Kyi-Leo

by Rachel Leavy

November 17th, 2015 12:00 AM

About Kyi-Leo

Weight

9-14 lb

Lifespan

12-14 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

families with children, seniors, singles, apartments, houses with or without yards

Temperament

Social, alert, friendly, sweet

Comparable Breeds

Lhasa Apso, Maltese

Height

8-12 inches

Kyi-Leo Basics

The Kyi-Leo is a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese. The breed was created by accident, but since has become a popular designer breed. These dogs have a sweet temperament – making them great family dogs, and they don’t require a ton of exercise. Their silky coat is beautiful and requires regular grooming.

Their playful nature makes them great additions to any family looking for a small dog. They used to be difficult to find, but are rapidly increasing in popularity.

The Kyi-Leo is a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese.

Origin

The Kyi-Leo was created by accident in the 1950s in San Francisco, California. The word Kyi means Dog in Tibetan, and Leo means lion in Latin. After the accidental mating, the breeder realized that this type of dog had a wonderful temperament and decided to continue breeding them. Harriet Linn is responsible for the breed, and her careful line selection has made them the lovable family pets they are today.

Pedigree

Kyi-Leos are recognized as their own breed, but were formed by crossing a Lhasa Apso with a Maltese. The breed began in the 50s and now has its own standard. Since it is recognized, just mixing the two breeds no longer qualifies a dog to be a Kyi-Leo, they must be bred from two Kyi-Leos.

The Kyi-Leo is a small, but stout dog with long, silky hair. They are typically black and white, but in rare cases they can fade to silver and white with age.

Don’t let their small size fool you – the breed is incredibly intelligent and training is a must.

Food/Diet

The Kyi-Leo belongs on a healthy diet, with little to no fillers. Fillers such as corn will cause them to gain unnecessary weight and put undue pressure on their joints and spine. They are prone to having back issues, so using a glucosamine supplement is recommended.

Training

It is important to begin training the Kyi-Leo at an early age. They are tiny as puppies, but it is essential to raise them on the right track. Because of their small size, it’s not uncommon for owners to coddle them, which can lead to issues in the future. Don’t let their small size fool you – the breed is incredibly intelligent and training is a must.

Weight

The Kyi-Leo weighs between 9 and 14 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

Kyi-Leos are gentle, sweet dogs. They bond well with just about everyone and are very easy-going. They are great for people who work because they don’t mind being left alone. They do well with seniors and children, and their small size makes them ideal companions for people who live in apartments.

The Kyi-Leo is a great dog for a first time dog owner, since their requirements are low, and they tend to be very loveable and rarely show any signs of aggression. However, as with all dogs, it is important they begin socializing at a young age, just to prevent any fear behaviors from cropping up as they age. They make great watch dogs because of their alert nature (although if someone was to enter the house, they’d probably ask for belly rubs).

Common Health Problems

The only health problem that seems to be evident in the Kyi-Leo is problems pertaining to the back and joints. Because of their compact size, they put a great deal of pressure on their back and legs. To prevent this, it’s wise to put them on a joint supplement at a young age. Also, keep an eye on them as they age when they are going up and down stairs, rough-housing with other dogs, and make sure to handle them with care.

Life Expectancy

The lifespan of the Kyi-Leo is 12 to 14 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Kyi-Leo doesn’t require vigorous exercising. One walk a day will keep them happy. It is important to play with them and keep them engaged, especially if they are to be left for long periods of time.

The Kyi-Leo is not for super-active families. They don’t want to hike or swim – they would rather snuggle and hang out with their owners.

Kyi-Leos are gentle, sweet dogs.

Recognized Clubs

Because the Kyi-Leo is a mix of Lhasa Apso and Maltese, this breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. It is recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the Kyi-Leo Club (KLC), the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) and the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA).

Coat

The Kyi-Leo coat is long and silky. Many are black and white, but coats can also be silver and white or tan and white. The Kyi-Leo does require regular grooming to keep its coat silky and soft.

Puppies

Kyi-Leo puppies are little fluffballs of adorable. They have soft fur, and goofy, fun-loving personalities. It is important to not let their cuteness fool you – and to give them rules and guidelines from the beginning to avoid problems in the future.

