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  • Myths regarding shedding

    Do you have allergies to dog dander? If so, you’re not alone. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that as much as 10% of Americans are allergic to dogs. If you are allergic to dogs and you love them, this can present a problem, but not one that’s insurmountable. The first step is to arm yourself with the facts. Here are a few things you should know.

    What Causes A Dog To Shed?

    It’s normal for dogs to shed. Even though the idea of a “hypoallergenic” dog is popular, no dog is truly, completely hypoallergenic. They all shed to some extent. But if you’re allergic to dogs, don’t give up your quest to find a dog you can live with just yet. Some dogs shed much less than other dogs. And some dogs shed so little then it’s hardly noticeable.

    Dogs shed in response to the amount of daylight. The change in seasons affects their hormones and tells them when it’s time to get ready for winter (grow more coat); and when it’s time for spring (shed, grow new coat). Things like the temperature, the dog’s individual health, genetics, and diet also affect shedding. It’s not unusual for an intact female dog to shed after going through a heat cycle even when she hasn’t been bred.

    Dogs may also shed after a stressful event such as surgery, an illness, giving birth, trauma or accident, or even traveling in some cases.

    Myths Regarding Shedding

    There are a lot of myths about shedding in dogs.

    Myth: Dogs with longer hair shed more. This is false. The length of the coat has nothing to do with how much or how often the dog sheds. A shorthaired dog can shed just as much as a longhaired dog. It may be more noticeable when a longhaired dog sheds but some shorthaired dogs such as Beagles and Pugs seem to shed all the time.

    Myth: People are allergic to dog hair. Not exactly. If you’re allergic to dogs, you are usually allergic to dog saliva, urine, and dander. Dander is the tiny bits of dead skin that flake off the dog’s body. Dander is so small that it can be airborne and inhaled by humans. All dogs produce dander because they have to shed dead skin. (We all do.) Dogs that are known for being “hypoallergenic” don’t spread much dander around.

    Myth: Low-shedding dogs are also low maintenance. Mostly false. Many of the dogs that don’t shed or don’t shed much do require some special grooming. If you get one of these dogs, plan on visits to the groomer.

  • Top 3 breeds of 2019

    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.

  • Should you choose to buy an Adult dog or a puppy?

    When it comes to buying a dog there are so many options. You can choose by a specific breed, hair type, and even personality, but age also a factor you should consider when buying a dog? Many people dream of raising a small puppy from the beginning of its life and forming an unbreakable bond. It’s a well-kept secret that adult dogs can adjust very well to new home environments. Read on to learn more facts about buying adult dogs versus puppies.

    1. Potty training – One of the biggest differences between an adult dog and a puppy is potty training. Most adult dogs have already mastered the skill of potty training. Puppies require more patience as they learn to navigate the timing and location of potty training. One of the things to consider when buying a dog is your own ability to invest in potty training. Not only will you need to purchase pee pads, and odor eliminating cleaner, but you will also need to invest time and have patience because potty training doesn’t happen overnight. If you live in a space where accidents would be frowned upon, an adult potty-trained dog might be a better option for you.
    2. Bonding – We don’t call dogs man’s best friend for no reason. No matter the age, dogs have the capacity to develop special bonds with their owners. It is true that dogs are imprinters. This means that as soon as they find someone who’s trusting and loving to them, they will attach to them and always try to protect them. No need to worry if an adult dog will love you the same as a puppy. Both adult dogs and puppies will love and adore you the same.
    3. New tricks? – The old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks doesn’t always prove to be true. Dogs are continuous learners no matter their age. Like babies, puppies are learning through experiencing their environment, while adult dogs have a handle on reality and learn through patterns and routines

    Whether you choose to buy a new puppy or open your home to an adult dog, there is no denying that your heart and home will expand to accept your newest family member. 

  • A few Reasons to Love Maltese Puppies

    This popular tiny dog breed is packed with a big personality. Maltese puppies have found their way into the hearts of dog lovers across the world… They have created a name for themselves with their larger than life temperaments. We have compiled five fun reasons why we think Maltese puppies are some of the best to own!

     They are fun to dress up!

     Come on, you know it’s absolutely adorable when you see little puppies dressed up and we like to think that Maltese puppies popularized the trend of dressing up dogs. Because of their tiny sizes, it’s almost impossible not to find clothing for them. Whether your pup is a male or female, they are cute and stylish in every outfit!

