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  • Want to Buy a Dog?

    Read These Tips Before You Do!

     

    The decision to buy a dog is a big one and should be given as much thought as when you decide to buy a new car, have a child, or purchase a new home. Yep, it’s that serious, because the decision is impactful for all lives involved, both humans and canines. Owning a dog requires commitment and is a huge responsibility. Ask yourself and family members these important questions before you buy a dog.

    Things to consider.

    • Is everyone in agreement with owning a dog? Be sure that each family member has the same desire.  
    • Will you have the proper time and patience to commit to training and nurturing a dog or puppy?
    • Before you buy a dog, you must know that they can’t be left alone for long periods of time. Will you or a family member be able to care for your new pup?
    • Can you afford the expenses associated with owning a dog? These include money for food, boarding, training, grooming, and veterinary bills!

    What breed will you select for you and your family?

    Before you buy a dog, you need to conduct adequate research on what breeds will fit in with your family the best. Are their family members with allergies? Do you have the space, both indoors and outdoors, to accommodate him? Do you have small children in  the family, if so have you considered which pets are most kid-friendly? All of these  are excellent questions that you should be able to answer before you buy a dog.  

    Is your home pet-friendly?

    Before you buy a dog and before you bring him home, it is very important for you to dog proof your home. What does this mean? Household items like cleaning products, ibuprofen, and even chewing gum can be extremely toxic to your pup. You will need to conduct a search of hazards around your house. This includes securing cabinets that are at pet level, putting away electric cords, and any dangling curtain cords. If you have any house plants on the floor, research the type and if they’re toxic to dogs. If they are, move them to higher grounds. All of these tips are important and prudent to you and family, before you make the decision to buy a dog.

     

    Should have you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at Petland!

     

  • Short Hair Don’t Care!

    Are you in the market to buy a dog, but not sure if you want short hair puppies or long hair puppies?  

     

    It’s quite the decision to make, because with either choice time is needed, however for long hair puppies, they fall short in some areas! Here, we’re playing devil’s advocate and siding with short hair puppies. We have a comprehensive checklist for you to ponder before you buy a dog. 

    Time’s a Ticking! 

    For humans and dogs alike, with long hair comes longer prep. There’s way more care and attention needed with long hair puppies than short hair puppies. Doggies with long and flowing manes means 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! 

    Work Hard or Play Hard?

    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.  

     It’s Lint! 

    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. 

     

    As we mentioned earlier, we’re making light of this debate, before you buy a dog! We recognize that no matter the length of your dog’s hair, they bring great joy and comfort. Feel free to contact us directly with any questions you may have and while you’re at it, take a look at the short hair puppies we have for sale.  

     

  • Purebred Puppies FAQ’s

    What are purebred puppies? 

    The official definition of purebred reads as follows: canines who are “bred for many generations from a member of a recognized breed or strain” or “a pedigreed animal of unmixed lineage.” According to the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog means “the sire and dam of a dog are members of a recognized breed and the ancestry of a dog consists of the same breed over many generations.” 

     Why would you select to purchase purebred puppies? 

    Here are a few reasons to consider for owning a purebred dog: 

    • They are AKC registered and have distinct heritages 
    • Most breeds were developed to perform a specific function that helped humans in their daily lives, i.e. capturing pest, such as vermin, herding animals, or hauling food and supplies 
    • Many AKC breeds have pedigrees that can be traced back more than 100 years, thus creating breed predictability 

    Are there any associated health problems with purebred puppies? 

    The main problem with purebreds stems inbreeding. To create a purebred puppy, you need two dogs from the exact same gene pool. Because this pool is already limited, many breeders use the same family gene pool to create more dogs. As a result, there is a higher risk of genetic defects with each successive coupling. 

     Can you predict the temperament of purebred puppies? 

    Yes, you can predict some behavior traits in purebred puppies. If you want a herding breed, then choose a breed with those traits and the chances are they’ll inherit them. The same goes for dogs who are more relaxed or have high energy. There are, however, some aspects of temperaments that are not inherited, but rather based on how the dog is raised and in what environment. 

     Why is purchasing purebred puppies is a good choice? 