Photo credit: Davmid055/ Wikimedia; Regina Marie/Flickr; Girldogsgonewild/Bigstock

Rachel Leavy

Rachel Leavy lives in Rochester, New York with her dog, Maria, and her gecko, Nigel. She has loved animals all her life, and has owned her own dog training and walking company for five years. When she's not playing with puppies, she can usually be found writing short stories, riding horses or out at a play.

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Bernese Mountain Dog

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

American English Coonhound

American English Coonhound Basics A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Loud-voiced and hard-working, the American English Coonhound is one of six official Coonhound breeds. Renowned for its speed, endurance, intelligence, and athleticism, this dog loves to be on the move. Good with children and friendly with strangers, you’ll find this dog to be fairly easy to train, making it a great family pet for novice owners. It will alert you (loudly) of strangers entering your property, but will make fast friends with anyone who gives it attention. This makes the American Coonhound a good watchdog, but not the best guard dog. Alert, confident and friendly to people and dogs, the American English Coonhound fits in well with a variety of households. Active owners will find that it makes a wonderful companion, especially if you like to spend time outdoors with a high-energy pet. Although not suited to apartment living, this breed loves to be with its people and will thrive in a loving household. If this is the first time you’ve heard of the American English Coonhound, read on – this dog may just be the perfect fit for your family. A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Origin The American English Coonhound was first brought to the United States by European settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries. First called “Virginia Hounds (and imported to the U.S. by Robert Brooke, Thomas Walker and George Washington), the American Coonhound was bred to adapt to a more rigorous terrain. These dogs were used to hunt raccoons and the American Red Fox. The American Coonhound was also used to hunt opossums, cougars, deer, boars, bobcats and bears. In 1905 the English Coonhound was first registered by UKC under the name of English Fox & Coonhound.

What To Look For In A Doggie Daycare

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

Top 10 Unusual Dog Names for 2012

Fatty McButterpants Tops The List Of Unusual Dog Names If you’re looking for unusual dog names, Banfield Pet Hospital, the world’s largest veterinary practice, has a few ideas you can use. The hospital went through all the most unusual and wackiest pet names it had in its database. From the original 780, the list was narrowed down to these 10 unusual dog names: 1. Fatty Mcbutterpants 2. Sir Goose Slobberalot 3. Beetle Juice Monster Pants 4. Chairman Meow 5. Honey’s Lil Midnight Moonshine 6. Lord Godrick Von Mousenberg 7. Emperor Chewy Teddybear 8. Cookie Fudge Rainbow 9. Baron Von Doodle 10. Alyssa Butter Scooch Does your pup have a zany or unusual dog name? Feel free to share it with us – leave a comment! Photo credit: James Peragine/Shutterstock

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier Basics There are many different Terriers, but only one Yorkie. This is a superstar breed, beloved by small dog lovers for generation and with good reason. It’s hard not to fall for a Yorkie. Loyal and loving, these are dogs that owners bond with for life. Once you’ve had a little Yorkie in your life, it’s hard to go back. Are they flawless animals? Obviously not. No dog is perfect. But ask anyone with a Yorkie in their life and they’ll tell you that these energetic little fluff balls come close. The adorable Yorkie has that unmistakable, cute look that can’t be resisted. They are spunky, goofy, cute and confident – with plenty of affection for their humans. And this makes them fantastic family pets and dogs for single owners alike. Originating in England as rat and small vermin hunters, the cuddly Yorkshire Terrier has become a go-to lap dog (a much better lifestyle than rat eating). They may have started out as a working class dog, but their beautiful coat later made them a favorite in dog shows. Often referred to fans of the breed as “Yorkies,” this bold and fearless dog makes a great addition to any family. However if it’s a quiet and laid back kind of dog that you’re looking for, you’re out of luck with the Yorkshire Terrier. A feisty breed, the Yorkie loves attention and tends to bark. In many ways it’s a true breed of the English working class. A Yorkie too loves a bit of action and is full of energy – but at the end of the day, it’s all about love and good nature. Either way, keep in mind that this pup will make his presence known, for better or worse. That said, don’t let those character traits scare you off. The Yorkshire Terrier makes a great pet for families with older children and if properly socialized as a puppy, these little guys will make friends with all of the other animal members of your household. Read on to learn more about this enchanting breed and see if it’s a fit for your family. While they may not be for everyone, those who love Yorkies will never go back to another dog breed. Here is what you should know about the breed before you make it a part of your family. Often referred to fans of the breed as “Yorkies,” this bold and fearless dog makes a great addition to a family. Origin The Yorkshire Terrier was first bred in the 19th century in the county of Yorkshire, England to catch rats and other vermin in clothing mills. The Yorkshire Terrier was owned predominantly by the working class. In particular, they tended to live in the homes of professional weavers. An evolution of other terrier breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier can trace its heritage from the Waterside Terrier, Manchester Terrier and Paisley Terrier. So this sweet little pup has quite the pedigree. A part of the English Kennel Club since the club was started in 1873, the Yorkshire Terrier came to the U.S. in the 19th century where it has remained a popular breed. The portable pooch was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and has become a popular breed in North American thanks to its big personality and luxurious coat. Perpetually popular, these dogs are favourites at pet shops and dogs shows alike. Pedigree