     They can go everywhere with you. 

     At their maximum weights of 7 pounds, they are the absolute perfect size to accompany you on any trip, whether it’s in a car or on a plane. It goes without saying that they are also perfect for apartments. If you’re a first-time pet owner, getting one of our Maltese puppies was a great choice. They are rather low maintenance dogs. 

     They come in many types. 

     Did you know that Maltese puppies come in many hair types? They range from long hair to short hair, there are teacups, pear-head shaped ones, and even apple-heads. It sounds funny, we know, but they truly exist and each is a cute as the other. 

     They’re loyal to their owners and family.

     People purchase Maltese puppies because they are cute, for sure, but they also may have heard about their loyalty. These beauties will defend you to the end…well as much as they can! Their protective nature and barking make them excellent watchdogs. Who doesn’t love that?

  • Oodles of Poodles!

    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!

  • Golden Retriever Puppies – We Have What You Want

    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!

  • Saint Bernard is an Ideal Companion

    Let’s face it! Small, teeny tiny puppies aren’t for everyone. We get it and respect it, so that’s why we’re talking about our big and bubbly Saint Bernard puppies! Take a look below to learn more about this breed. 

     Happy Go Lucky

     Saint Bernard dogs are known for their sweet dispositions. Sure they are large and sometimes people may be intimidated by their size, but there’s no need to be with these big babies. Our Saint Bernard puppies have been raised in such a way that they will bring joy and peace to your home. In general, they are perfect for families with kids so don’t shy away from getting one…or two!

     Health and Size and Exercise

     Forget about stumbling over small dogs being underfoot! Your Saint Bernard is far from it. They, on average, weigh anywhere from 100 pounds to 150 pounds and they are pretty muscular underneath their shiny, long coats. 

     Like any other dog, they are prone to specific ailments like the following:

    • Cherry eye
    • Cataracts
    • Epilepsy
    • Hip dysplasia

     They typically have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. 

     Other Interesting Facts

    • Get one of our Saint Bernard puppies if you want a dog who likes to exercise because he does and he needs it. They have strong work ethics, plus exercising provides them their required mental stimulation. Dog sports are a perfect outlet for him!
    • To keep your Saint Bernard dog’s thick coat looking luxurious, you’ll need to take him for regular grooming. There’s really no getting around it unless you’re a professional stylist!
    • We’ll keep this brief. They slobber…a lot!
    • No matter where you live, when you purchase one of our Saint Bernard puppies, you can rest assured that they can thrive in both cool and warm climates. Be sure to provide them with air conditioning when it’s hot and heating when it’s cold.
  • The Beauty of the Doberman

    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! 

  • 5 Reasons to get a Labradoodle Puppy

    We’ve written an entire post about our Labradoodle puppy because they deserve it. 

    These big and beautiful pups have so much more to offer than a photo op. Take a look at five reasons we think you should consider getting one of our Labradoodle puppies.

     Their Intelligence

    Labradoodles belong to the working dog breeds group and that’s because they’re incredibly smart and quick to learn. Guess what. All you need to give them is 15 good minutes of training each day and you’ll have one of the most intelligent dogs out there.

     Their Vast History

    The Labradoodle dog rose to fame in the mid 1950s as one of the first hybrid breeds. The puppies were initially bred by mixing Labs and poodles by creator Wally Conron, who recently stated he regrets created the dogs, as their existence opened Pandora’s box for designer dog breeding.

     Their Temperament

    We’ve already talked about their intelligence, but we haven’t begun to cover their overall affable dispositions. These dogs are the creme de la creme! They are smart, sweet, eager to please, and great with kids. Because they are such family dogs, they absolutely hate being alone for long periods of time. They truly thrive off of being around family and they feel oh so sad when they’re left out…so don’t! 

     They’re Great Watchdogs

    As watchdogs, they will fiercely protect your home and anyone in it. Just because they’re sweet doesn’t mean they aren’t ideal home protectors. Trust us, you don’t want to challenge Labradoodle puppies who have grown to adults.

     Their Activity Levels

    Because they were bred as outdoorsy working dogs, their activity levels reflect that. Be mindful of outside activities during the summer because their thick coats can make them extremely hot and overheat. Overall, they are rather active dogs and they will benefit from daily exercises and they will enjoy every minute of it! 

  • The Beautiful British Bulldog

    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.