    They’re a good choice: 

    • if you know exactly which characteristics you want in a dog 
    • if there is a breed that has all the characteristics you want 
    • if you’re willing to accept the other traits that breed may have 
    • if you’re willing to accept the greater potential for health problems 
    • if you’re willing to pay more than mixed breeds or opting to adopt 

     

  • Big Dogs in Small Spaces – 5 Apartment Puppies

    Just because you live in an apartment or condo doesn’t mean that your love for having big dogs as apartment puppies isn’t an option – on the contrary!  

     

    Your choice for apartment puppies doesn’t have to be limited to little pint-sized pups. In this vain, large dog get a bad rap. Many times, large dogs are more laid back and chill than their small or medium size counterparts. Despite their sometimes-intimidating appearances, they are quieter than the little ones. We’re here to make the case for large apartment puppies. Below is a list of 5 popular large dogs that will bode well in an apartment or condo. 

    Great Dane 

    The Great Dane was bred to basically to sit next to a king’s throne to look big and intimidating, but they are truly gentle giants and very mellow dogs. They aren’t overly active, so a daily regular walk will suit their needs just fine, making them perfect apartment puppies. You’ll soon learn that Great Danes, though grand in size, are pseudo lap dogs, because that’s where they’ll try to lay their giant heads! 

    Basset Hound 

    Basset Hounds are apartment puppies, because they are pretty easy-going. Even though they have short legs, they are considered larger dogs, because they weigh between 50 – 60 pounds. They love a slow paced daily walk, due to their innate love for scents. They’d love to sniff and follow scents, versus romping around and running at a fast pace. They are really social and friendly dogs, too. 

    Standard Poodle 

    We’re going to talk specifically about the Standard Poodle, not the miniature or toy, because those are common apartment puppies. The reality is that they are suitable as well. They require 3 good long walks a day and they’ll be satisfied. They aren’t overly excitable, like their smaller counterparts. What they’ll require, more than anything is a good groomer to keep these picture-perfect pups looking beautiful and handsome! 

    Greyhound 

    Sure, we all know that Greyhounds are fast runners, but that doesn’t mean that they require fast running exercise all day. It also doesn’t mean that they’ll be running all over your space and place. They have been nicknamed the “40 mph couch potato!” These apartment puppies have been likened to being a giant cat! They’re quiet and don’t demand much. They will certainly enjoy a nice long walk or even a jog, but they’re equally satisfied with a few short daily walks or maybe an opportunity to run off leash in a fenced in area. 

    Irish Wolfhound 

    Irish Wolfhounds are showstoppers! You won’t be able to go anywhere or do anything without garnering attention. People just can’t help it and we don’t blame them! When it comes to where they reside, believe us when we say that they can live and thrive just well as apartment puppies. They are mild mannered and generally gentle and quiet dogs. They require nice and slow daily walks. Because of their large sizes, running isn’t recommended, nor are homes with lots of stairs or steps.  

     

  • 7 Dogs That Don’t Shed

    No Lint Brush Zone

    Going for a night on the town or simply leaving out for work doesn’t have to involve giving your clothes a once or twice over with a lint brush if you own a dog! Take a look at this list of no shed puppies that fit well with your wardrobe!

    • Poodles

    This is no secret. It’s well known that Poodles, and pretty much any hybrid mix of them, are no shed puppies! Intelligent, lively, and lovable – there’s no wonder they are such household treasures. They are favorites in homes of animal lovers with allergies, as they’re hypoallergenic and happy little campers.

    • Miniature Schnauzer

    Mini Schnauzer puppies have a thick, wiry, double coat, which came in handy while they dug into the ground, as it naturally kept off debris. As an added benefit, they do not shed much, so they are pretty much perfect for potential dog owners who have allergies.

    • Bichon Frise

    The Bichon Frise has a beautiful coat, but what makes it even more spectacular is that they are hypoallergenic. Their coats shed very little and is rather comparable to that of a Poodle. The longer their hair grows, the cuter and curlier it gets. Visit the groomer every 6 – 8 weeks to keep your Bichon looking radiant!

    • Wheaten Terrier

    Wheaten Terriers are no shed puppies that are extremely gentle. They get along swimmingly with children, cats, dogs, and strangers very well. The most notable commonality to other Terriers is their stubbornness, so you’ll need to take some time to train them.

    • Maltese

    Sporting a thick coat of hair instead of fur, these little dogs don’t shed. On the contrary, they require occasional haircuts to keep their coats in check. They are hypoallergenic, making them great for persons with allergies.