How To Use a Dog Food Calculator

Did you know that you can calculate the amount of calories your dog eats per meal? Regulate your dog’s caloric intake carefully with help from a dog food calculator.Like humans, dogs require a certain number of calories on a daily basis in order to support their healthy metabolism. Your dog’s body burns calories all day long just to support important biological processes like respiration, digestion, and growth – if your dog doesn’t get the calories he needs, he could experience serious nutritional deficiencies and stunted growth. To help you figure out how many calories your dog should be getting on a daily basis, consider using a dog food calculator.Calculating Your Dog’s Calorie NeedsAs you may already know, all living things require calories as a unit of energy to support life. In the same way that the human body has a minimum daily calorie requirement (called the basal metabolic rate, or MBR), your dog also has a minimum number of calories he needs to support his metabolism. This minimum number of calories for dogs is called the “Resting Energy Requirement” or RER. This number varies from one dog to another based on the age, sex, weight, and activity level. To give you an idea what your dog’s RER might look like, consider the following formula:RER = 70 x (dog’s body weight in kg)^0.75For example, if your dog weighs 22 pounds you would first convert that number to kilograms and get a body weight of 10kg. Next, you would multiply that number to the ¾ power and then multiply the total by 70. The RER of a 22-pound dog is about 400 calories per day. Remember, however, that this number is a minimum – it only accounts for the calories needed to support basic physiologic functions. To determine how many total calories your dog actually needs you must multiply his RER by an activity factor which varies depending on your dog’s age and activity level.Related: What Does “Human Grade” Mean When it Comes to Dog Food?How to Use a Dog Food CalculatorIf you want to calculate your dog’s total daily energy requirements, the easiest thing to do is to use an online dog food calculator. To use this kind of calculator, all you have to do is input your dog’s weight and it will calculate his Resting Energy Requirement. Some dog food calculators will also give you the option to calculate your dog’s total energy needs by multiplying his RER by a certain factor based on his age and activity level. Here is a breakdown of the factors affecting your dog’s RER and the number most dog food calculators use to determine total daily calorie needs:Altered (neutered or spayed) adult dog = RER x 1.6Intact adult dog = RER x 1.8Active, working dog = RER x 2.0 – 5.0Inactive/obese dog = RER x 1.2 – 1.4Puppy 0-4 months = RER x 3.0Puppy 4-12 months = RER x 2.0Related: How Many Times A Day Should I Feed My Dog?Some dog food calculators do more than just provide your dog’s total daily calorie needs. For example, the Dog Food Advisor dog food calculator allows you to input your dog’s ideal body weight and activity level in order to determine how much your dog should eat per day to achieve that ideal weight. Remember, different dog foods have different calorie content so you will still need to do some calculations of your own to determine exactly how much food your dog needs to meet his daily calorie needs. You will find the calorie content on the dog food label, typically included in the guaranteed analysis.All dogs require a careful balance of nutrients in order to sustain healthy biological function. What many dog owners do not realize, however, is that their dog’s calorie needs might differ greatly from those of another dog. If you really want to make sure that your dog is getting the calories he needs, consider using a dog food calculator to find out.Why Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Caloric Intake? Just like with people, the calories that your dog eats daily will have a direct impact on his weight and, therefore, his health and well-being. Of course, there are other factors that factor into this, but your dog’s diet is a major consideration. By understanding the calories that your dog will need to maintain a healthy weight, you can make smart choices in terms of what you are feeding your dog. This includes selecting the right dog food, determining how much he should be fed with each meal, and incorporating any treats and snacks. Dangers of Obesity in Dogs A surprisingly high number of dogs meet the threshold for being considered overweight (10-20% above their ideal weight) or obese (more than 20% above their ideal weight). It’s estimated that approximately 25-30% of dogs are obese, with that number rising to 40-45% after 5 years of age. One of the most common reasons for weight gain in dogs is simply eating too much. This often happens when dog owners fail to consider the treats or food scraps that they are offering their dog in between meals. Every little snack adds up! Not only does this lead to a chubby appearance, but obesity also carries many serious health complications for your dog. Healthy complications associated with obesity or excessive weight gain include an increased risk of: ·       Heart disease ·       Hypertension ·       Diabetes ·       Osteoarthritis ·       Urinary bladder stones ·       Several types of cancerIn addition to these problems, dogs that carry extra weight often experience a higher rate of joint pain. This is from the ongoing pressure of carrying around the weight on a daily basis. This is especially hard on dogs who are prone to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia. If you notice that your dog’s body shape is starting to slip into the higher end of the body condition scoring chart, it’s time to reconsider how much you are feeding your dog as well as how physically active your dog is. Dangers of Being UnderweightWhile most dog owners are aware that there is a concern if their dog gains too much weight, what if your dog’s weight starts to drop? After you have calculated your dog’s daily calorie needs, take a close look at the recommended serving size of the food you have chosen. You should also look at the quality of your dog’s food to ensure that their nutritional needs are being met within that serving size. A drop in weight could be the result of not feeding your dog enough of your chosen food or that the food isn’t providing everything that he needs. If the food quality is in question, try switching to a higher-quality, WSAVA-compliant dog food. If you are providing your dog with the right amount of food and his weight is still low, you should contact your veterinarian. There may be an underlying health complication that is preventing his body from being able to absorb nutrients from the food that he is being given.

