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  • 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!

     

  • German Shepherd’s Shedding – There’s Help!

    On occasion, almost all dogs will shed their coats to some degree.

    However, ’tis true when they say that German Shepherd puppies are prolific shedders! This means they shed all year around. Sure, the weather plays a part of how much, but the shedding never really ends. The biggest factor that plays a role in slowing it down a bit is their diet. There’s help! Read on to learn 7 tips to regulate the shedding of German Shepherd puppies.

    • Feed German Shepherd puppies high quality diets.

    One of the most effective ways of reducing shedding is to provide a healthy diet. Inexpensive dog foods are primarily comprised of ingredients that are difficult for German Shepherd puppies, (and dogs in general) to digest, such as corn and grain. Find food that has meat as the main ingredient.

    • “Treat” your dog to human food occasionally.

    We’re using the word “treat” modestly, so don’t go overboard. Foods like bananas, sliced apples (without the seeds), cucumbers, and lean meats are all moisture rich foods that will help your German Shepherd puppies to stay hydrated. These foods also keep their coats shiny and smooth, thus reduces the shedding.

    • Add olive oil or flaxseed oil to your German Shepherd’s food.

    Begin by giving 1 tsp. (5 mL) per 10 pounds (4.5 kg.) of his body weight. These oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that helps to calm inflamed skin, decrease dandruff, and improve their overall coat texture.

    • Ensure your German Shepherd has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.

    As we’ve previously mentioned, moisture rich foods keep your pups hydrated. The same, obviously, goes for water. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, which can cause excessive shedding and also illnesses.

    • Prior to spring season, invest in and use deshedding tools.

    Before German Shepherd puppies have their winter coats fall off, deshed them. You want to do this in the fall, as well. Lest you forget, your furniture, carpets, and clothes won’t!

    • Every day is “brush” day.

    To truly stay on top of your pup’s incessant shedding, you must brush him every day. There are no exceptions. Grooming German Shepherd puppies daily removes excess and loose fur and redistributes your German Shepherd’s skin oils into its fur.

    • Give your German Shepherd regular baths.

    Typical adult German Shepherds usually only needs a bath three or four times a year, that is if you’re brushing him on a regular basis! His hair will fall off in the tub or bathing area and not on your floor or furniture! Be careful not give him too many baths, as this will defeat the purpose by drying out his skin, and thus causing more shedding.

     

  • Pets and Seniors

    Many research studies have been conducted regarding the significant benefits of pet ownership for seniors.

    They affect their mental, physical, and emotional health positively. In essence, they are good for their mind, body, and spirit. Small dog breeds and dogs in general have been found to provide loving day-to-day companionship, physical exercise, and socialization for seniors, increasing their quality of life vastly. They are therapeutic in that they promote the flow of feel good hormones in the brain and body, consequently lowering blood pressure, stress, and heart rates. If you’re considering creating this unique bond either for yourself or a loved one, you’ll benefit greatly from this list of small dog breeds who are a breeze!

    Shih Tzu

    Shih Tzus are known for the friendly and playful dispositions. They are ideal for apartment living and were bred to be companions, so they’re perfect. These small dog breeds require daily walks and some indoor playtime and then lots of lap loving! Their coats will require daily grooming, which can be peaceful and strengthen the senior/pet bond.

    Poodle

    Poodles come in three sizes – standard, miniature, and toy. The smallest of the bunch are Toy Poodles and they’re lap dogs, as you might have guessed. What makes these small dog breeds particularly suitable for seniors is that they’re highly intelligent, easy to train, and they don’t shed, which means people with allergies can own them. Toy Poodles are energetic, but have the least amount of the three types and can adapt to a more sedentary lifestyle, if needed.

    Yorkshire Terrier

    The biggest downside to these small dog breeds is their long hair that will certainly require lots of grooming, professional is recommended. But despite that, they are small and adaptable making them a perfect pet companion for seniors, especially those in assisted living homes. A daily stroll suits them just fine and it will provide just enough physical activity for their owners, too!

    Pug

    Their small, wrinkly faces, short legs, and inquisitive personalities makes the Pug a comedic and friendly senior companion. The always pleasant Pug is easy to and willing to please. These small dog breeds snore, so you may want to consider buying some ear plugs if you decide to bring this dog into your home!

