King Charles Yorkie

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: April 9th, 2019

About King Charles Yorkie

Height

8-13 inches

Weight

7-18 lbs

Lifespan

12-15 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Active seniors, families with older children, people who live in an apartment, people living in home with a backyard, singles

Temperament

Sweet, devoted, intelligent, velcro dog, affectionate, friendly, playful, curious, lively, energetic

Comparable Breeds

Yorkshire Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

King Charles Yorkie Basics

An adorable little hybrid, the spunky King Charles Yorkie will charm you with his looks and cheerful attitude. These small breed dogs are friendly, playful, and very affectionate- it’s hard not to fall in love with them in an instant. The bond they create with their owners is exceptional, and they’ll be the most loyal pet you’ve ever had.

King Charles Yorkie is a designer dog breed, which means that they are a result of crossing purebreds. The parents of this mix are a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Yorkshire Terrier. The combination of the two small companion dogs results in a breed with varying looks and traits, but that’s always well-suited for the companionship role. Owing to their parents, these hybrids usually tend to be sweet, lively, and eager to please, which only increases their appeal.

Also known as the Cava-Yorkie, York-A-Lier, or Yorkalier, this mixed breed dog is popular with seniors, singles, and people who live in an apartment. They have many qualities that set them apart from other hybrids- read on to find out what makes King Charles Yorkie so special.

These small breed dogs are friendly, playful, and very affectionate- it’s hard not to fall in love with them in an instant.

Origin

As a designer dog breed, King Charles Yorkie doesn’t have much history to speak of. In fact, there’s very little we know about the origin of this popular dog breed. Before designer dogs became a trend, all purebred mixes were thought of as mutts. So, it’s hard to say when or where was the King Charles Yorkie first created, because there have probably been countless Yorkie and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixes throughout history. The moment when the mix of the two purebreds got a name – King Charles Yorkie – and became a result of intentional breeding efforts is what experts consider the origin of the breed.

Unfortunately, no breeders currently claim that King Charles Yorkie was their “creation”. Since there is no accurate information, the best next thing is to assume that the breed came to be in the last 20 to 30 years, somewhere in the United States- same as most other hybrid dog breeds.

Pedigree

The King Charles Yorkie is a cross between two purebred dogs: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Yorkshire Terrier. In most (if not all) cases, this designer breed dog is first generation mix, or a 50-50 percent combination of the two parental breeds. First generation mixes are the most unpredictable types of hybrids. Since the mother and the father of the litter come from two different breeds, it’s hard to predict what their puppies will look like. More often than not, the littermates are very different from each other. Some will favor the Yorkie more, others will look more like their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. In other instances, though, the puppies will inherit traits from both their parents and have a unique appearance that sets them apart from the rest.

To make sure that the breed becomes more uniform and to create a standard, breeders turn to multigenerational crossing. Depending on which of the parental breeds they want to be more influential in the mix, they will further mix the King Charles Yorkie with an unrelated Yorkie or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Another option is crossing a King Charles Yorkie with another dog of the same designer breed. However, as this is still a recent and rare breed, there are not that many multigenerational dogs out there.

Since this is a mixed breed dog, the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize it as a breed. As a result, King Charles Yorkie puppies are not eligible for registration and won’t have official pedigree papers.

Food/Diet

To make sure your dog gets to live out a long and healthy life, it’s important to provide them with a well-balanced diet. Dogs are omnivores and need variety in their nutrition to thrive. Meat, fiber from dog-safe vegetables, healthy fats, and carbs, as well as an array of vitamins and minerals all make up the perfect diet for dogs. In most cases, all of these dietary requirements are met with high-quality dry food for dogs. It contains all the important nutrients and experts claim it improves the oral health of small breed dogs.

King Charles Yorkie will do well on premium dry food that’s formulated to meet his needs. Usually, the requirements of small breed dogs are very similar, so small breed formula is a good match. The caloric value and nutrients will be just right for dogs of their size and activity level. Another important criterion should be if the formula suits your pet’s age. Puppies, seniors, and adult dogs all have different needs, so make sure their diet reflects that.

The breed is also known as Cava-Yorkie, York-A-Lier, or Yorkalier.

Training

In general, King Charles Yorkie is a very trainable dog breed that won’t be too difficult for a beginner to teach. However, you should be aware that most toy dogs, this hybrid included, are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Unless you had previous experience with potty training dogs, it’s highly likely that training King Charles Yorkie to go to the bathroom where and when you want them to could prove to be too big of a challenge. Nevertheless, for a patient and consistent owner with the right approach, success is all but guaranteed.

