2019 is coming to a close, and its time to rank the most popular breeds of this year. We determine the top breeds using our rating system from in-store requests and purchases. While we celebrate the uniqueness of every dog breed because we are passionate about dogs, here are the top three breeds we ranked for 2019.

• Labrador Retriever – The year’s most adventurous dog breed, the famous Labrador Retriever. In 2019 we saw an increase in owners looking for an adventure companion, and Labs fit the bill. Whether it is a hike up a steep mountain or a play date at the lake, Labs are always down for an excursion. They are fearless companions who love to have fun in the great outdoors,

• French Bulldogs – The award for the most affectionate dog breed, goes to the loving Frenchie pup. We deem them the best dog for quality family time because they’re great with kids of all ages. The medium-sized Frenchie pups enjoy every moment spent with their family. Frenchie pups are super affectionate and do not like to be left out of family time.

• The Pug – The most outgoing dog breed. The Pug has always been known for having an extremely outgoing personality. These dogs know how to make their owners smile and have a great day. They are also not afraid to communicate their needs. These dogs do not grow to be that big in size so they won’t take up too much space in your home.

There you have it the best in class for 2019 and overall timeless choices for companions. Whether you are looking for an adventure, affection or attention these breeds are a perfect choice. The new year is fast approaching and we are excited to see which breed will be trending next year.

Are you ready to learn some fun facts about Poodles?

 Hairy Details

• The Poodle is considered to be hypoallergenic, and they are generally odorless. Unlike dogs that shed, the Poodle will grow fur continuously so they will need regular grooming. If left un-groomed, their fur will become matted and become like dreadlocks, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a personal choice! 

• Poodles for sale are widely known for their curly puffy hairdos. They are fancy and no matter what color they come in, people love their soft coils.

 Historical Context

 Most people associate the Poodles with French culture, but their cousins, miniature Poodles originated in Germany during the 1400s. The French, however, have loved the dog since the 1500s and have even made it their national dog!

 Personable Puppies

• If you’re looking for Poodles and have little kiddies at home, then you’re safe for adding them to your family. They are great with kids!
• Do you know that Poodles are highly intelligent? They are brilliant actually and known to be highly trainable. They became popular in France when they began performing tricks in circus rings.
• They have incredibly joyful dispositions, and it makes them natural for engaging with people of all ages.
• You’ve heard of people being people pleasers. Well, poodles are puppy people, pleasers! They love to be around their human family members. Part of the reason they are also so highly trainable is that they love to please their owners.  
• Poodles are often purchased because they are excellent therapy dogs and are most often used during visits to nursing homes, schools, and hospitals.

Now is the time to come to our store and play with our Poodles!

 

We know that there are tons of dogs in America. While there are many popular breeds, none are like the Golden Retriever! These beauties are the ultimate family dog. They are the perfect hiking partner. They are an all-around lovable and treasured four-legged family member. Golden puppies are one of our favorite breeds for families, and they fit in well in almost any environment. Here is the list of facts we’ve put together for Golden puppies.

 Check out some interesting facts about the lovable Golden Retriever

 These are large breed dogs. They have an average weight of 55 to 75 pounds and a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

 The Golden Retriever is actually from Scotland. This is where they were retrievers of fowl and small game for hunters. Their short, very dense, and water-resistant coats helped the Golden puppies wade into the cold water.

 Golden puppies require brushing and de-shedding constantly to keep their undercoats looking nice, healthy, and shiny.

 Golden puppies are a very active breed. This means they will need daily exercise. Take them on lots of walks. Give them tons of playtime. Allow them to run (supervised of course) as often as possible. Do anything you can think of to keep them active and burning off all of their energy!

 This is only a small amount of information about our Golden puppies. However, if you need more information or have specific questions, give our dedicated pet counselors a call today. You may want to actually come into our store and play with one of our Golden puppies for yourself! We’re warning you; you’re going to fall in love!

They’re big. They’re bold. They’re beautiful. 

