All Dogs Welcome

 

Courtesy of TheSensibleDog.com

Have you heard about the new dog cross-breeds?

    They crossed a Bloodhound and a Labrador. 
       The new breed is a Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly.

    They crossed a Collie and a Lhasa Apso.
       The new breed is a Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport.

    They crossed a Spitz and a Chow-Chow.
       The new breed is a Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot.

    They crossed a Pekingese and a Lhasa Apso.
       The new breed is a Peekasso, an abstract dog.

   They crossed a Irish Water Spaniel and a English Springer Spaniel.
       The new breed is an Irish Spring-er, a dog that's fresh and clean.

   They crossed a Newfoundland and a Basset Hound.
       The new breed is a Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors.

   They crossed a Malamute and a Pointer.
       The new breed is a Moot Point owned by. . ..oh well, it doesn't really                     matter.

   They crossed a Collie and a Malamute.
       The new breed is a Commute, a dog that travels to work.

  They crossed  a Kerry Blue Terrier with a Skye Terrier.
       The new breed is the Blue Skye, a dog for visionaries.

  They crossed a Labrador Retriever and a Curly Coated Retriever. 
      The new breed is a Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of laboratory researchers.

 
 
The Breed of the Week is the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). Such a regal dog and, as breeds go, a relatively young one.  Loving, loyal, intelligent - what more could you want in a four legged companion.

You should have a look at the German Shepherd Designer BreedsSince the GSD is such a beautiful dog several of the designer breeds that are being developed from its stock are also quite beautiful.  I still have mixed emotions about the concept of 'designer breeds' but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate some of the offspring of these mixes.

And as part of this site's commitment to the advancement of rescue and adoption I have posted the German Shepherd Breed Specific Rescue and shelter organizations.  I am also continuing to add information to the Rescues and Shelters by State pages.  So check back frequently.

 
 
Have you ever heard of the Alsatian, Alsatian Wolf Dog,  Deutscher Schaferhund, American White Shepherd or Panda Shepherd.  Well, let's take them one at a time.
  • The GSD had just begun to be noticed in the U.S. when World War I broke out.  Since all things of German origin were shunned in many countries during and after the war it was believed that the inclusion of the word 'German' in the breed name would hinder its popularity. Therefore the breed was officially renamed by the UK Kennel Club to "Alsatian Wolf Dog."  Although this name lasted for five decades dog enthusiasts eventually won the battle to have the British Kennel Club allow the breed to be registered by its original name, the "German Shepherd Dog."  The extension of the word "Alsatian" remained present until it was removed in 2010.
  • Deutscher Schaferhund literally translates to the "German Shepherd Dog."
  • A white dog has always been considered a fault in the German Shepherd.  However these dogs are now recognized as a separate breed by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and are known as the American White Shepherd.
  • The piebald coloring occurs in a single bloodline of the German Shepherd.  These dogs are know as Panda Shepherds where approximately 35% of the dog is white and the remainder of the dog is black and tan.  Other GSD's that exhibit this coloring have been tested and thus far none, outside of this blodline, none have exhibited the 'Panda' gene.
Learn more about the German Shepherd. View All Dogs Welcome Breed of the Week on this site.

 
 
The Breed of the Week is the Labrador Retriever.  Great dogs for just about any type of dog owner or dog owning family!  Did you know that it has been the most popular breed of dog in the US, UK and Canada for many years in a row now. 
If you like Labs you might also be interested in viewing the designer breeds that use Labrador Retrievers as a primary stock breed.
And if you love Labs you might be interested in supporting the rescue and adoption of this breed.  I've added a list of Labrador Retriever rescues to the Breed Specific Rescues already listed on this site.

In-keeping with my mission to promote and support rescue and adoption I've also added two new sections to the site.  Please have a look at the new lists of Rescues for Senior Dogs and Rescues for Dogs with Special Needs. Dogs with medical problems are not necessarily a problem.  Learn more about them.  And senior dogs can be a great match for many family or lifestyle situations.  In fact, have a look at 'The Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog' posted earlier this week.
Don't forget you can always Submit a Rescue or Shelter that you would like me to post so we can keep these lists comprehensive and up to date.

And in the just for fun category have a look and the dogs and cats that look like their rabbit pet friends.  There are some really Cute Pix in this mix.

