Dorkie

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: February 15th, 2019

About Dorkie

Height

5-8 inches

Weight

5-20 lbs

Lifespan

13-16 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles, seniors, people who live in an apartment, families with older children

Temperament

Affectionate, loyal, sweet, intelligent, stubborn, lively, spunky, feisty, playful

Comparable Breeds

Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier

Dorkie Basics

Dorkie is a tiny dog that wants a lot of attention- and you can bet you’ll want to give it. These adorable petite pooches might have a big attitude but they have an even bigger heart which will definitely win you over. As a mixed breed dog, the Dorkie has two purebred parents: the lively Dachshund and the feisty Yorkshire Terrier. Naturally, it’s not possible to accurately predict what the personality and looks of a crossbreed will be, but in most cases, these hybrids inherit traits from both parents.

The Doxie Yorkie mix will be an easy-going, lively, affectionate dog. Their sweet nature makes them an ideal companion, and they tend to form a strong attachment to one special family member above all others. This, in combination with their low activity needs, makes the Dorkie an ideal pet for retirees or singles. These designer dogs can also be marvelous family pets, too, but only if the children are a bit older. Young kids tend to play a bit ruff, and the feisty Dorkie won’t appreciate that at all. If you want to make sure that the Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier mix dog is the right fit for your family, read on!

The Doxie Yorkie mix will be an easy-going, lively, affectionate dog.

Origin

Designer dogs are a big deal in the world of canine breeds- they’re highly popular and a lot of people are falling in love with these crossbreeds. Unfortunately, their fame doesn’t mean that we have a lot of information about hybrids. In comparison to purebred dogs, designer dogs are still a phenomenon in development. As a result, the origin of many singular dog breeds, such as te Dorkie, remains a mystery. But not a complete one! Based on what we know about designer dogs in general, it’s safe to assume that this Doxie Yorkie mix also had its start in the United States, sometime in the last thirty years.

However, even though we might not know the name of the breeder who produced the first litter of Dorkie puppies, the reason why this breed was created is quite clear. Not only that these hybrids are cute as they come, but they represent a perfect companion for many pet owners. And having in mind the many lovely qualities of their parents, this really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

Pedigree

The Dorkie is the offspring of Dachshund and Yorkie, and the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize crossbreeds. As a result, Yorkie puppies don’t have any official pedigree papers that document their lineage. In case you got your Doxie Yorkie mix from a r eputable breeder, he or she will be able to provide the papers for the purebred parents. You could even arrange to meet the mom and dad of your new pet- it’s the only way to get a glimpse of how the puppy will look or act when they grow up.

And in the case you adorable Dorkie comes from a shelter or a rescue, you should rely on the knowledge we have about his parental breeds for more information about their traits. Both the Dachshund and the Yorkie make lovely pets and have a reputation to be spunky, affectionate companions.

Food/Diet

It’s important to make sure your pet has a healthy, well-balanced diet. Canines are omnivores, but the fact that their diet is diverse doesn’t mean they can (or should) eat anything. Ideally, their daily meals should have a proper ratio of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, as well as plenty of important vitamins and minerals. In most cases, high-quality dry food for dogs offers all of this in the convenient form of kibble.

For your Dorkie, choose kibble that’s suitable for their own unique needs. Their food should be appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, seniors) size, and activity level (kibble for toy or small breeds should be a good fit). From time to time, you can “spice things up” for your tiny doggo by sprinkling his kibble with a bit of wet food or home-cooked delicacies (meat and veggies, without seasoning).

Also, you should have in mind that the Doxie Yorkie mix dog is small and he won’t need much food to be full. On average, a cup of kibble should be enough to meet his needs- check the feeding guide for recommendations. It’s important not to give in to Dorkie’s begging for extra treats or free feed them, as this can lead to weight gain. Dorkie is prone to obesity and getting extra fluff could lead to a host of health issues.

In addition to being cute and sweet, Dorkies have a feisty, mischievous side to them.