 The Dobermann puppy undoubtedly holds that title! To maintain their beauty takes knowledge, persistence, and care. Below is all about their physical attributes and appearance.

 Size and Weight

 Once the Dobermann puppy matures, he should stand between 24 to 27 inches at his shoulder. Females should stand between 22 to 25 inches… Males weigh around 115 pounds, while females weigh in around 100 pounds.

 Appearance

 Dobermanns are muscular, powerful, athletic dogs. As we previously mentioned, their bodies are somewhat longer than they are tall. Their triangular ears sit atop their large, broadheads. The eyes are dark brown, deep-set, and beautifully shaped like almonds. They typically have their dewclaws removed and have docked tails.

 Color and Coat

Dobermanns are most often black with markings over the eyes, cheeks, each side of the muzzle, the chest, legs, and beneath the tail. While rare there is red and blue coat variations. The tail area may sometimes range from rust to mahogany color. The coat of a Dobermann puppy is short in length, coarse to the touch, and straight. The undercoat is concentrated on the neck and thighs. The coat is always shorter on the head, ears, and legs than the rest of its body.

 Grooming Needs

 You’ll find that your Dobermann puppy will indeed shed, and pretty heavily twice a year! You should brush him at least two to three times a week to remove loose hair. Brushing also helps to distribute natural skin oils, which helps to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Bathe only as needed.

 Cleaning 

 Brush your Dobermann puppy’s teeth twice a week to prevent tartar buildup and bad breath and to also promote healthy gums. Keep an eye on their eyes, by checking for signs of wax buildup and infections. To clean them, use a cotton ball with a cleanser approved by a vet. Under no circumstances should you use a cotton swab in the ear canal of your Dobermann puppy. Keep their nails nice and trimmed. 

If you follow these instructions and guidelines, your Dobermann puppy will maintain its prize-winning coats. Contact us for more information and to see the available Dobermanns we have in store! 

Bulldogs, also known as British bulldogs are sweet little comical pups who garner tons of attention virtually everywhere their presence is known. Below, we are sharing some known and unknown facts about this breed.

They Have Great Temperaments

Do not read into the bulldog’s somewhat glum face, because they are far from it. They are widely known to be silly and entertaining!  They are well behaved with family, friends, strangers, and other dogs. They don’t require much space, adapting well in apartments or on a farm. With the exception of barking to announce the arrival of a visitor, they’re otherwise quiet and respectable doggie companions. They need a little patience during the training process, because they are Bulldogs after all, which means they can be stubborn! They are overall great as pets. 

History

The Bulldog is a much different dog today than his ancestors. Descending from ancient mastiff-type dogs, the Bulldog breed was developed entirely in England. The then-fierce dogs were used in a practice called bull baiting, which involved the dog grabbing onto the bull’s nose and roughly shaking it.

Bull baiting actually had a purpose; it was thought to tenderize the bull’s meat. For many years, this practice was said to “thin” the blood of the bull and make its flesh tender after it was butchered. This belief was so strong that many areas in England had laws requiring bulls to be baited before they were slaughtered.

Final Thoughts

While your Bulldog, probably won’t be interacting with any bulls, it will add character and fun in your home as these well mannered and family-friendly dogs are the perfect medium-sized companion. 

 As a new pet owner you will soon learn to love spoiling your pups. It may not always be the best thing to needlessly reward your pup for just being cute, but it happens. After all, just looking at the adorable Dachshund is probably how you ended up being an owner.

 We want our pups to be healthy so they can enjoy long quality lives. Dachshunds are short and stout naturally and their stature can lend to look pudgy. Here are three signs that your Dachshund puppy is overweight. 

 Sign #1 – They Have No Definition

Each breed has its own unique shape and dietary requirements, but all breeds should have a certain level of definition. Considering that Dachshunds have a deep rib cage and only a slight tuck at the loin, you can still see a difference. If you seem to notice that there’s more width than normal to your pup, that is a sign of obesity. 