Unpopular Opinion: Goldfish Belong Outside

Some fish belong in tanks, others need to be outside. And even though you may not like it, the goldfish’s place is in a pond. I’m going to go ahead and ruffle some feathers… on a fish blog. I want to say something that’s been bugging me for years and I just can’t keep it to myself. Ready? Here goes. GOLDFISH BELONG IN PONDS, NOT TANKS! Whew! I feel better already! It’s my own opinion, and many will disagree. Let me tell you why I feel so strongly about this. Related: What You Need to Know About Feeding your Fish At least once in every person’s life they bring home a goldfish from a fair, a party or the mall. It typically dies within the first month, never close to reaching the prime of its life. Because of this, the grieving owner says, “I have bad luck with fish.” What this really translates to is “I didn’t do proper research and now my fish is dead.” If this describes what you’ve been through, let me give you some advice. Goldfish are carp. Carp get huge. I could rest my case right there, but I know my argument isn’t enough to sway anyone. Perhaps some measurements would go a long way to explaining what I mean. A common goldfish can reach lengths exceeding 12 inches. Goldfish have been caught in the wild that barely fit in a grown man’s arms. They also can live 30 years or more in the wild. In captivity, many don’t even see a year old. This is why I adamantly believe goldfish belong in ponds, so that they are able to reach their full potential for age, size, and beauty. Related: Why I Think Aquarium Rock Collecting Rocks! Many people believe that a goldfish can only grow to the size of their tank. But the fish are meant to grow much larger. Goldfish in tanks are subject to stunting, which basically means the body of the fish stops growing, but their organs do not. Eventually, their organs grow too large for the body, and they die a painful death. Now, if you insist on keeping them in an aquarium, at least choose a tank that is adequate for them. I would recommend no less than 20 gallon per goldie. It should also be considered that goldfish are dirty fish. They require frequent water changes, and are basically garbage disposals that can and will eat every hour of the day if they are able to. When they aren’t eating, it’s coming back out the other side to muck up the tank. They can’t be kept with any living plants, as they will eat them, and shouldn’t be kept with other types of fish either because again, they will eat them. Another rookie mistake when it comes to goldfish is keeping them in with tropical fish. You shouldn’t mix cold water fish (goldies) with tropicals (angels, bettas, tetras, etc.) Goldfish prefer cooler temperatures… like the water you’d find in a pond. Tropical fish prefer, tropical temperatures. The two don’t mix. It isn’t that hard to set up a pond if you have a small patch of yard to dedicate to it. In the long run, your goldfish will live longer, grow larger, and be healthier over all. If you don’t have a spot for a pond, then consider another kind of fish.