Not unlike most dogs, King Charles Yorkie will also respond well to positive reinforcement method of training. Using rewards, such as praise and treats, is certain to get your pooch the motivation they need to learn. This mixed breed dog comes from very intelligent parents, so picking up on commands and tricks shouldn’t be an issue. In fact, if your pet shows a proclivity to it, you can train them for competitions such as agility or flyball.

Weight

The parental breeds of this mix are both small dogs, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be twice as big as the Yorkshire Terrier. For that reason, it’s always the Yorkie that fathers these mixes and not the other way around. This difference in weight is also responsible for the fluctuation in size common for the King Charles Yorkie. The average weight of this breed varies from 7 to 18 pounds- a significant difference.

Temperament/Behavior

There’s plenty of good reasons why King Charles Yorkie was created in the first place, but the primary one has to be their temperament. Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have been bred for generations to exhibit all of the ideal traits of a companion toy dog, and their mixed breed offspring should stand to inherit plenty of lovely qualities. The affectionate, sweet nature and the unparalleled loyalty of this mix make him truly the man’s best friend in name and in practice. Of course, to make sure your pet’s friendliness extends to people outside the family and other animals, you’ll need to train and socialize them on time.

The love and devotion these hybrids feel for their owners turn them into velcro dogs. King Charles Yorkie won’t want to spend a second apart from you and will always be trailing you around the house. He’ll expect to be a part of every family activity! However cute this might seem, though, their closeness to their owner often evolves into separation anxiety. If you work long hours and don’t have anyone at home while you’re away, King Charles Yorkie might not be the best choice.

The alert and intelligent King Charles Yorkie will make an excellent watchdog. They are protective and tend to be barkers- so you’ll always know if someone’s coming around. Of course, they’ll probably greet the stranger with a tail wag- so don’t count on them to be the one to ward off intruders!

Common Health Problems

Some might think that the fact that King Charles Yorkie is a mixed breed dog somehow means that they’re healthier than their parents. While the risk for some issues can be minimized through proper breeding, designer dogs still stand to inherit any of the problems their purebred parents are prone to. The best way to make sure your pooch is healthy as can be and doesn’t have any “hidden” genetic issues is to get a King Charles Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder that offers a health guarantee. Puppy mills and pet stores often knowingly sell sick puppies that have been badly mistreated, so always avoid them.

As for the common health problems that still remain a possibility for the breed, those include patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, syringomyelia, heart conditions, portosystemic shunt, and tracheal collapse. If not provided proper care throughout his life, your King Charles Yorkie will also be prone to obesity, diabetes, and early tooth loss.

Life Expectancy

Like all small breed dogs, King Charles Yorkie has a good life expectancy. On average, they live for 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The lively and energetic King Charles Yorkie comes from dogs that were hunters and retrievers far back in their history. While decades of breeding and, now, crossbreeding, ensure that those instincts are now minimal, they still remain- and make this breed a spirited, driven dog. Despite their tendency to be slightly more active than your average toy dog, King Charles Yorkies are still low-maintenance when it comes to their exercise requirements.

A dog of their size doesn’t need more than 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are moderately active and will be happy in a home with a small backyard where they could safely play or in a condo with an owner that takes them out for walks a few times a day.

This breed doesn’t need more than 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Recognized Clubs

Even though King Charles Yorkie has a few alternative names, clubs recognize the breed only under the official one. The AKC and major canine clubs might not think of designer dogs as actual breeds, but there are many smaller organizations that do. American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry all recognize the King Charles Yorkie.

Coat

The parents of King Charles Yorkie both have soft, fine hair and their offspring will be no different. These dogs have a smooth, lustrous coat that’s a joy to pet and not too demanding to maintain. Combing them a few times a week will make sure that there are no tangles or matting. These hybrids are moderate shedders, so there won’t be too much dead hair to brush out, either.

As for the coat colors, King Charles Yorkie can come in a variety of shades and patterns. Possibilities include Blenheim, tricolor, ruby, black and tan, blue and tan, blue and gold and black and gold.

Puppies

King Charles Yorkie puppies are cute, mischievous and very fragile, Their tiny size requires extra attentiveness and care with handling, as the smallest thing could lead to a serious injury. For that reason, it’s best not to leave the puppies alone with children, who could inadvertently hurt them in play.