Training

The Dorkie doesn’t differ much from most small breed dogs, which means you can expect him to be smart as a whip but with a tendency for stubbornness, too. These cute hybrids adore their owners and are eager to please, but sometimes, the training can be too boring for them to even try and learn! Luckily, there’s a trick that always works- having the right incentive. Positive reinforcement training means that you use rewards, such as excited praise or treats, to motivate your pet to repeat the desirable behavior (e.g. going outside to pee or sitting on command).

Start with training and socialization as early as possible. The sooner you begin teaching your pet what proper behavior is, the less work you’ll have. Basic obedience and commands, as well as potty training, are a starting point for most people. Additionally, teaching your puppy how to walk on a leash is a must- they can’t pull the lead, but you’ll definitely want them to behave on walks.

Weight

The Yorkshire Terrier and the Dachshund are both petite, but there still are some size differences between the too. Depending on which parent your puppy favors, they can weigh between 5 to 20 pounds once fully mature.

Temperament/Behavior

Every single dog has its own unique personality. And all dog parents know this: the personal quirks and behaviors are what makes us every pooch special in their own way. However, there’s no denying that centuries of selective breeding do have an impact on a dog’s temperament. The Dorkie might have not been around for long (or bred selectively, for that matter), but he still inherits a lot of traits from his parents. You can expect your new pooch to be a combination of the Doxie and Yorkie both, or take up after one of them more.

Usually, these designer dogs are very affectionate, sweet, and completely devoted to their owners. The fierce loyalty of this petite pooch will surprise you! If they had gone through basic training and socialization, they will also be friendly to people outside of the family and get along with other dogs. They do have genes of a vermin hunter, so high prey drive towards small critters is possible.

In addition to being cute and sweet, Dorkies have a feisty, mischievous side to them. They are full of spunk and curiosity, and they’ll often be very playful dogs. Don’t forget- both the Doxie and the Yorkie are highly intelligent and tenacious breeds, so their offspring will definitely need some quality mental stimulation. Puzzle toys or interactive toys are a great choice to get their brain going and entertain them for hours on end. To boot, this will ward off boredom and destructive behaviors that stem from it, like chewing or digging.

Common Health Problems

With designer dogs, all bets are off- you never know what to expect. The same goes for their health. Some breeders claim that first generation mixes, such as the Dorkie, are healthier than the purebred parents, while others remain skeptical and worry that designer dogs are at risk for two sets of breed-specific issues.

In general, it all depends on the parents and breeding practices. If the mom and dad are healthy, and the breeder is responsible for his practices, there usually isn’t much reason for worry. However, there is always the possibility that your dog will inherit a genetic condition, including illnesses such as a portosystemic shunt, collapsing tracheas, canine disc disease, epilepsy, Legg Calve Perthes disease, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Since this is a small breed dog, you should take measures to prevent issues common for canines of this size. This includes plaque buildup that leads to early tooth loss, as well as obesity.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy for the Dorkie is 13 to 16 years.

Exercise Requirements

Even though lively and energetic, Dorkie is not an active dog. In fact, some people would even categorize them as lazy- but the truth is closer to the middle. The playful nature and curious mind of the Dorkie will make him interested in all the fun activities you can think of, from sniffing around the doggie park to exploring the neighborhood on a leash. Granted, his capacity for activity is much more modest than that of large dogs. On average, 30 to 45 minutes of exercise is all it takes to keep Dorkie happy and healthy. They need daily brisk walks on fresh air and would benefit from engaging playtime with their owner. Not only that they cherish every opportunity to be in the center of their owner’s attention, but they’ll also appreciate the mental stimulation that goes with it.

The fact that the Dorkie doesn’t need much daily exercise to be content, as well as its compact size, make this mixed breed dog perfect for life in an apartment or condo. Additionally, seniors or retirees might find that this designer dog is exactly what they need- low on activity requirements but high on sweetness and affection!

On average, 30 to 45 minutes of exercise is all it takes to keep Dorkie happy and healthy.