    Cocker Spaniel

    Okay, we’re sneaking this one on the list! Though they aren’t typically categorized as small dog breeds, some of the runts can be! Cocker Spaniels are great companions for seniors. They have even temperaments and are generally happy and healthy dogs. They can be energetic, so a daily walk will treat that energy just fine. Their beautiful coats will need some grooming, but it’s not a labor intensive task. They are truly known to be joys to seniors.

     

  • Buy A Pup For Sale From Petland – Set Your Mind At Ease

    For over 45 years, Petland has been the retail pet industry leader for animal care, always committed to animal welfare and to providing quality pets.

    When you purchase a pup for sale from us, you help to accomplish our mission of enhancing the enjoyment of the human animal bond. Here are five facts you should know about buying a pup for sale from Petland:

    Petland is committed to responsible pet sourcing.

    When a customer asks, “Where do Petland dogs come from?” we can answer with confidence. When purchasing a pup for sale from us, you can rest assured that all of Petland’s dogs come from three primary sources:

    1. USDA licensed breeders and distributors with no direct violations on their latest inspection report. The breeders have a veterinarian documented socialization and exercise program and follow the veterinarian’s protocol for skin, coat, nail, and dental hygiene.
    2. Hobby breeders as defined by the Animal Welfare Act, who raise their dogs in a humane manner, and
    3. Local adoption pets that are vet checked. Some of our puppies and kittens come from local animal shelters or from members of the local community as part of Petland’s Adopt-A- Pet Program.

    Our knowledgeable staff can answer any of your questions.

    The number one reason why an individual becomes a Petland franchise owner is their love for pets. We celebrate our love for animals and pride ourselves on being pet experts. If you’ve found the perfect pup for sale and want to take her home, any of our staff members can be a great resource if you. We firmly believe in sharing our knowledge with potential owners and the pet community.

    A Petland Pup For Sale Comes In A Wide Variety Of Breeds

    If you are in the market for a specific breed, chances are we have it! Our network of USDA licensed breeders provides us with a vast selection of puppies that are up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming and are microchipped. When you purchase a pup for sale from Petland you also receive the name and address of the puppy’s breeder and a written health warranty for the puppy.

    Select Petland locations offer financing.

    Buying a pup for sale doesn’t have to break the bank! Select locations offer pet financing. This is an affordable and ethical alternative to pet leasing. The application process is simple and approval decisions are made within minutes, so you can buy the pup for sale of your dreams today and pay later.

    You become part of the solution.

    When you purchase a dog from Petland, you join of community of happy pet owners bonded by their love for animals and dedicated to ending animal homelessness. By purchasing a Petland pup for sale, you support a company that donates to rescues and you become educated with the long term needs of your dog. This education and proper pet training decreases the number pet owners who give their dogs to rescues due to bad behavior and solves the problem of overpopulated shelters.

     

  • 5 Ways To Prevent Obesity in Dogs

    As humans, it’s quite natural for us to pay close attention to our health and weight.

    It’s in magazines and on television so often that it’s practically ingrained in our brains. What’s not more prevalent is the same amount of attention paid to our furry family members. Sure, we may have seen a commercial or two about specific dog brands catering towards their weight maintenance, but still – that’s not enough. When people decide to buy a dog, their weight may not be on the top of their priority list, like house training for example. With that said, we want to give you 5 tips to prevent obesity in your dog, so that he can live a long and healthy life!

    1. Familiarize yourself with your dog’s ideal weight.

    Here’s an interesting and commonly unknown fact. Most owners will buy a dog and not have a clue as to what their ideal weight should be. This is the easiest tip and the first step in monitoring and staying on top of your pup’s healthy. This is so important to know, because it will help you make the best dietary decisions when feeding your dog.

    1.  Exercise, exercise, and exercise!

    Ah, exercise…it’s a word many dread and some actually love! No matter what emotion it evokes, the reality is that it’s necessary for both humans and dogs. There’s just no getting around it! When you buy a dog, make the commitment to exercise her, especially once you’ve mastered #1, the aforementioned tip. Depending on your dog, a daily stroll may be all that’s required. If you buy a dog of a larger breed, it kind of goes without saying that a stroll won’t cut it. Take your dog to a park and let him run about or if you’re a bike rider or jogger, take him along with you. This is beneficial for both you and your dog!