As soon as you get your King Charles Yorkie puppy, it’s time to start with basic training and socialization. The earlier you start, the greater your chance for success. Be sure to use only reward-based methods and be patient- and your new designer breed puppy will grow up into a wonderful dog.

Photo credit: StefanieMueller/Shutterstock; otsphoto/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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Ah, peanut butter –who doesn’t love a smear of this sticky butter on their toast? Whether you top it with bananas or jelly or something else altogether, spread on bread, mix in oatmeal, or add to smoothies, you likely enjoy the nutty goodness of peanut butter at least a few times a week. But can you share PB with your dog? While this tasty spread is generally safe for dogs as they have no issue eating peanuts in the form of butter, it’s the other ingredients that may be in the PB you’re eating that could harm them. This is what you should know before giving your pet peanut butter – whether as an ingredient of something else or on its own.Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs? To give you a short and straightforward answer, yes, peanut butter is safe for dogs when it’s made only out of peanuts as the single ingredient. However, that’s not always the case with commercially made peanut butter. To tweak its consistency, shelf life, or even modify its flavor, companies can add a variety of different ingredients to their peanut butter products, so it’s crucial to read the label before giving your pet even just a lick of peanut butter – and it wouldn't hurt to do so before eating it yourself, either. The most dangerous ingredient (for dogs) that could be added to peanut butter is  xylitol, or birch sugar, as it is sometimes labeled. This sweetener is highly toxic to dogs as even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure in dogs.Another thing that could be problematic about peanut butter for dogs is not a matter of a sneaky ingredient but the fact that it’s a high-fat food. If not given in moderation, peanut butter can largely contribute to obesity in dogs, and in turn, promote health issues such as  pancreatitis at worst and upset tummy at best. It is also important to note that some dogs may be allergic to peanuts, the same as is the case with us humans. If you are giving your pet peanut butter for the first time, monitor them for signs of allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, swelling, or gastrointestinal upset, and consult your veterinarian if concerns arise.Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs and How To Incorporate It In Your Dog’s DietIn addition to being yummy, peanut butter is also beneficial for dogs. It might be high in fat, but it is predominantly unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, joint function, and immune system function in dogs. It is also a rich source of plant-based protein and will support your pet's overall health when given in moderation. So how do you ensure you don’t overdo it with PB and that your pet reap only the benefits of this nutty spread? While an excellent reward to utilize when training with positive reinforcement methods, peanut butter should be given sparingly rather than every time your pooch does a good job. Use a small amount – a teaspoon will work well for the job. Alternatively, if your pet loves the taste of peanut butter but you’re trying to maintain their weight, opting for peanut butter-flavored treats is a perfect compromise. My dogs prefer crunchy treats and are big PB fans, so one of their favorites is  American Journey Peanut Butter Recipe Grain-Free Oven Baked Crunchy Biscuit Dog Treats.

Technology Tracking Dogs Really Are a Thing

We’ve all heard of dogs that can sniff out drugs and explosives or locate missing persons from a simple whiff of their clothing… but what’s all this about technology trackers? Can I seriously teach my pooch to hunt down the TV remote that went missing over the weekend? Actually, it’s not that kind of technology. You see, this highly specialized dog is trained to detect a compound called triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) and with a dog’s approximately 400 million olfactory receptors (humans have closer to 50 million) these super sleuths can smell that stuff through pocket material, duffle bags, a shoe insole, and even drywall. Now, if you’re wondering what TPPO is, it’s the compound used to cover circuit boards in storage devices ranging from hard drives to USB sticks, memory cards and even those tiny SIM cards that store data on our cellphones. Essentially, it’s the all-important coating that prevents these gadgets from overheating and because of that, it’s a compound that will never not be present on electronic devices.But as to why this specific training is growing in K9 units worldwide you need to consider the increase in cyber-terrorism. From drug and human trafficking to child pornography and weapons offences, the need to locate a criminal’s “tools of the trade” such as computers, burner phones, and hard drives is essential to securing a successful conviction. And while internet use and location trackers have made it easy to trail an individual, many perpetrators now work on darknets – an overlay that uses the internet but requires special software for the person to access illicit data.Of course, even a darknet involves a computer system and that’s where the TPPO-sniffing pooch steps up to the plate. Find the perp and let this specially trained K9 agent track down the concealed storage system. I mean, when you’re dealing with something as easily hidden as a SIM card, having a secret furry weapon that detects the scent, then sits, barks and wags his tail saves a heck of a lot of time.Truth is, technology-tracking dogs are becoming more and more common in the execution of this type of warrant because police often get just one shot at finding the much-needed evidence. No surprise that the best dogs for this type of work tend to be the usual suspects – Labrador retrievers because of their heightened sensory skills, innate hunting traits and their gentle disposition – important if there are younger family members present during a search. Other faves include the stately Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dogs for their tenacity and handler loyalty. I’m not convinced my Schnoodles would rank but as with most family pooches, they’re ace at hunting down an errant chip between the sofa cushions… and that’s good enough for me.