Recognized Clubs

The AKC might not recognize Doxie Yorkie mix dog as an actual breed, but there are plenty of smaller clubs that do. The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America all recognize this breed as Dorkie. The International Designer Canine Registry recognizes it under the name Dorkie Terrier.

Coat

The Doxie comes in 3 different coat types, which complicates things a bit. Their hair can be long, short, or wiry and it will significantly influence the appearance of their mixed breed babies. However, as a rule of thumb, Dorkie has medium length hair that sheds moderately. Usually, the Yorkie genes are more dominant when it comes to coloring, so the puppies are often blue and tan, black and tan, black and brown or blue and gold.

Grooming them is not taxing- a daily brush will keep them looking their best.

Puppies

Owing to size differences, the Yorkie in this mix is always the dad, and Doxie is the mom of the breed. This means that the average litter size for this hybrid is 2 to 5 puppies. Dorkie puppies are very small, so make sure to be extremely gentle with them. Injuries happen easily when they’re young, and leaving them around kids without supervision is never a good idea. Handling a Dorkie puppy should be done with utmost care to prevent any accidents.

Even so, you should start with their training while their still young and pliable- Puppy Kindergarten classes are a great idea. Once your adorable puppy grows up with good guidance and manners, you can count on them becoming a lovely pet. Friendly, sweet, and playful, Dorkies make fantastic companions for singles, seniors, and apartment dwellers.

Photo credit: Steve Bruckmann/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your cat’s body feels cold – Feel your cat’s body to see if they’re cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your cat’s posture changes – A cat who’s cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots – A kitty who’s feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isn’t as active – When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isn’t to blame. If it’s because they’re cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when it’s cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering – Like people, cats shiver when they’re very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. They’re sure to love the attention, and you’ll get to be near your purring feline friend.  Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesn’t mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, it’s best to let them spend time outside only when it’s at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when it’s even warmer than that.Whenever it’s cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, they’ll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you can’t bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

Are Bengal Cats Really That Wild? Here's What Science Has to Say.

Bengal cats are a truly stunning feline breed, in many ways. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), they hold the title of being the most popular cat breed globally, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Their unique and exotic appearance, their unavoidable charm, and their slender physique are certainly the reason for this prestigious title. But even though they are popular, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed in the field of domesticated cats. While most ordinary domestic cat breeds have been around for thousands of years, Bengal cats have been around for less than a century, which comes as a stark contrast. They are a hybrid breed as well, having been created in the 1960s. They came about from the crossing of the domestic cat (Felis Catus), and the Asian Leopard cats (Prionailurus Bengalensis), which are a small, spotted, wild cat species living in Asia. What makes the combination unique is the fact that these two cat species had a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, which means that the genetic differences between them are incredible. The differences are even greater than between humans and chimpanzees!The resulting breed is the Bengal cat, and it is adored for its exotic appearance. It has special spots, just like ocelots or leopards. But most folks ascribe the unique coloration and patterns of these felines to the DNA they received from their wild and distantly related ancestors. And that’s why scientific folks paid special attention to the ancestry of Bengal cats. Greg Barsh, MD, Ph.D., Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University,  himself an expert in the genetics of feline coat coloration and patterning is a key figure in the research process of Bengal ancestry. Together with his team, which is led by Chris Kaelin, Ph.D., and Kelly McGowan, MD, Ph.D., Mr. Barsh is working hard towards unraveling Bengal ancestry through the genetics of popular color traits."Cats are wonderful companions," he explains for  Phys.org, "but our interests go beyond their beautiful and exotic appearance. Like the amazing variation among different dog breeds, artificial selection can be a very powerful engine to create morphologic diversity. What's different about Bengal cats from dogs is the raw genetic material–dogs trace their heritage to wolves from tens of thousands of years ago.""In contrast, Bengal cats trace their heritage to completely different species from millions of years ago. Understanding how these distantly related genomes interact is a general question that applies to any situation when different species exchange genes, from crops to aquaculture to humans and Neandertals."And even though this is a relatively new breed, started about 60 years ago by a few cat enthusiasts, it has grown incredibly during this time. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of registered Bengal cats, which are produced by about 2,000 breeders. Chris Kaelin, the leader of the Bengal cat DNA study, said “Cat fanciers and breeders are very interested in the research, in part because they want to know more about the science behind artificial selection, and in part, because they want to know if our results can help them produce cats with rosettes, stripes, or other exotic markings.” He also added "This is a great example of citizen science–our work has been enabled by the willingness of breeders to participate, and we share our results with the community."One of the surprising discoveries that was produced from the study is that Asian Leopard DNA contributes no more than a few percent to the overall Bengal Cat DNA. In fact, it is revealed that there isn’t one or even a few Asian leopard genes that are causing the unique spotted Bengal appearance. "One of the original motivations for bringing together DNA from the two species was to select for Asian leopard DNA that would recapitulate the appearance of an exotic wild cat in a companion animal," said Kaelin. "It turns out that some of the most striking examples of selection in the breed are for traits that were already present, but very rare, in domestic cats."So, the study reveals that the Bengals are in many ways totally unique. Mixing the two very unique breeds resulted in a cat that is exotic, elegant, charming, and above all loveable. And now, the results published are providing valuable information to all the enthusiasts in love with the Bengal breed. 

Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Cats: The Basics

Like humans, cats can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This water-soluble vitamin is needed for a variety of functions, affecting everything from their digestion to cognitive function, so it’s important to address a deficiency in your pet.Here’s some information on the symptoms and causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, along with what you can do to address it.

A Dog is Adopted After 7 Years in Shelter After An Emotional Discovery

One pet shelter in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, has been the home of a darling rescue dog named Ella for 7 long years. But the long wait for a happy ending is finally over – as Ella was recently adopted, and under very special circumstances at that. The staff at  Bloomsburg Animal Resource Center have titled this “an extremely special adoption”, and advised readers that “they might want to grab a tissue real quick for this one”.Ella had been at the shelter for the last seven years, making her the center’s longest resident. But recently, things took a turn for the better, when Ella was spotted by Kaitlyn, a resident who quickly fell in love with the rescue pooch. When coming to the center, Kaitlyn said that her long-time furry friend, Jo, recently passed away, and now she was ready to meet a new dog.And as soon as the two met, the match was made. It was obvious that they were meant for each other. Ella quickly made everyone know that Kaitlyn was her “human”. Usually, it wasn’t so. Ella was a victim of abuse and had a long history of fear and aggression. It would take several visits for her to get relaxed around strangers. But with Kaitlyn, this was not the case. The bond was near-instant. “She immediately walked over to Kaitlyn with no hesitation, allowing her to give Ella scratches and pets right away,” the staff of the adoption center said.At the end of the adoption meeting, when Kaitlyn was about to leave, she suddenly noticed something that made her overwhelmingly emotional. What she spotted was the bandana that Ella was wearing around her neck. Her eyes welling with tears, Kaitlyn said to the staff that it was the exact bandana that belonged to her recently passed away dog, Jo. She said that after the passing, she donated all the bandanas to the center. “This bandana that Ella is wearing, it’s Jo’s. I donated them all here when he passed,” Kaitlyn said, quickly showing a picture of Jo wearing it. The symbolism and the connection were incredible. It was a sign that the two were meant to be together. When they realized what happened, the staff was moved to tears: “Out of the 20 dogs in our shelter right now, this bandana. This specific bandana. Jo’s bandana. It was on Ella.”Later, Kaitlyn said that the bandana is a sign: “I like to think of it as Jo’s stamp of approval.”And so it was, that after 7 long years of waiting, the kind and gentle Ella found her new forever home, and a human friend who would treat her right.“Every morning, Ella used to pop up off her bed and greet you at the door of her kennel right away,” the staff at the Animal Resource Center said. “We’ll miss that tomorrow, it’ll be such a bittersweet moment realizing that as we pause to reflect on a few of our favorites times with Ella — but my goodness the amount of pure happiness we will feel every day knowing Ella finally got what she deserved: ELLA GOT ADOPTED.”