 #2 – Can’t Scratch an Itch

We know. Dachshunds have long bodies, and it can sometimes cause problems. With a normal and healthy weight, your pup should have no problems grooming herself. If she’s unable to relieve some ear itchiness with her legs, she is more than likely chunkier than she should be. 

 #3 – Overexerted Quickly

Much like with humans, if we’re overweight the slightest bit of movement that remotely resembles exercise can cause us to pant and get out of breath fairly quickly. Have you noticed any of this behavior? Your pup shouldn’t be overly exerted so easily. If you see this pattern, your dog is likely overweight. 

When you decided to purchase a precious Dachshund puppy, you became responsible for the health and well-being of such a beloved animal. Any of the aforementioned signs are enough to warrant a vet visit to start discussing ways to get control of your pup’s diet and exercise. We all want healthy, happy, and comfortable dogs and you’re no exception. Hop to it and get your pup back on track!

Are you planning a fun Fall break activity this year? These trips can be exciting if you decide to bring a companion along. We will help pair you with a dog that enjoys the same activity that you are planning to go out and do this Fall break. There are many activities to take part in during the Fall. Depending on which activities you like to do you may want to consider looking for specific dog breeds. There are certain dogs that really enjoy adventures so, here are some of the best activities that these breeds would really enjoy taking part in.

1. Going on a fishing trip? If you enjoy fishing and have planned an awesome fishing trip this Fall you may want to consider buying a Golden Retriever. These dogs really enjoy water and time spent with their owners. They are patient and friendly animals and will provide a great sense of comfort while you are waiting for your next catch.

2. Going hiking? One of the best hiking trail companions is the Siberian Husky. These dogs love being out in nature and are excellent tour guides. These dogs have very intelligent senses and will warn you if there is a possibility that you may be heading into trouble. These dogs are super protective which is very comforting while you’re on a hike.

3. Traveling abroad? If you have managed to plan far enough ahead of time for a trip to a different country this year and get affordable tickets you should consider bringing a Yorkshire Terrier with you. These dogs are excellent traveling companions. They are not hard to travel with at all. In fact, these dogs remain really calm on airplanes and are small enough to fit in a travel size dog bag.

These dogs are great friends and incredible at building bonds with their owners. These are some of the most loving dogs that will make sure you feel comfortable and safe during your trip. 

 

Hiking is one of America’s favorite past times. There are over thousands of miles of trails in the national trail system across the country. There’s an opportunity to hike pretty much everywhere. Taking a hike alone is fantastic and so is taking one with your dog!  Most dogs are natural hikers and they always up for an adventure. So, if you’re ready to take a hike, take a look at these five tips for hiking with your canine friend.

Tip 1 – Make sure that your pup is up-to-date on their shots and attended routine veterinary appointments. You’ll be doing fun yet strenuous activities in nature where there are critters and other animals so ensuring your dog is healthy is very important.

Tip 2 – Bring enough food and water for your dog and yourself. Fall is a great time to take midday hikes without being beaten down by sun but you’ll want to make sure that you and your dog are properly hydrated. This could take a few hours, so stop often for food and hydration breaks.  

Tip 3 – When you think about your furry friend may envision them in cold climates with doggy backpacks on their bodies. Well, in this case, that’s a good thing to envision, because it’s practical and necessary for hiking. Larger sized dogs can carry a few light objects in a doggy backpack while hiking.

Tip 4 – Pick up after your pup! Bring along poop bags and even a bag to hold it while you’re hiking. There may or may not be trash cans or places for you to dispose of it along the way. 

Tip 5 – Bring a pet emergency aid kit, just in case. This should include items like bandages, ointment for cuts or scrapes, and some sort of antiseptic that can be used to clean any bruises or injuries.

Enjoying a leisure hiking day can be pleasant, especially if you are prepared! 

 

If you don’t love the idea of regularly grooming a puppy or paying a groomer to do it for you, you might be considering a short hair dog. But are short hair dogs really easier to groom? Let’s explore some of the advantages of caring for short hair dogs

Grooming takes less time!