Is Bulldog Breed Doomed to Extinction?

Say it ain’t so! The beloved breed and popular mascot’s future may be at risk – scientists blame its limited gene pool for health risks. Bulldogs are too adorable, from their short legs and strong torsos to their scrunched up noses, there’s nothing not to love. In fact, the bulldog remains one of the most popular breeds in the US. Most of these traits did not occur naturally within the breed, as selective breeding practices favoured these traits and therefore they were passed on generation to generation. Now, what we perceive as a typical bulldog is actually a man made venture. Though the breed has amazing looks, scientists are advising that the limited gene pool of the breed may be very hazardous to it’s health as well as the future of the bulldog. Niels Pedersen from Center for Companion Animal Health, University of California states “These changes have occurred over hundreds of years but have become particularly rapid over the last few decades. Breeders are managing the little diversity that still exists in the best possible manner, but there are still many individuals sired from highly inbred parents. Unfortunately eliminating all the mutations may not solve the problem as this would further reduce genetic diversity. We would also question whether further modifications, such as rapidly introducing new rare coat colors, making the body smaller and more compact and adding more wrinkles in the coat, could improve the bulldog’s already fragile genetic diversity.” Related: 10 Bodacious Facts About Bulldogs The study was conducted using DNA samples and is one of the first to use this method over standard pedigree charting. This way the genomic variance may be measured with high clarity and detail. 102 English bulldogs from varying origins had their DNA compared and charted, and the results showed many overlapping DNA markers. Some of the risks the breed faces from selective breeding include unintentional changes to the dog’s genome. One big side effect includes changes to the genes associated with the immune system’s functioning capacity. Hope for the breed’s health must now come from cross breeding it with similar, more genetically variant, breeds that may introduce stronger genomic traits. “The English bulldog has reached the point where popularity can no longer excuse the health problems that the average bulldog endures in its often brief lifetime. More people seemed to be enamoured with its appearance than concerned about its health. Improving health through genetic manipulations presumes that enough diversity still exists to improve the breed from within, and if not, to add diversity by outcrossing to other breeds. We found that little genetic ‘wiggle room’ still exists in the breed to make additional genetic changes,” Pedersen concluded. There is still hope for the bulldog yet as there are already projects underway to help diversify the breed. This includes the Swiss “continental bulldog” project that hopes to help many ethically own bulldogs. There is still debate whether a continental bulldog can be considered a bonafide member of the breed, but the benefit to bulldogs at large will be great. [Source: Science Daily]

Hilarious Family Contract Sets New Dog Boundaries

Sure, the kids say they’ll help with the new dog before he comes home! This father crafted a written contract before allowing his kids to have a pet. Convincing your parents to let you get a dog is a rite of passage for kids. Some parents are more enthusiastic than others about the idea. The typical “we’ll see” response that some kids get may last through to adulthood. One dad remained unconvinced about the idea of a family pet, so he set up a contract full of rules to make sure all of his concerns would be put in writing. A reasonable idea for someone who wants to make his kids happy on his terms and conditions. The requests ranged from the dog weighing ten pounds (later revised to a reasonable 15 pounds) to it very specifically pooping in one area of the yard (the side, not the front). The very official looking document was signed by every member of the family, sealing the deal. Related: Shelter Dogs Strike a Vogue Pose For Their Adoption Profiles Some highlights from the contract include that the dog’s name be excluded from the family Christmas card and that the father is never going to pick up the dog poop. The kids are contractually obligated to never (ever) fall out of love with their new friend. The pup must not shed, drool, or become too smelly as well as refrain from other “gross” doggy traits. The dog’s name must also be approved by the father who has complete veto powers should anyone suggest something too fluffy. Should the dog’s scratching become an issue, the dad has suggested “surgically removing the dog’s feet” which we are assuming is a joke. The dog is also not to have any “fancy” organic meals, as plain dog food will suffice. Related: Not-At-All Weird Guy Wants to “Hang Out” With Your Pets