AI Could Match You with a New Furry Friend Based on Personality

In a cutting-edge study, scientists specializing in canine behavior have used artificial intelligence to predict dog personality types. A multi-disciplinary research team has developed an AI algorithm that simplifies the painstaking process of evaluating canine personalities.Understanding a dog’s temperament is key not only for pet owners but also for training agencies and professionals working with working dogs. The study, which introduces a brand-new method of predicting and categorizing dog personalities, is published in the eminent journal Scientific Reports. The team that developed the algorithm hopes that it will more quickly and accurately evaluate which dogs are better suited for long-term careers, such as assisting people with disabilities and helping law enforcement. This new approach to predicting dog personalities could also be used to match owners with a new furry best friend. The new AI algorithm can help shelters place dogs in the right homes, thus reducing the number of dogs returned for not being the right fit for their adoptive families.Before this algorithm, canine behavioral experts used questionnaires and statistical analysis to determine a dog’s personality.  The AI algorithm uses data from almost 8,000 responses to the commonly used Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The C-BARQ questionnaire has been the top resource for evaluating working dogs in the past two decades. “C-BARQ is highly effective, but many of its questions are also subjective,” said James Serpell, a professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “By clustering data from thousands of surveys, we can adjust for outlying responses inherent to subjective survey questions in categories such as dog rivalry and stranger-related fear.”The team’s new AI algorithm gathers the responses to C-BARQ questions into five main categories that essentially form the digital personality of a dog. The results showed five distinctive personality types among domestic dogs, including excitable/attached, anxious/fearful, reactive/assertive, aloof/predatory, and calm/agreeable.The study was conducted over two years by a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of Dr Mohammad Amirhosseini of the University of East London and Professor James Serpell of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The research was sponsored by Dogvatar, a Miami, Florida-based canine technology startup.“This innovative AI-based methodology holds promise for revolutionizing the selection and training of dogs for specific roles, both for working and non-working,” said Dr Amirhosseini. Almost 50 percent of people who surrender their dogs to animal shelters in the USA say that behavioral problems are a contributing factor, and nearly a quarter say that those problems are the main reason for giving up their dog. More research is needed to understand the nuances of canine personalities. However, researchers hope to promote strong bonds between people and their dogs by designing effective training programs and customized dog-owner interactions. According to researchers, these findings could serve as a foundation to explore personality matching between dogs and their owners and how that might improve the quality of their relationship.Dogvatar and the research team plan to conduct further research into potential uses for their dog personality testing algorithm.“This has been a really exciting breakthrough for us,” said Dogvatar CEO Piya Pettigrew. “This algorithm could greatly improve efficiency in working dog training and placement process and could help reduce the number of companion dogs brought back to shelters for not being compatible. It’s a win for both dogs and the people they serve.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pandemic Puppies Are Behaving Badly, Study Shows