    • Shih Tzu

    Bred to be your best friend, they fit the bill! These no shed puppies are lap dogs and love to be right by your side. They are simply gorgeous, but sturdy little dogs. Their silky but fluffy soft hair won’t decorate your clothing at all!

    • West Highland Terrier

    Westie no shed puppies are highly intelligent and quick learners, with one of the most famous doggie faces. They have graced the covers of dog brand foods for ages and warmed the hearts of hundreds. Their long white fur won’t tarnish your short black dress!

     

  • 5 Pint Sized Pooches Are Here

    Purse pups, lapdogs, and arm clutches are just a few monikers for small dog breeds.  

     

    Here at Petland, our stores are plentiful of these precious pups. Below are 5 of the most adorable small dog breeds you can purchase and find at our location. 

    Papillion 

    Full of personality, Papillons are popular small dog breeds. Known for their butterfly style ears, they pack a punch of 4 to 9 pounds. They are descendants from toy spaniels and frequently portrayed in paintings by the Old Masters, dating back to the 16th century. They’re very active and champion competitors in agility and obedience.  

    Puggle 

    The Puggle originated in the United States in the 1980’s. They are small dog breeds mixed of a Pug and Beagle. They can weigh between 10 and 30 pounds. They’re friendly, playful, and very energetic. They love to eat, so to keep them in shape exercise them daily. Doing this, they’ll live a healthy and long lifespan of 10 to 15 years. 

    Yorkshire Terrier 

    They are the definition of small dog breeds! A full-grown Yorkie weighs between 4 and 7 pounds. They are highly energetic, brave, and loyal. Despite their pint sizes, they make excellent guard dogs, because they’re little yaps will alert you to…well everything! 

    Maltese 

    The Maltese is one of the tiniest of small dog breeds that we have in our store ranging from 6 -9 pounds. The Maltese’s white mane is one of their main attractions! They have a lifespan of 15 years; however, some have lived for 18. They are notoriously fearless and affectionate! 

    Pomeranian 

    There’s no surprise that we’d highlight these small dog breeds. This puffy pooch has an average weight of 7 – 10 pounds. As you might have guessed, they have larger than life personalities! They’re the boss, but they’re also loving companions! 

     

  • The Beauty of Rottweilers

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

     

    The Rottie 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 Rottie puppy matures, he should stand between 24 to 27 inches at his shoulder. Females should stand between 22 to 25 inches. In general, the mature Rottie puppy should be slightly longer than they are tall. Males weigh around 115 pounds, while females weigh in around 100 pounds. 

    Appearance 

    Rottweilers 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, broad heads. Their black coats cover their eyes, cheeks, chest, lower legs, and under their tails. The Rottie puppy has a black and wide nose, black lips, and also the insides of their mouths are black. 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 

    Rottweilers are always black with markings over the eyes, cheeks, each side of the muzzle, the chest, legs, and beneath the tail. The tail area may sometimes range from a rust to mahogany color. The coat of a Rottie puppy is medium 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 Rottie 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 Rottie puppy’s teeth twice a week to prevent tartar build up and bad breath and to also promote healthy gums. Keep an eye on their eyes, by checking for signs of wax build up 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 canal of your Rottie puppy. Keep their nails nice and trimmed.  

     

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

     

  • What’s All The Hype About Hybrids?

    We’ve all been in situations where we’ve seen a dog or two and just couldn’t place the breed.

    Yes, though we’re pet experts, some just slip our minds! The reality is that there are tons of breeds of dogs, but purebred and hybrid puppies are making it difficult to readily identify each!

    So what exactly is a purebred?

    They are dog breeds that encompass a unique genetic makeup that can be consistently reproduced. This means that any dog whose parents belong to the same breed is considered a purebred dog.

    What are hybrid puppies?

    Hybrid puppies are bred from two purebred dogs from different breeds, hence the term designer, which implies a bloodline created by mixing purebreds. Purebred puppies are simply puppies that are bred from two dogs of the same breed. If a dog is not purebred, it is considered to be a hybrid or mixed breed (commonly referred to as a mutt).

    Are purebred puppies healthier?

    Most hybrid puppies are pretty unpredictable in a lot ways, particularly regarding their health and inherited diseases. Purebreds are tested for issues usually known to affect the breed. This is to ensure only healthy dogs are being bred. Most diseases are being detected and eradicated this way. When breeds are crossed, it creates hybrid puppies with unknown results, thus they really can’t be tested in advance.