    1. Stay abreast with your vet.

    If you’ve noticed that your dog has put on a few extra pounds, contact your vet. Your veterinarian is the best place to start. They can give you a meal plan, yes we said meal plan! A recommended goal weight and professional plan of action is suggested, as opposed to you going at it alone. Keep in mind that an overweight dog can truly experience discomfort in their joints and they are prone to additional injuries. Your veterinarian can also help you rule out other ailments that can cause obesity, such as hypothyroidism.

    1. Make dietary changes, if needed.

    First and foremost, try hard to avoid feeding your dog table scraps and human food, in general. When you buy a dog, you can also buy treats for him, but opt for low fat, low caloric, and healthy ones. They exist, trust us! Stick to a feeding schedule rather than a free-for-all. Treat treats just as that – treats! If your dog seems to be grazing and appears hungry, try giving her fresh veggies, as they’re an excellent source of fiber and can be filling. Based on the advice and consultation with your vet, it may not be necessary to change your pet’s food, but rather the quantity.

    1. Continuously monitor your pup’s weight.

    Check your pup’s weight regularly, just as you would do for yourself. It’s imperative to know if your efforts of weight loss or maintenance are paying off, just as you desired. If weight loss is your goal, they should be losing approximately 1 lb. a month. Again, stay in contact with your vet regularly to ensure the laid out plan is working.

     

    We recognize that when you buy a dog, there will be some areas that are forgotten or that you may not have known about, but we’re hopeful that these tips will be helpful. Keep in mind, you control what and when your dog eats. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to maintaining a long and healthy life. You can do it!

  • 7 Things You Didn’t Know About The Blue Frenchie

    Fun Facts About The Blue Frenchie

     

    •  They AREN’T French!

    Say what? Contrary to their name, the Blue Frenchie doesn’t have French origins at all. This is always a surprising fact for many Blue Frenchie owners. They are actually the sisters to English Bulldogs, who hail from a small area in England called Nottingham. It’s widely unknown why or how they got their names, but it’s also widely agreed upon that they aren’t from France.

    •  They don’t do laps…but they’re lap dogs.

    The Blue Frenchie is not a good swimmer. They don’t do well in water at all and they don’t like it either. There are plenty of dogs that innately are great swimmers and love the water, but the Blue Frenchie isn’t one of them! They prefer the dry land, period.

    •  They aren’t recognized.

    The Blue Frenchie is not recognized by any dog breeder associations. You can not show or train a Blue Frenchie in any competitions, strictly because of their color. The only French Bulldogs allowed in shows are those with the color palettes of brindle, white, fawn, or a combination of white and brindle.

    • Blue Frenchies freeze!

    Because of their single coat, they can become cold very easily. You’ll notice a Blue Frenchie constantly curled up in a tight warm ball during the winter or when air conditioners are furiously running during the summer. Invest in some sweaters or t-shirts for these babies, as they’ll happily comfortably sport them all year ‘round!

    •  They are big time snorers!

    Upon one glance, you can notice their flat faces. Unfortunately, this means that they have very labored and audible breathing patterns. It’s called brachycephalic. The Blue Frenchie is not a quiet dog! You’ll often here them when they’re just being and breathing and certainly when they’re sleeping. Invest in some earplugs, because despite their small size, they are big snorters!

    •  They’re pretty and a pretty penny.

    The only difference between a regular French Bulldog and the Blue Frenchie is the color, which makes for the largest difference…the price! They are almost twice as much as the price of the “regular” French Bulldog. The Blue Frenchie is much more difficult to find. They cost a lot more money to maintain physically, because of their serious health issues, especially because of their allergies. They also have other neck and back issues, due to their short and curved spines. If they have an allergic reaction, a typical vet visit can run you anywhere from $300 – $700.

    •  They’re lazy.

    Blue Frenchies are not very active dogs, nor do they require it to be happy and healthy. They aren’t prone to obesity. They like to just chill, typically with you. They’ll enjoy a nice walk or a few moments outside, but then back to the couch to cuddle they go!