For humans and dogs alike, grooming will always be a factor, but with short hair dogs, the time investment is decreased. If you have ever had long trees then you know that it takes extra time to wash, dry, style and maintain, but having short hair doesn’t eliminate the need to care for your hair.  The same applies for pups. There’s way more care and attention needed with long hair puppies than short hair puppies. Doggies with long and flowing manes mean time spent brushing and sometimes wrestling with your pup to sit still while you tend to their tresses. Be honest with yourself before you buy a dog. If you are someone who cannot spare the time or effort to brush your dog’s coat regularly, then it’s borderline cruelty to get long hair puppies. Short hair puppies typically need a quick brush or two and that’s it!

More time for play

As we mentioned, it can be a hassle to constantly brush long hair puppies. Would you rather spend your time petting your dog versus working to keep their fur from matting, tangling, or potentially getting caught in their nails? Are you someone who would rather have the loving companionship of a dog, instead of grooming them? Are you someone who loves to play, but hates to brush, if so short hair puppies might be right for you. 

Less time cleaning!

All dogs shed to some degree. We won’t dispute that, however long hair puppies are more likely to put the “fur” in furniture! Are you willing to constantly clean up little fur balls found around your home? If your answer is “no,” then short hair puppies might be best for you. Do you want to keep lint brushes handy in each room and in your car? If the answers are “no,” then long hair puppies may not be best for you.

 

We celebrate our Mothers and Fathers each year, but what about Grandparents? Well, this year Grandparent’s Day is on September 8, so we suggest celebrating your lovely grandparents all September long. What better gift to present than a new puppy for your grandparents? Here are a few benefits that elders can experience for owning a dog

1. Exercise – walking a dog each day can help your grandparents maintain an active lifestyle.   morning, afternoon and evening walks will ensure that your grandparents are getting up and moving which helps to improve blood circulation and fresh air will help improve their mood. Be sure that your grandparents are healthy and strong enough to meet the requirements for dog walking. Also, remember that large dog breeds can pull during walks so its best to opt for a smaller breed. 

2. Companionship – sometimes our grandparents can get lonely. Living in an empty house after all of the grandchild’s leave can be quiet and boring. A puppy can bring vigor and spice back into the home of your grandparents. Again, a smaller breed is best for elders so they don’t occupy too much space in the home. 

3. Entertainment – One of the best characteristics of dogs is that they really love spending time with their owners. Not only will this make your grandparents extremely happy but a dog will bring laughter and cheer into the home. 

Make Grandparent’s day a big deal this year and buy your beloved grandparents a gift that will love them forever. Stop in today to learn about the best breeds for elders to help them remain active and have companionship and entertainment. 

Small dog breeds are wonderful and super cute animals. Taking care of small dogs can be tough at times because they are so little. You must have a special amount of patience for these dogs. Before buying one, you may wonder how much care will they require? Read on to the basics of caring for small dogs.

1. Balanced exercise  

Small size dogs have shorter legs, which means they can’t handle very far walks. It is important that you respect their size and do not drag them on long hikes that their bodies are not made. The smallest dog needs to walk around the block to get in a little exercise and handle their business.

2. Extra vigilance 

This is beyond important when having small dogs. Dogs are curious animals, especially small dogs. They love exploring things on the ground by putting them in their mouths. To ensure their safety so that they do not choke on anything, remove all of the small choking hazardous you have in your house to higher up surfaces.

3. Feed them the proper amount.

Most small dogs will eat whatever you put in front of them. This is a great thing and something that should be taken with precaution. Because these dogs will eat anything sometimes they do not know when to stop. Make sure that your dog is being fed the right caloric amount every day – not too much or too little. You want your small dog to have a healthy weight to ensure that they have a happy healthy life.

If you are thinking about or already own a small dog this summer, please make sure to take these tips seriously. We want you and your dog to have a happy and healthy life together. Small dog breeds are special animals that should always be handled with care.