought to have descended from dogs kept by Phoenician traders – breeds like the St. Hubert Hound and the English Southern Hound. During the 14th century, Comte de Foix kept a pack of these hounds and Henry IV of France kept a pack of his own during the 16th and early 17th century. In the United States, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne breed were first bred in the 18th century and there are currently more specimens of the breed in the U.S. than in France. The breed is renowned for its hunting skills and excellent focus as well as is deep, sonorous howl. Though originally used to hunt large game like wolves, deer, and boar, it is now primarily used to hunt hare. Pedigree The Grande Bleu de Gascogne was developed from the Bleu de Gasgogne type which is one of the oldest purebred dogs in the world, hailing from France. Food/Diet As a large-breed dog, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for large-breed adult dogs. Because the breed was developed for hunting, he may do well on an active or working breed formula as long as you are careful about overfeeding to prevent obesity. The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a pack hound that generally responds well to training. 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These dogs get along well with other dogs, though they can sometimes exhibit dominant behavior, and they are generally affectionate and friendly with people. This breed is most commonly kept for hunting, so little is known about its temperament with children, but other breeds similar to the Grande Bleu de Gascogne are good with kids, so this breed may be as well. Though these dogs do get along with other dogs, they are likely to chase cats and other small pets. They also need plenty of training and socialization from an early age. Common Health Problems Generally speaking, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne is known to be a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 years – this is fairly long for a breed of its size. Because it is such an old breed, it may have greater genetic diversity than newer breeds which may reduce the risk for inherited health problems. 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Bichon Frise

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Interested in Pets for Adoption? Adoptapet Has Thousands Looking for A

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And tell us how many of the 10 steps your dog can already do by leaving a comment. AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. Test 2: Sitting politely for petting The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler. Test 3: Appearance and grooming The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) The handler/dog team will take a short “walk” to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash. Test 5: Walking through a crowd The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. 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Cavapoo

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What You Should Know Before Starting a Dog Boarding Business