Wildfire Relocates Dogs to Prison, Inmates Now Rescuers

When fires threaten to destroy everything in its path, you’ve got to think outside the box for solutions. California inmates care for deaf dogs evacuated from shelter due to wildfire. When a wildfire threatened the lives of deaf dogs at a local rescue, they were brought to California state prison to room with inmates. “We’re pretty high up on a hill and we didn’t want to take a chance on floating embers ’cause all it takes is one to light this whole place up,” said rescue owner Lisa Tipton. 50 dogs needed an emergency home, and the prison was one of the few places that had room for the extra visitors. The decision was made for the animals to be moved for their safety and what happened next was absolutely heartwarming. “When we came by the next morning, every single dog had a smile on their face and was enjoying themselves,” Tipton said. “Even the pretty difficult dogs I thought would get snappy were thriving.” It was an outcome that everyone had hoped for, and an absolute dream for everyone involved in these dog’s lives. The animals became a part of the Paws 4 Life program that matches inmates with a rescue dog to care for. Animal therapy like this helps people with rehabilitation and motivation. Related: Shelter Dogs Strike a Vogue Pose For Their Adoption Profiles The dogs in the program are usually on shelter “kill lists” and set to be euthanised. The dogs are rescued by the prison, but the prisoners also benefit from the love of the dogs. Inmate David Dougall told local news that the program “gives me life again” and “gives me my spirit back.” Inmate Jon Grobman, added that “Paws 4 Life restored my faith in humanity, that I’m a person, that I matter. It gave me the opportunity to care for something, love something.” Inmates work with volunteer dog trainers to help socialize the animals and teach them various obedience tasks. Going through the programs helps the dogs become more confident around people and more outgoing in certain situations. Once the dogs have completed their required training, they earn a prized certification of proper behaviour, which highly increases their chances of getting adopted. The program is a testament to the fact that everyone can be rehabilitated with enough love and patience, and that no one deserves to be given up on. Related: “Throw Away Dogs” Recruited as Police K9 Heroes So far, the program has been running for a very successful two years. Around 70 dogs have been through the prison doors and found their new families once they have graduated. The 50 dogs rescued from the wildfire will have excellent company with the overjoyed inmates who can’t wait to help the dogs with their personal growth. It is thanks to their dedication and effort that these special needs pups will have a second chance at life. It’s a perfect partnership, and hopefully, the program will spread to other prisons across the country. [Source: WCVB]

SuperZoo 2016 Day 1: Carolina Pet Company’s Pendleton Pet Collection

Flannel is back in a big way! The Carolina Pet Company releases its new Pendleton Pet Collection, inspired by the classic US National Parks. What a way to start off the Las Vegas pet trade show! I stopped by the Carolina Pet Company’s Pendleton Pet Collection and was greeted by a natural wonderland of patterns and fabrics. Inspired by the great outdoors and a camping lifestyle, the Pendleton Pet Collection features its line of beds, coats, travel gear, sweaters and more in an array of rugged patterns. Taking its cue from the National Parks across the US, the Pendleton Collection draws on places such as the Acadia National Park, Crater Lake, Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain Park as design sources. My personal fave has to be the Glacier National Park’ colors – it’s a throwback to the classic Hudson Bay red, white, black and green stripes that were a staple in my childhood home. And just look at that little park ranger! Too cute for words!

SuperZoo 2016 Day 1: ZuGoPets

On the go with your pet? From car to carry, ZuGoPet has a few creative ways to bring your pooch along for the ride. It’s no secret – I am a lover of all things faux fur. So when I saw the leopard print fuzz at the ZuGoPet booth, I had to stop and take a closer look. And I’m so glad I did, because I discovered a plethora of must-have pet products.

Palomino Rabbit

Palomino Rabbit Breed History/Origin Mark Youngs of the Lone Pine Rabbitry in Washington state had raised rabbits for many years and wanted to develop a new breed. He crossed several commercial-typed rabbits in the late 1940s and eventually made way for a rabbit he called “Tawnies.” He enlisted the help of a few other breeders and together, they developed their brightly colored tawnies into a new breed and obtained an American Rabbit Breeder’s Association’s (ARBA) working standard under the name “Washingtonian.” The new rabbit breed was presented in an ARBA convention in 1953, where the name was changed to Palomino and in 1957, the Palomino Rabbit was officially recognized by the ARBA. The Palomino rabbit needs plenty of time outside of its enclosure to explore and thrive. Overall Description