    What are some of the most common hybrid puppies?

    We’ve piled a list of the top 5 most popular hybrid puppies.

    • Cockapoo

    A Cockapoo is a mixed breed dog that is the cross between either the Cocker Spaniel breed and a Poodle.

    • Maltipoo

    This adorable dog is a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

    • Labradoodle

    The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle.

    • Goldendoodle

    It is a mixed breed dog obtained by breeding a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. The Golden Doodle was originally developed as a guide dog for visually impaired people with allergies.

    • Cheeks

    The Cheeks, also known as Pek-A-Chis or Pekachis, are a hybrid between a Chihuahua and a Pekingese. Cheeks typically look more like Chihuahuas than the Pekingese, but this all depends on their breed line.

     

  • Petland – The Puppy Finder

    Petland is the industry leader in the area of animal care.

    We know that finding a perfect puppy to compliment your home can be an arduous task at times, but it can also be a pleasant one. At Petland, we pride ourselves on being the premiere puppy finder for many reasons.

    We Say NO to Puppy Mills

    It’s not uncommon for customers to come into our store and ask, “Where do your puppies come from,” or “Do you get your puppies from puppy mills?” These are questions that you should be asking of a puppy finder and we applaud you. We are proud to say that our puppies come directly from commercial breeders and they DO NOT come from any  “puppy mills.”

    We take frequent trips to visit our breeders and work very hard to make sure we are getting the best puppies from the best breeders. As a responsible puppy finder, we ensure that our breeders meet the following qualifications:

    1. USDA licensed breeders and distributors with no direct violations on their latest inspection report. As of January 1, 2015, our policy extends to no direct violations in the previous 24 months. Inspection reports for federally licensed breeders are available free of charge on the USDA website.
    2. Hobby breeders as defined by the Animal Welfare Act. These are breeders who raise their dogs in a humane manner.
    3. Local adoption pets that are vet-checked. Additionally, another puppy finder source comes from local animal shelters or from members of the local community as part of Petland’s Adopt-A-Pet program. Hundreds of thousands of shelter and community animals have been placed with caring families.

    We provide ongoing staff training programs, in-store animal husbandry systems and community service programs aimed at placing homeless pets and curbing pet overpopulation in the community. The health and well-being of our pets comes first for all of us at Petland.

    At the corporate level, Petland is actively involved with other pet industry leaders and helps create and enforce standards for everyone in the pet care business. We also work to make sure our pets are cared for by licensed pet professionals who pay careful attention to their welfare and veterinary needs. The number one reason an individual becomes a Petland store owner is his or her love of pets, and that’s a fact we continue to be proud of each and every day.

     

  • Puppy Pals

    The kids have begged you for a dog. Like a responsible would-be pet owner, you conduct your research and concede.

    Then…they beg you for two dogs. Now what should you do?! There’s some debate in the pet community as to whether it’s wise to get one or two puppies on sale to join your home. It’s a personal decision that should be weighed and pondered greatly. Here are two questions to consider asking yourself as you’re deciding to adopt or purchase two puppies on sale, at the same time.

    Firstly, do you have the time and patience?

    Raising one puppy is a task, but imagine two. Just think down the line for second. It’s midnight and you hear one puppy whimpering who may be suggesting a late night relief run. The other puppy is unaffected but awakened, and you decide it’s best to take them both. What could have been a quick walk becomes a longer and more labored task to accomplish. Before you know it, they’ve engaged in some midnight fun and their potty run is an afterthought. At this point, you might start second guessing your decision to getting two puppies on sale.

    And since we’re on the subject of potty runs, house training two puppies is an arduous, but doable task with persistence and patience. You’ll find yourself separating and supervising the two to ensure they’re eliminating in the proper places. Again, ask yourself. Do you have the time and patience?

    Secondly, can you give each puppy individual attention?

    Just because the puppies on sale that you found have come as a packaged deal, you’ll soon discover that they have very distinct personalities and require individual attention. One might be a loner and the other may be a constant cuddle companion. You’ll have to treat and do everything for them separately, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just make the firm commitment to spend social time with them individually. This will prevent them from becoming inseparable and creating a super bond with each, to the exclusion of developing a meaningful relationship with their humans.

     

    While it is certainly more of a commitment to own two puppies on sale, it has successfully been done many many times. With the proper time and dedication, they can be raised to be healthy, well adjusted, sociable adult dogs!