 
 
Merlin (aka Pom-Pom) is a Toy Poodle that really wants a forever home and a person to love.  He is approximately 5 years old and this little fur ball weighs only about five pounds. But it's five pounds of pure love. I've had him in my home as a foster companion for a week now.  So here is some updated info I can tell you about him.  
  • He loves all dogs and cats but would also be happy as an only child if you'll give him lots of love.
  • He likes nothing better than snuggling in your lap.  But if you can't do that 24 hours each day he's perfectly happy and secure to hang out in his little house (pictured above) or on the furniture if that's OK with you.
  • Poodles really don't shed and are hypo-allergenic so letting him on the furniture is no problem for me.
  • He LOVES to go for walks or wander about my backyard and read the ground newspaper.
  • He's a bit of a fragile little guy at that size and should be in a home with adults only or one with older children. He spent the weekend with my 12 year old nephew and fell madly in love with him.  The poor kid couldn't take a single step without his little shadow following him.
  • He's a bit afraid of men so a home with women only would be best. But he will warm up to a man in time so if you have the patience to give him that time he'll end up loving you back!
  • It certainly won't cost much to feed him.  He nibbles at kibble during the day.  And when I gave him chicken stew one night and beef stew the next he made it very clear he likes meet, rice, and cheese - but not so big on the veggies!  Abandoned Angels Rescue told me he also likes hot dogs.  I picked some up for him and he does like them.  But he has a tiny little appetite and should be given food or snacks several times per day.
  • He is completely housebroken and knows to let you know when it's time to go outside.
  • He's a little bit shy when he first meets you but warms up very quickly and likes to be held and give kisses.
This little guy is spending time at my house with Rocky the Boston Terrier.  But he is available for adoption through Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue. If you've been looking for a little purse or lap dog without going through the puppy issues this guy would be perfect for you.  And he'd be a great companion for an elderly person who'd give him a lot of love.

Contact Abandoned Angels or All Dogs Welcome to inquire about this special little guy.
 
 
If you follow me on twitter, facebook or this site then you know that I periodically post list and pix of 'Designer Breeds' based on a particular recognized breed.  But it seems that when I do I get a lot of feedback.  Much of it is in the spirit in which these DB posts are intended, comments like "great pix", or "I always wondered what a Bassug looks like."  But much of it is also very negative.  Such as "Why are you promoting these mutts", or, "Designer Breeds promote irresponsible breeding."
So I want to talk about this a little bit.  You may or may not recall that I blogged on the subject of Designer Breed, Mixed Breed, or Mutt back in February.  I'm not going to repeat the content of that blog, but you might want to read it to understand my position.
To those of you who just wonder what some of these dogs might look like or be called, or just enjoy looking at the pix, I will continue to post these from time to time and to tweet and let you know when I have posted them.  And I truly hope you continue to enjoy them!
But to those of you with a negative opinion about the existence of these dogs or about me posting them I would say the following:
  1. You are entitled to that opinion and I respect it
  2. I actually agree that calling these animals "Designer Breeds" may not be the best idea.  I find that it delivers a negative connotation and wish they were called something else though I don't really have a good idea on that subject.  Maybe 'breeds in progress.'
  3. There is a perception that they are in fact called 'Designer Breeds' in order to positively impact the prices that can be charged.  And so you say 'these fools are paying $1000.00 or more for a mutt."  I guess that decision is up to the buyer.
  4. And as far as promoting irresponsible breeding - well I don't give myself credit for having that much influence.  I'm pretty sure that all of these breeders will continue to breed and sell regardless of whether this site even exists. 
But on the subject of irresponsible breeding, I do wish we could all put some energy into finding more ways to address this issue.  Because it effects not only the designer breeds but also purebred dogs and the families that purchase, rescue or adopt them.  And I will continue to tweet, blog and post information that supports all rescue and adoption activities for all dogs, regardless of whether they are Designer Breeds, Mixed Breeds or Mutts!

 
 

Have you ever considered adopting a dog - what about an older dog?  Older pets are actually a better match for some people, including older people!  Here are the top 10 reasons for considering the adoption of a senior dog: 
1. Older dogs are house-trained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping up after accidents. 

2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up. 


3.  Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly. 

4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs. 

5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. 

6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given. 

7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first. 

8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
 
9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do. 

10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
  
Now of course not all of the points mentioned above will be true for every dog.  But one thing will be very true and a huge advantage.  A reputable rescue will have temperament tested the dog.  You will know if it likes or dislikes other dogs, cats, women, men, children, etc.  And this will help to assure that the dog you are interested in is in fact a good match for you, your family and your lifestyle.  That way everyone involved in the process can have confidence that this adoption will result in the dog being placed in his forever home.

There are several rescue and welfare organizations that specialize in placing senior animals.  There are also special programs that match senior citizens with senior animals that will fit their living situation and even assist with the costs of owning an animal.  If you are interested in learning more about senior dogs or these match programs please refer to the Rescues for Senior Dogs section.