The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

Staff Sergeant Reunites With His Former K-9 Colleague

A retired military dog named Blek, got reunited with his former colleague Staff Sergeant Thomas Watkins, who used to be his handler at a duty station. Blek, who was named after the old English term for “black” or “inky” had quite a reputation among the handlers. Trainers who worked with the canine described him as challenging and tough to manage. But everything changed when Blek met Watkins. In an interview, Watkins told Good Morning America about his experience meeting Blek for the first time.“That was the issue that they were having,” said Watkins. “And so my kettle master pulled me in his office and was like, ‘Hey, man, I know you’re a new handler. But I feel like you’re up to this challenge.’”As the master predicted, Watkins and Blek bonded immediately.“We just connected right off the bat,” Watkins told the Good Morning America. “We truly understood each other… Another handler was out there with me, and he was like man like, ‘I just never seen this dog be so affectionate towards someone.’”Since the day they met, their relationship has grown stronger, making them suitable to carry out missions as a team at the station. “It’s such a beautiful experience, especially when you get a dog that has issues…And then you connect with that dog, and you get that dog to where they need to be. It’s such an awesome and rewarding experience,” explained Watkins. “The rest of the two and a half years that I worked [with] him from deployment to secret service missions all over the world, we had no issues whatsoever,” he added. Unfortunately, the time Blek spent with his handle ended when Watkins got transferred to another station. Blek was left behind to work with other handlers who found the task challenging. According to Carlton Isaacson, a former military dog trainer, things weren’t looking good for Blek.That’s when Project K-9 Hero got interested in Blek’s case. According to their site, this non-profit organization wants to honor military working dogs and police K-9s in retirement. The organization’s purpose is to provide assistance with medical costs, adoption, rehabilitation, food, and end of duty services to provide the best quality of life and to give these four-legged heroes the retirement they deserve. Speaking highly of the non-profit, Isaacson said the project “was a game changer” adding, “They were able to provide him everything that he needed to be safe.”Thanks to Project K-9 Hero, Watkins was able to adopt his old four-legged friend.“I’m so thankful for those guys out there that they were able to take him and hold him until I got to a place where I can truly take care of him and allow him to just be a dog on his retirement,” said Watkins.In addition to allowing him to adopt Blek, Project K-9 Hero had another surprise for Watkins - the organization will cover all of Blek’s food and veterinary care costs for the entirety of the dog’s life. Talking about his feelings about this special reunion, Watkins said: “I am overwhelmed with happiness. That dog is dear to my heart and he made me the handler and trainer that I am today…It looks like [Blek] hasn’t skipped a beat. He’s happy. He looks healthy and I am just glad to be here right now.”“I’m so thankful for that dog, and that’s why I’m excited to actually bring him home with me to live out his life.”It’s heartwarming to see these two heroes reunited and ready to face new adventures together, as a team. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Do I Do if My Dog Has a Chipped Tooth?

Discovering that your dog is hurt or in pain is a concerning moment for any pet parent, regardless of the injury. But dental injuries can be particularly stressful. If you have ever experienced a toothache, you understand!Whether your pup chipped a tooth during a rough play session with their best furry friend or while gnawing on a hard chew like a bone or antler, any dental damage must be addressed promptly.Read on to learn how to prioritize your dog’s dental health, including identifying if they may be suffering from a broken or chipped tooth, how to address dental damage and tips for preventing a broken tooth before it happens. Your pup will thank you!Common Signs of a Broken or Chipped ToothThe first step to caring for dental problems is to identify that your dog is experiencing an issue. The signs of dental problems vary considerably. While some dogs won’t show any discomfort, others may demonstrate considerable pain. This is due not only to the difference in a dog’s personality and pain threshold but also the spectrum of injuries that fall under the heading of “dental problems.”Broken teeth can be categorized into three groups:Enamel Fractures: Damage only to the enamel of the tooth.Crown Fractures: Damage extends deeper into the tooth, breaking the crown and exposing the pulp.Root Fractures: The root of the tooth has been broken.Unless you inspect your dog’s teeth regularly and spot a problem, we often have to rely on body language and behavioral changes to know there’s a problem. Unfortunately, dogs are very good at hiding pain, so they may be suffering from a problem for a while before we’re aware that there is an issue.Some of the more common signs of a broken or chipped tooth include:Excessive droolingBloody salivaPawing at their muzzleChewing on one side of the mouthReluctancy to eat and kibble or harder-to-chew itemsRefusal to eat at allAvoiding drinking cold waterGrinding teethSwelling in the faceDiscomfort or reluctance to have muzzle touchedWhining or whimpering Not playing as they would normally Sudden or out-of-character aggressive or anxious behaviorTrembling or shaking