Best Gilded Golden Retriever Gifts

The Golden Retriever has a gift for turning every person they meet into a friend, thanks to their sweet temperament. Give the gift of happiness with brilliant Golden Retriever-inspired trinkets that are sure to be treasured. Personalized Golden Retriever Welcome Mat

SuperZoo 2016 Day 2: PAW5 Wooly Feeding Mat

It’s a bowl and a mat all in one! The Wooly Feeding Mat makes dogs work for their meals, and it’s made with up-cycled woven strands. You’ve heard about feeding bowls, but how about a feeding mat? I found one at SuperZoo – it’s the Wooly, an environmentally-friendly dog feeder developed to challenge, engage and entertain the multitude of bored and under-stimulated dogs. The PAW5 Wooly engages dogs’ powerful sense of smell as they snuffle, snort and sniff their way through dinner. By combining their natural foraging instincts with mealtime, dogs have the opportunity to use the most powerful tool they were born with: their nose. Wooly puts their nose and brain to work by mimicking the hunt for food in grass and fields. Here’s how it works: you pour the food or treats on the snuffle mat and the specially woven strands require dogs to sniff and hunt their way through mealtime. The Wooly is sustainably sourced and handmade with an up-cycled, negative waste product made by one of their global community partners in Thailand and Ghana. The Wooly is also a great enrichment tool for all breeds of dog, and is super easy to clean. When it get’s dirty, just throw it in the washer and dryer and it’ll be as good as new. It’s a cool feeding idea that’s great for dogs who gulp down their meals, and its product sustainability makes it a great purchase you can feel good about.

Can’t Adopt Due to Sensitivity to Cat Allergens? No More Excuses.

There are so many people that adore cats but can’t adopt one because of their sensitivities to cat allergens. Some try using OTC medications to try and manage the symptoms or ignore their sneezing and bloodshot eyes just to be around a kitty.

Double Doodle

Double Doodle BasicsEveryone loves a Doodle. That’s a fact. Take a look at a Doodle and it’s easy to understand why. These pups are simply too adorable to resist and need to be treated with as much love and respect as humanly possible. And it’s not all about looks, either – these pooches have a ton of fantastic character traits that are hard to overlook. However, there are some folks out there for whom a single Doodle simply won’t do! It’s just not enough Doodle for them. They need more. Twice as much actually. And in a single dog. They need a Double Doodle in their lives. That’s the key to everyone’s Doodle desires. Once you spend a little time learning about the nature of these absolutely stunning animals, it’ll be easy for you to understand why. Single Doodles have nothing on the remarkable Double Doodle. One doggo – double the fun! Let’s learn more about these unique designer dogs. Looking for something to cuddle? Specifically a dog so adorable and loving that cuddles become irresistible at all times? Well, if you want to have a living teddy bear as your family pet, then the Double Doodle is a perfect choice. These big fluffy doggos are not only gorgeous, but they also have lovely personalities that make them very popular. That is especially true with fans of hybrid dogs. However, even though these crossbreeds belong to the diverse world of popular designer dog breeds, their lineage is somewhat more unusual than you’d expect. This isn’t a standard hybrid that combines two popular breeds into one delightful pup. Nope, the Double Doodle’s origin is more complicated than that. This is a designer dog that has been crafted through several layers of canine excellence. The results of all that thought and work from breeders really shows in the final product.So, what makes these lovable fur balls so unique? The Double Doodle is a hybrid offspring of two hybrids: the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle. It’s a hybrid of other hybrids. A power combination of cuteness cubed. His unique name comes from the fact that both the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle are already crossbreeds, which means he is not a typical hybrid (where both parents are purebreds). Nope, this Doodle is more special than that and the results speak for themselves. The end product of breeding those two beloved Doodles is a super intelligent dog with a cheerful and friendly personality. These pups are great with kids and are mercifully low-shedding for owners who struggle with allergies. Naturally, all of these fantastic traits and the fact that the Double Doodle has extremely cute appearance make these dogs highly sought after. It’s easy to see why. One peek at a Double Doodle puppy and you’ll be desperate to take him home and love him forever. Seriously, Double Doodles are that irresistible.If you are looking to get a Double Doodle puppy for your family or want to adopt a Double Doodle from a shelter, read on. It’s important to learn everything that you can about the breed’s unique behaviour, requirements, and quirks. After all, not all dogs are suited to every home. Choosing a dog to become part of your family is a major decision that should not be taken lightly. So, if you want to make sure that a Double Doodle really is the right match for you, you’ve come to the right place. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All is about to be revealed.The Double Doodle is a hybrid of three great breeds; the Labrador retriever, Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle.Origin The Double Doodle is an offshoot of the growing popularity in designer or hybrid dogs that first surfaced back in the 1970s and ‘80s. The goal of creating a hybrid is to introduce special attributes associated with certain breeds, but often in a smaller format dog. Additionally, breeders wanted to produce dogs that would boast the traits of their purebred parents, just with a lower risk of breed-specific health issues. As a result, the Double Doodle offers the gentle nature of both the Labrador and Golden Retrievers. These are both 19th century water dogs known for helping hunters retrieve waterfowl. As an added bonus, the Double Doodle also boasts a coat with the hypoallergenic and low shed properties of the Standard Poodle (a gorgeous pooch that dates back to 15th century Europe and was also used for duck hunting). That’s an extraordinary lineage and one that leads to a remarkably lovable pup perfect for almost any home. The Double Doodle combines only the best of the best of doggie genes and the results speak for themselves.Of course, while we do know a lot about the origin and history of all three of Double Doodle’s parental breeds, the hybrid itself has mysterious roots. Apart from the general consensus that this crossbreed was developed during the heights of the designer dog craze, there are no breeders that claim Double Doodle breed is their brainchild. So we can’t know for sure where or when exactly these mixed breed dogs came to be. Unfortunately, there simply wasn’t enough documentation kept about these designer dog breeds to be certain of their origin. It’s such a specific creation that we can be certain that these dogs didn’t come into existence by accident. Obviously these dogs were created by some creative and clever breeders. We just can’t be certain of who delivered this dog first. Yet, even if we don’t quite know where the Double Doodle came from, at least we can all agree on the remarkable results of this breeding experiment. A true masterpiece of selective doggo breeding.Pedigree