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If you feel as though you are truly able to commit to a dog boarding business, your next question to answer is whether there is a need for such a business in your area. It doesn’t matter how much time you put into developing the business – if the need isn’t there, your business is unlikely to succeed. Another important issue to raise is the legality of having such a business in your area. You will need to research zoning and licensing requirements in your area to make sure it is legal for you to start any kind of business (particularly out of your home). Some cities and states can have tight rules and regulations on such matters, so careful research is key. And remember, there’s no such thing as asking too many questions – it is perfectly reasonable to want to be as informed as possible.Proper Planning Is Key Once you’ve determined that you’re ready to start your own dog boarding business, it’s time to get to work. And a great plan will help guide you through the entire process, as you’ll know what you need to do in order to make your dreams of working in the pet care industry a reality.Here are a few tips that can help you get started. Then, once your dog boarding business is up and running, it will be a matter of properly managing it in order to maintain it for the long run and watch it grow over time.Outline What Services You’ll Offer: In addition to boarding, will you also offer grooming and bathing services, or perhaps even canine training sessions? Will you only offer longer-term boarding, such as for people who are going on vacation for a few days, or will you be providing daycare services for people who just need someone to watch their dogs while they’re at work? Will you have a small store that will sell pet food, toys, and other pet care products to your customers? All these questions need to be answered and made known to potential customers. If you want to make a better income, then certainly you can expand your service and go beyond simple dog boarding. But with each new service, you will likely have to expand on the number of employees, raising your costs. In the end, it is all about calculations and income. Determine the Prices You’ll Charge for Your Services: After you establish the services that you’re planning on offering through your dog boarding business, it’s time to figure out your prices for those services.Your price structure will depend on your location, as different markets might charge different amounts of money to customers for the same services. So do your research into what other local dog boarding facilities are charging. Sometimes it is the pricing that will set your business apart from the competition at first!Beyond that, you also need to come up with prices that will allow you to make a large enough profit every day in order to keep your business running. This step will involve calculating your expenses to ensure they’ll be covered by the money you’re bringing in from sales. It will be easier to do this once you’ve found the right facility and you know what the overhead costs will be. Pricing can be difficult to balance, so take every expense and income into the calculation. Your prices need to be attractive enough to potential users, but not so low as to incur losses. And if your close competitor has lower prices – then try to offer a better service than theirs! Remember, higher prices need justification with quality service or products. Find the Right Facility: Now that you know what services you’ll be offering to your customers, you can more easily find the ideal facility to make it all happen. Perhaps you’ll find a former dog boarding facility that you can revamp and make your own, or maybe you’ll find land on which you can build one from scratch. No matter what, check zoning regulations, local laws, and licensing requirements to ensure you’ll be able to run your business in a particular location.As you search for your place of business, keep location in mind at all times. Will it be easy for customers to find your boarding facility? Will it be located in an area that gets plenty of traffic by car and by foot, so people who have never heard of your business before will learn about you?Also, be sure that the facility you choose will give you enough space to house everything you need. Again, this will depend on the services that you’re planning on offering. For example, if you’re adding grooming services to the mix, you’ll need to have a space that will accommodate that. Check that the facility will be easy to keep clean and safe for your workers and the animals in your care. And ensure that temperature control will be simple throughout the year as well.Tips for Better ManagementRunning a successful business is all about careful and quality management. A business that is run in chaos and “crossing the bridges as they come” is never easy to control and can quickly spiral into ruin. But a business that is carefully researched, set-up, and maintained, is sure to succeed. So always devote a certain part of your day for hard and dedicated work at your business – the effort is sure to pay off! Once you have done the background research and have determined that opening a dog boarding business is definitely the way to go, you can start thinking about some of the details. A large percentage of new businesses fail due to poor management, so you would be wise to keep these basic management tips in mind before you start your own business:Treat your business as a business – you may have gotten into it because you love dogs, but if you don’t treat your business as such you won’t take it seriously. Keep your personal affinities and preferences at home. Business needs to be done after some rules, so always take them seriously and to heart. Your customers are bound to see it reflected in the business. Invest in effective marketing strategies to increase your sales and to get the name of your business out there. Keep in mind that in order to earn money – you need to spend money. Sometimes investments are the shortcut to earning big! Don’t miss out on opportunities to make extra income off existing clients – offer grooming services, sell toys, etc. A bunch of small steps can lead you a long way! Increase your income steadily by offering new and interesting services. Keep track of everything from the hours you spend on bookkeeping to the money you spend on upkeep of your boarding facilities – over time you will start to notice opportunities to increase efficiency.Reinvest in your business – when you first start your business you should put your early profits back into the business rather than putting them into your pocket. Here, patience is key. You’d be eager to spend all those first earnings, but the smartest thing is to play it cool and re-invest them into your business. This can only boost your efforts further, resulting in better earnings down the road. Don’t forget about savings – put away a little bit of money each week to help provide a cushion against disasters and unexpected costs. Just a little bit each week can amount to a lot of money at the end of the year. These savings can really come in handy in unexpected situations. You will thank yourself later. Hire quality staff – being an animal lover shouldn’t be the only criteria – look for people who are responsible and hardworking who will mesh with your existing staff. You cannot do everything by yourself. So don’t try to save money by refusing to hire new staff. It will affect the business badly. Don’t Start Without Considering:Odds are, you haven’t just thought of this nilly-willy or because you love dogs so much. (Although maybe you have, and that’s okay too. Just be sure to pay attention to the following tips!)It’s quite a possibility that you have already worked in a doggy day care or kennel and this maybe inspired you to get into the biz yourself. If not, it’s something that may be super beneficial to you as you open your own, and working in an established operation beforehand will give you a wealth of knowledge and experience money just can’t buy. If you work in an established boarding or kenneling business, you’ll be able to see what works (and what doesn’t) and how you’d like to operate in your own right. You’ll gain good experience with animal behaviors from different animals, how to handle different health issues and general maintenance issues that may come up with your own facility.If you’ve not worked as a vet tech, pet sitter, dog walker or animal shelter employee or volunteer, doing so is also something that could bring valuable, first-hand experience on the ‘dime’, so-to-speak, of another organization before you jump in on your own.You also want to consider finding local membership groups for kennel owners that will give you insight and education opportunities, as well as networking situations that may be advantageous for different circumstances you may find yourself or your facilities in. Like-minded people committed to the same concepts of quality kenneling are great communities to find, and ones that can enrich your experience and that of your potential customers as well.We also can’t stress protecting yourself and your customers enough. Consider whether you’ll be a business, a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company or something else altogether. Talk with others in the industry and your attorney.Be SURE to have insurance–for you and for your clients, and make sure you have an established protocol and partnership for emergency situations. They WILL come up, and preparation is the key to surviving them.Starting a business isn’t easy and it definitely isn’t something you should jump into without proper forethought and preparation. If you feel as though you have the time, the financial means and the drive to successfully operate a dog boarding business, however, don’t let anything stop you from accomplishing your goals!