Rover Releases the Most Popular Pet Names of 2023

Whether you’re stumped for a name for your new dog or cat, or you’re just curious to know what people are naming their pets these days, Rover has some answers for you. The company released a list of the most popular pet names of 2023, and the 11th annual Top Pet Names Report also sheds light on the inspiration behind the names.Here are some of the interesting findings that Rover shared.

Sleeping With Pets: Here's What Experts Have to Say

Pet parents adore their four-legged companions so much that they choose to sleep with them at night. Research shows that more than half of pet owners sleep with their pets. Most pet owners consider their pets part of the family, so it is no surprise that they will go out of their way to ensure their furry companions’ comfort. However, with an increasing focus on our sleep health, pet parents are starting to wonder about the potential disadvantages of sleeping with pets. In fact, sharing a bed with a pet is the subject of controversy among pet parents.Various studies suggest that there are many benefits to sleeping with pets. And experts tend to agree. According to Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, a pet can provide an emotional connection and reduce anxiety and stress levels, therefore promoting sleep. “Some people may consider their pets an added layer of security, dependable to alert them to unexpected noises or lights.”Another benefit of sleeping with your pet is that they can keep you nice and warm during the night. People who get chilled easily might enjoy cuddling with a furry companion during frigid winter nights.“Pets are sensitive to routine, and they can help enforce a regular bedtime and better sleep quality for their owner,” explained Dr. Wells. “Similarly, pets can signal wake-up time in the morning and even prompt some time outside for a walk and daylight exposure.”If you enjoy sleeping with your pet and find it beneficial for your sleep, the science agrees with you. According to Amanda Farah, National Training and Behavioral Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, studies have found that some people sleep more soundly when their dog is sleeping next to them. “If you and your dog both sleep well together, you’ll enjoy the health benefits that come with a good night’s sleep, such as improved mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system,” explained Farah.According to Teddy Cralle, Ms, RN, certified clinical sleep educator, some people sleep better when their pet is in the bed, but some don’t. If there’s a chance that you won't get a good night’s rest while sleeping with your pet you shouldn't sleep with them in the first place. For example, if you’re a light sleeper and your dog likes to change positions during the night, sleeping with your pooch may wake you more often, resulting in low-quality sleep. Also, some pups like to claim the entire bed for themselves, leading to a sleepless night and a backache. “Sacrificing your sleep means sacrificing your health, well-being, and quality of life - and that is not a sacrifice to make,” Cralle added.Sharing a bed with a pet may not be the best idea if you’re an asthma or allergy sufferer. Although some dog breeds shed less than others, no dog is truly hypoallergenic because it’s their dander and not hair that triggers an allergic reaction. Zoonotic diseases are another downside of sleeping with pets. Research has confirmed that sharing a bed with a pet can increase the exposure rate to pathogens that might be present. Although no one wants to think about it, pets can bring unwanted guests to your bed. Fleas and ticks are the most active during the warmer months, but the truth is they can infest your pet all year long. If the downsides of sleeping with your pet have made you reconsider your sleeping arrangement don’t fret - you can still have your pooch close by while you sleep. A crate or a cozy dog bed next to your bed will help everyone get a good night’s rest. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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