Pocket Pitbull

Pocket Pitbull BasicsIf you are looking for an active and friendly breed like the American Pitbull Terrier but prefer something smaller, like a Patterdale Terrier, the Pocket Pitbull may be the perfect breed for you. As a mix of the two breeds, these designer dogs bring together the best traits of their parents into one hybrid dog. Owing to their unique lineage and traits, these miniature Pitbull mixes are a good choice for people who live in an apartment or active owners looking for a unique pet to be share adventures with.The Pocket Pitbull is an intelligent and active breed that maintains a small but stocky stature. This breed is loyal and affectionate with family and, when properly trained and socialized, they do well with children. One thing to be wary of with this breed is that they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to prevent the development of problem behaviors. All things considered, the Pocket Pitbull has a lot to offer to an experienced and dedicated owner. Are these dogs the right choice for you? Read on to find out.If you are looking for an active and friendly breed like the American Pitbull Terrier but prefer something smaller, like a Patterdale Terrier, the Pocket Pitbull may be the perfect breed for you.OriginThere might be a growing interest for miniature Pitbull mixes, but that doesn’t mean that this breed has a long and established history. In fact, there’s not much we know about the origin of the Pocket Pitbull. The main reason for this is the mixed breed lineage of these hybrids. Even though they have a “fancy” name and there’s a renewed interest in them, designer dogs are still simply mixed breed dogs to many people. Either way, this is a relatively new crossbreed, and wasn’t really established prior to the late 1990s.The Pocket Pitbull might sound like an exotic breed that just got its start, but there have probably been many Patterdale Terrier and Pitbull mixes throughout history. The only difference is that those crosses weren’t intentional- but rather a product of accidental mating between the two purebreds. No breeder claims that he or she were the ones to first breed the Pocket Pitbull, so there is no clear data about the breed’s origin. The best guess anyone can have is that these crossbreeds had a start similar to many other designer dogs- they were bred in the last 20 years somewhere in the United States. Nevertheless, them being relative newcomers does not make them any less unique or fun. Pocket Pitbulls were quick to win over the hearts of many owners across the world, thanks to their positive attitude, their energetic behavior, and the endless fun that they bring. Pedigree

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