Puppies bought during the COVID-19 pandemic are more likely to exhibit one or more problem behaviors, a new study suggests. Research by the Royal Veterinary Colledge (RVC) has found that four in five (82%) owners of pandemic puppies have resorted to using punishment-based training methods to try to curb their dog’s problem behavior. The study found that moving the dog or shouting at them were the most commonly used aversive training methods. Other owners reported using water pistols, rattle bottles, and choke chains. Only 18% of owners who participated in the study said they didn’t use any aversive training methods or aids. Not only are aversive training techniques such as yelling at the dog or pulling its lead ineffective but they are also linked to further behavioral problems. The survey which was funded by the Battersea animal rescue charity asked more than 1,007 UK dog owners to list problem behaviors exhibited by their dogs. The list consisted of 24 problem behaviors reported by the owners. They ranged from control behaviors ( pulling on the leash) and attention-seeking behaviors, to aggressive behaviors and fear behaviors (anxiety around other dogs or people).Almost all (97%) owners said their dog exhibited at least one problem behavior from the list. At 21 months, owners on average reported five behavioral problems, while 20% of owners reported that their dogs had eight or more problem behaviors. According to owners, pulling on the leash is the most common problem behavior (67%), followed by jumping on people (57%), and not coming back when called (52%).Denise Mariner-Chappell got a Labrador retriever Ted during the pandemic. Strict lockdown measures made it hard to properly train and socialize her new pooch.“He’s a crazy dog when he’s out,” she said. “He’s just manic. He just wants to play and sniff, and everything, but not with humans.” Dr. Rowena Packer, the lead author of the study explained that problem behaviors are very common in pandemic puppies. In many cases, owners exacerbate these issues by using punishment-based training methods. “Although we understand these problem behaviors can be very frustrating for owners, they are often a sign a dog is struggling to cope or that they haven’t been taught an appropriate response in a situation, rather than dogs intentionally behaving badly,” she added.Packer warned that punishing the dog can make it anxious and fearful and cause it to develop further behavioral problems, including aggression. According to Robert Bays, Battersea’s senior animal behavior manager, the charity has seen an influx in dogs with behavioral problems coming into centers. These pups are suffering from separation anxiety and show other problem behaviors, which can be linked to training challenges brought on by the pandemic. “Without the right kind of positive training and support, a small behavioral problem in a puppy or a dog can quickly escalate into a serious issue, so we are deeply concerned with this study’s findings that so many owners are using aversive training methods,” said Bays.This training approach can cause additional behavioral problems in adulthood and also significantly damage the relationship between the dog and its owner. The study found that puppies who were still exhibiting problem behaviors by the age of 21 months were at a higher risk of being rehomed or euthanized. “A key piece of guidance arising from our study is that attending puppy classes is a vital way to support owners in using the best training techniques available.”Although many pandemic puppy owners missed these training classes due to lockdown restrictions there are thankfully many certified trainers who offer training classes for adult dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Plumber's Hilarious Cat Rescue Mishap Goes Viral

It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

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Is Dog Snoring Normal?

Does it sound like your pet’s sawing wood whenever they take a nap? We hear you. It just so happens that dogs can snore like humans do, and some do it quite often and quite loudly. But what causes snoring in dogs, and is it normal? And is there a way to limit, reduce, or altogether eliminate it? Here are all the deets on dog snoring you need to know.Is Dog Snoring Normal?First off, yes, dog snoring can be completely normal. Just like humans, dogs can snore for various reasons. In most cases, it is not something you should worry about. Still, it can be somewhat distracting, and you might want to know what causes it. A number of factors can contribute to this issue – here are the most common ones.Brachycephalic Breeds:Dogs with short noses and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to snoring. This conformation can lead to narrower air passages, making it harder for air to flow smoothly during breathing. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus.Weight:Overweight, chubby dogs may snore more frequently because excess weight can put pressure on their airways. Combined with excess fat on their neck, and the sleeping position, their snoring can be quite loud, especially during sleep. Age:Believe it or not, age can cause snoring as well! Older dogs may snore more frequently and loudly as they age, just like some humans. Age can affect the muscles and tissues in a dog's throat. Older dogs may experience a relaxation of these tissues, contributing to snoring. Don't hold it against your senior furry friend, they can't help it!Sleeping Environment:Ultimately, the environment in which a dog sleeps can influence snoring. For example, if the room is too dry, it may irritate the nasal passages, or if it's too warm, dogs may breathe with their mouths open, contributing to snoring. Try to find an ideal environment for them, or consider using an air humidifier to moisturize dry air.