Havapoo

Havapoo BasicsEveryone has different needs for what they need in a dog. Some are looking for service animals to aid with their ailments. Others seek working dogs to make their lives and jobs easier. However, if you’re looking for a cuddly, fluffy companion to spend your days with, the Havapoo is definitely a pup you should consider. Also referred to as a Poovanese (or even cuter and less bathroom themed names like Havanoodle or Havadoodle), this energetic little guy also has hypoallergenic fur, making him or her perfect for families looking for a furry friend that won’t cause a sneezing fit with each cuddle session. You can snuggle your Havapoo without fear allergy sufferers!As you may have gathered by now, the Havapoo is not a purebred dog. They are a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle (Miniature or Toy). These designer dogs inherit traits from both their mom and dad, resulting in a unique canine with a beautiful appearance and wonderful personality. Affectionate, smart, and easy to train, the Havapoo appeals to many potential owners. The only downside is that these dogs make such perfect companions that you may prefer your Havapoo to all of the humans in your life and withdraw accordingly.Havapoos are moderately active, which makes them good choices for small homes or apartments (provided that they are still brought outside to run and play at the park or in a fenced-in yard). Their low-maintenance exercise needs and sweet nature also the reason why retirees might find this adorable designer dog a perfect companion to share their golden years with. You’ll get all of the affection and attention that you’ve come to expect from the best dog breeds on the market with only a fraction of the exercise that those other pup’s require.The Havapoo is a mix of Havanese and Miniature or Toy Poodle dog breeds.Origin Designer dogs might be incredibly popular, but there’s still a lot we don’t know about the history of these breeds. People just haven’t taken the time to document it. After Labradoodle (a Lab and Poodle mix) made its debut in the 1980s, people went crazy about mixed breed dogs. That was especially true of those with a Poodle parent. Naturally, this created a sudden influx of “doodle” dogs on the market, making it hard to track the origin of every single hybrid that became popular. People just loved their doodles. The Havapoo, or the Poodle-Havanese mix, is one of these mysterious designer dogs with an origin that is almost impossible to pinpoint. Apart from the high probability that these hybrids came to be sometime in the last 20 to 30 years and that they had their start in the United States, there’s not much we know about the history of the Havapoo.Thankfully, the parents of this mix have long histories as pets and companions, and you can rely on the longevity of these breeds as a sold signpost of the Havapoo’s many lovable qualities.Pedigree

Belgian Shepherd

Belgian Shepherd Basics Also known as the Belgian Sheepdog, the Belgian Shepherd is a beautiful, long-coated breed that comes in a variety of colors. With their athletic build and superb stamina, these dogs excel in herding as well as various dog sports. Not only that, but their friendly temperament makes them an excellent choice for family life as well. If you’re looking for a highly trainable, medium- to large-sized breed, the Belgian Shepherd is certainly one to consider. Also known as the Belgian Sheepdog, the Belgian Shepherd is a beautiful, long-coated breed that comes in a variety of colors. Origin

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

Bacon and Eggs Dog Muffin Recipe

The best part of waking up has to be our Bacon and Eggs Dog Muffins. This is one treat that’ll have your dog bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.Most dogs don’t have a problem getting up in the morning – well, at least that’s the case with my dogs. But these Bacon and Eggs Dog Muffins smell and taste so good, they’d get us out of bed! A staple of breakfast plates everywhere, these tasty treats are made with bacon and eggs… with a side of peanut butter.Why Bacon, Eggs and Peanut Butter?We’re pretty sure you don’t need to ask why for bacon. That’s all we have to say — bacon. But eggs and peanut butter?Yes. Eggs are super protein ingredients and have tons of essential amino acids and fatty acids. But even better, eggs are considered a complete food source! They offer Vitamins A and B12, Riboflavin, Iron, Folate and Selenium to your dog’s diet too. Those are key nutrition components for their overall health and wellness. And since we’re talking about amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein (that your dog desperately needs), eggs are one of the most complete sources of amino acids out there. Simply putting a raw egg on your dog’s din-din daily will boost his protein intake and keep his nutrient absorption high.Sometimes, people worry about eggs and dogs because the egg whites contain enzyme inhibitors. Enzyme inhibitors may affect digestion in old or very young dogs because enzymes are what’s needed to break food down to its smallest particle for complete digestion. But that really only needs to be a concern if you were feeding your dog nothing BUT eggs. Adding egg to a well-balanced diet will only enhance his nutrition intake. And, since these are cooked muffins, you won’t have to worry about that anyway. The same goes for worrying about biotin deficiency in dogs. Because the egg yolk is very high in biotin, your dog will not be subject to a biotin deficiency.What’s great about this muffin recipe is that even if you get a few eggshells in the mix, even better because eggshells have almost all the amino acids dogs need to stay healthy. In fact, eggshells can offer calcium and phosphorous to dogs, so it’s okay to get sloppy as you’re cracking and mixing.And getting eggshell into the recipe means you’re getting the eggshell membrane in too. That’s full of collagen, chondroitin, Glucosamine and Hyaluronic acid–which are great for joint pain relief in dogs (and humans, if you want to crush some shells).When it comes to peanut butter, we’re offering our dogs another superfood that is full of protein. It’s a nutritionally well-rounded ingredient because it gives your dog fiber, protein and healthy fats. It also offers niacin, Vitamins B and E and folic acid. This helps their molecular cell growth, while magnesium helps cell metabolism too. Your dog goes crazy for it in his kong because it’s just.that.delicious, so it’s a natural mix with eggs and bacon.Bacon and Eggs Dog Muffin RecipeMakes 12 muffinsIngredients:

Eskipoo

Eskipoo Basics Whether you’re looking for a companion pooch to spend your retiring days with or would love to grace your family with their first family dog, the Eskipoo is a wonderful choice. These high-energy dogs, also known as the Pookimo or Eksapoo, have a naturally happy outlook on life and love to spend lots of time with their human family. They love to play and have a good time, making them a great breed to interact with children no matter their age. Due to their small size, these dogs make excellent apartment dwellers so long as they are taken on regular walks and their barking is controlled. This pooch has a tendency to bark at any and all unfamiliar sounds, so training them so they won’t bother your neighbors is a must if you live in an apartment. They don’t do well in solitude and may suffer from separation anxiety if left for too long a time, which is the reason why they would do best with families with at least one person home, or couples where one person may work from home. The Eskipoo is a cross between a Poodle and American Eskimo dog. Origin Bringing two breeds together to create a new breed has been all the rage for the past two decades. While some designer dog breed origins are known to us, we aren’t entirely sure how or when the Poodle and the American Eskimo mix came to be. Fortunately, we do know the beginnings of each of these breeds. The Poodle started out as dogs who assisted their human masters on hunting trips – they were, in essence, water dogs! In fact, the German word “pudel” refers to the splashing this dog would make when retrieving waterfowl and the sort, and “Poodle” is simply the English equivalent. In 19th-century America, white Spitz-type dogs were first found in the communities of German immigrants. They were the descendants of the German Spitz, white Keeshonden or white Pomeranians that came over with immigrants. In the late 19th century, these pooches became popular and were better known as the American Spitz, bred to be multi-purpose working dogs on farms. In 1917, the American Spitz became known as the American Eskimo, despite having no origin or connection to Eskimo culture whatsoever. They became popular in traveling circuses as trick dogs thanks to its gorgeous coat, amazing agility and ease of training. Pedigree

Chihuahua Mix Dogs

Chihuahua mix dogs come in all shapes and sizes but usually tend to share the confidence, sassiness, and spirited nature that never fails to charm. Of course, a lot about the personality and looks of Chihuahua mix dogs will depend on the breed of the other parent in the combination – creating many unique and popular designer dog mixes that are loved all over the world. Here are some of the most popular Chihuahua mix dogs and all of the essential facts about them that any potential new owner needs to know.

Pomsky

One of the more recent additions to the designer dog arena, Pomskies are a result of a crossing between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian.

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

Chipoo

Chipoo Basics Looking 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. Origin Similar 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

Chinchilla Cat

Chinchilla Cat Breed History The Chinchilla cat could also be referred to as the Chinchilla Persian because this breed is actually a type of Persian cat. The name “Chinchilla” is a reference to the cat’s fur, which is similar to that of the chinchilla rodent, and this is a feline that has been selectively bred to produce a specific coat color. This manmade cat breed has origins that date back to around 1882 in England. That is when a smoke-colored kitten named Chinnie was born after a stray tomcat mated with a blue Persian. Chinnie’s owner then had her mate with a silver tabby cat, and then one of the kittens from that litter would go on to give birth to the first male Chinchilla cat. Breeders continued to encourage the unique coloration in an effort to establish the breed, and that is how Chinnie’s descendants started to showcase the preferred appearance by the early 1900s. It was also during that time that the first standards for the Chinchilla breed were created by the Chinchilla, Silver and Smoke Cat Society. And, since 1920, this breed’s standards have not changed much. The Chinchilla cat could also be referred to as the Chinchilla Persian because this breed is actually a type of Persian cat. Breed Traits

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