Guinness World Records Reviews Bobi’s 'World's Oldest Dog' Title

A Portuguese dog named Bobi made news last year when Guinness World Records crowned him as the world’s oldest dog. Bobi was 31 years and 165 days old when he died at his home last October.However, Guinness World Records has now suspended Bobi’s title after complaints made by veterinarians and professionals questioning the legitimacy of his age.Bobi, who was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, was also declared the world’s oldest dog ever, breaking a nearly century-old record held by an Australian cattle dog, named Bluey, who died in 1939 at the age of 29 years and 5 months. The average life expectancy of a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo is 12 to 14 years.A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records explained that the review into Bobi’s record is ongoing and it includes looking over the evidence again, looking for new evidence, and talking to experts and all those linked to the original application. “While our review is ongoing we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for oldest dog living and (oldest dog) ever just until all of our findings are in place and have been communicated,” said the spokesperson, according to CBS News.Several skeptics pointed out that Bobi’s feet appear to be of different color in photos of him as a puppy and in recent pictures of him in his old age. A Lisbon vet, Miguel Figuereido said last year that Bobi doesn’t really look like a very old dog with mobility problems and an old dog muscle mass. Additionally, an investigation by Wired discovered that Bobi had been formally registered on Portugal’s pet database in July 2022. Leonel Costa, the dog’s owner, registered Bobi as being born in 1992, but there hasn’t been any proof, other than the owner’s word. According to Portuguese law, dogs born before 2008 didn’t have to be registered until October 2020. The Portuguese database for dogs, cats, and other pets also told Wired that they weren’t contacted by Guinness World Records to verify the information. Many other veterinarians and canine experts have questioned Bobi’s true age in correspondence to the Guinness World Records. A veterinarian and council member of the Royal Colledge of Veterinary Surgeons, Danny Chambers, told the Guardian, “Not a single one of my veterinary colleagues believe Bobi was actually 31 years old.”Guinness World Records insists that the suspension is temporary while the review is ongoing.Bobi spent his whole life living with the Costa family in the village of Conqueiros, in Portugal. The pooch, who was allegedly born on May 11, 1992, escaped death in his first days of life. Bobi, along with three other puppies, was born in a woodshed belonging to the Costa family. But, because they already owned many animals, the parents decided to get rid of the newborn puppies.One puppy - Bobi - was unintentionally left behind and discovered days later. Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, who was eight, and his sister persuaded their parents to keep the pup, and so he remained living with the family.Leonel Costa defended Bobi’s title saying that “an elite within the veterinary world…tried to give people an idea that Bobi’s life story was not true.”Costa believes this happened because he attributed Bobi’s longevity to a varied diet of human foods, rather than pet food. He said this goes against the recommendations of many veterinarians. “Everything would be different if we had said he (Bobi) ate pet food for three decades,” said Costa, adding that they’d provided everything Guinness World Records requested to validate Bobi’s age. Bobi has never been chained up or put on a leash and used to roam the woods around the village until he got too old to move much. He spent his golden years lounging in the yard with the family cats. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Latest Studies Find That Aging in Dogs Can Mirror Aging in Humans

In the United States alone, pet owners spend around $1,500 a year on  veterinary care. To be precise, people tend to spend more on dogs than on any other pets – up to 41% of Americans spend $2,000 per year caring about their cherished canine friends. Of course, this is all in the hopes that their pet reaches their senior age with minimal issues and that they get to spend as many years enjoying their company. While providing veterinary care is an important factor that contributes to a pet’s longevity, it’s not always easy to determine when a certain procedure or treatment will help prolong your pet’s life and not their suffering. By comparing the concept they labeled “frailty” in humans and in dogs, a team of researchers hopes that they can help owners make better decisions about their pet’s care.Scientists behind the “ Dog Aging Project” are studying how they could improve your dog’s quality of life for many years to come. The team from the University of Washington is conducting extensive research, based on dogs of all ages, in their attempts to determine how their quality of life is impacted as they age. Dr. Anya Gambino, one of the chief veterinarians working on the project, says: “There's a quantity of life. It's amazing to have a long life, but you always want to have quality of life." The team’s UW Biologist and the Co-Director of the Project, Daniel Promislow, quickly drew a parallel with humans. "Dogs get the same kinds of diseases that humans get. They also show the same kinds of frailty that we see in humans," he said.The so-called “frailty” of dogs, which is the object of the study, is already studied in humans. Dr. Promislow firmly believes that through this study, researchers can gain a much better understanding of life expectancies in dogs and potential disease risks as well. "We hope we'll be able to figure out the relationship between frailty and the disease," Promislow says. But what exactly is this “frailty”? Researchers describe it as "a complex syndrome associated with aging. Because it considers physical, mental and emotional changes associated with aging, it is a better indicator of the body’s condition and overall health than age alone.""If we can do that, we can help vets treat dogs earlier before those diseases are apparent and can also help dogs enjoy their later years to the best degree possible," said Promislow.The study is on a very grand scale and already enrolls over 46,000 dogs across the United States. What is best, researchers believe that humans can also benefit from this extensive study. "The other thing about aging in dogs is that aging in dogs looks a lot like aging in people," said Promislow. "What we learn about aging in dogs is going to help us learn about aging in people, as well."Hopefully, this would mean that many more dogs would get a chance to enjoy their golden years, right by their owner's side. "They provide us with so much unconditional love, joy, and humor," said Dr. Gambino. "We can do something for them that gives them the best chance for living a very happy life with us."

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