If you’ve decided to enlarge your family to include a canine member, and you have children, you may be wondering what’s the best breed of dog for your family situation. Do you want a small, medium, or large dog and what kind of living situation are you adopting for? A home with a yard or city apartment living?

When you bring a dog into your family, it’s a big commitment, so you don’t want to complicate matters by selecting a breed that doesn’t fit your lifestyle or space.  Poodle mixes are ideal in practically every situation, and they are super family dogs.

The parent Poodle is exceptionally intelligent and easily trained. A poodle fur coat also cuts down on shedding and is more hypoallergenic than other breeds, although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

So, if there is another breed that you love, why not consider a Poodle mix?

Mixed breeds can be healthier and may inherit less pure-breed genetic disorders but will feature physical and temperament traits from both parent dogs. They are unique with no two looking the same and quirky coats, colors, and markings will have a mixed breed standing out in a crowd.

Labradoodle

Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both highly intelligent and trainable canine breeds. Labs love humans and play, so expect an energetic, affectionate dog. Because Labs have a high level of activity, expect to take lots of walks and engage in playtime daily. Ideally, this mix does well in homes with yards where it can run off excess energy. Because they are smart, they will need stimulation. A bored dog can get into all kinds of mischief.

The standard Labradoodle can weigh as much as 65 lbs., but a smaller version is available in the Mini Labradoodle which will weigh about 15lbs., so if 65 seems like a lot, don’t give up! There are smaller Labradoodles. If you expect your dog to offer some watchdog service, don’t choose a Labradoodle as they are friendly to just about everybody and are particularly good with children regardless of age.

Goldendoodle

A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. These dogs are ideal choices for families with a very active lifestyle. With the retriever genes, expect that this Poodle mix will want to play lots of games involving “retrieving” like catching balls, toys, or frisbees. They are perfect for camping trips, swimming, hiking, or anything that involves the human members of their pack.

Goldendoodles can weigh up to 100 lbs. and rarely less than 50 lbs. They may feature curly, straight, or wavy fur coats in a variety of colors. Exceptional intelligence and a laid-back demeanor characterize this Poodle mix, although they can be talkative, they enjoy barking. But these dogs are easy to train and brilliant in following commands. They are not good watchdogs due to their friendly and affectionate nature.

Cavapoo

The Cavapoo is a great companion dog. This is the result of a Poodle being bred with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are a smaller Poodle mix, so if space is a consideration, consider a Cavapoo as they weigh in at 9 to 25 lbs. If your dog will be alone for part of the day because you are at work and the children are in school, know that Cavapoos can suffer from anxiety when left alone for too long, so you may want to consider another breed if this mirrors your family situation.

The Cavapoo is talkative, especially when seeking attention, so if you have neighbors that don’t appreciate the noise, another mix may be a better choice, especially in apartment living. This Poodle mix does very well with other canines and even felines when properly socialized. Even if small, these dogs do require daily exercise, both mental and physical.

Maltipoo

Another small Poodle mix is the Maltipoo. A cross between a Toy Poodle and a Maltese, this pooch will weigh somewhere between 5 and 20 lb. They are friendly and outgoing as well as intelligent and affectionate. Maltipoos are easily trained and are considered companion dogs. Both the Poodle and the Maltese have fur coats that are considered hypoallergenic, making this dog the ideal choice if you have a child with allergies. When left alone for too long, they suffer and can engage in destructive behavior from anxiety.

Aussiedoodle

A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard Poodle, these are highly intelligent canines that can weigh up to 70 lbs, making them one of the larger Poodle mixes. This canine mix is very family-oriented and loyal to a fault meaning it will develop a special bond with its family members. They have a high energy level because the Australian Shepherd parent is a herding dog used to working. This mix will require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They have a stubborn streak but are very trainable and can exhibit herding instincts and behaviors.

All Things Considered

When choosing a Poodle mix for your family, selecting can be challenging because of the

We don’t like to think that something could happen to our pets, so we often avoid subjects that revolve around their overall health or eventual passing. It’s also the same reason why we don’t think of our estate planning and how our pets or loved ones should fit into our will and trust.

However, being proactive can ensure you aren’t separated from your pets if you move into a care home, recoup your pet investment, and receive the help they need when they’re sick.

3 Types of Coverage You’ll Need for Your Pet

By getting pet life insurance, pet insurance, and a pet estate plan, you’ll ensure your pet is fully covered, no matter what happens to them or you. Let’s take a closer look at these plans.

1. Pet Life Insurance

Pet life insurance works a little differently than human life insurance. Humans usually get life insurance to ensure their family has the same lifestyle when they pass. These policies will also be used to repay a mortgage, pay college tuition, or reimburse funeral or wake costs.

On the other hand, pet life insurance protects your pet-related financial investment. That’s why many professional handlers and owners who have media-trained pets will get life insurance for their pets. It’s very expensive to replace a dog or cat who’s undergone years of training.

If you plan on getting life insurance for a pet, know that it’ll only cover the cost of replacing the pet once they die and, in some cases, if they’re stolen. Pet life insurance will not cover:

• Death from old age
• Death from a hereditary disease
• Death from a pre-existing health condition

That means that pet life insurance will primarily cover accidents. Remember that life insurance isn’t just for show pets; you may want to purchase a policy if you have a high-valued pet.

For example, buying a purebred French bulldog can cost $4,000. This cost doesn’t include the cost of shots, training, toys, food, and so on. The average dog can cost $33,112 over a 10-year life span, so you may want to insure your pet to recoup some of that money.

2. Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is one of the best ways to protect your pet. We go more in-depth in our pet insurance article, but we’ll sum up a few key points you should be aware of. Pet insurance is similar to health insurance in that the policy will reimburse you for veterinary expenses.

Pet insurance can help you save money on pet bills, giving you peace of mind should your pet’s health take a turn for the worse. Although the names “pet insurance” and “pet life insurance” sound similar, the pet’s owner can use pet insurance to aid their furry friends while alive.

Every pet owner should invest in pet insurance when their pet is young, especially if they don’t have enough savings for surgery. In some cases, senior pet insurance may be necessary.

Pet Estate Plan

A pet estate plan outlines who will take physical custody of your pet if you pass. Your will names the actual person or organization that will provide them with daily care through their lifetime, while the trust will discuss specific care requirements for your pet, like food or health concerns.

Every case is different, but when planning for your pets, ask yourself:

• Where do I want my pets to live (sanctuary, friends or family’s house, etc.)?
• What unique care requirements need to be accounted for?
• What specific person(s) will be responsible for my pet’s daily care?
• What financial resources can I provide to make the transition easier?
• Who is responsible for the administration/oversight of my assets left for my pet?

 

For those who love both the outdoors and dogs, there are few more attractive ideas than taking a puppy camping; fresh air, open, expansive skies and bonding with your dog under the starry night sky; what’s not to like? However, the dream and reality of taking a puppy camping with you can be very different from one another if you don’t properly prepare beforehand. If you follow these tips for camping with dogs, though, there’s no reason why your pup-accompanied camping trip shouldn’t be everything you’ve ever wanted!

Can I Take My Puppy Camping?

Yes, absolutely! However, you need to know a few caveats and pre-conditions before you go rushing out of the door, complete with your dog in one arm and your rucksack in the other: the main two being your puppy’s vaccinations and its age.

Vaccinations

Firstly – and before anything else – you must ensure that your puppy is fully vaccinated before you even consider taking them camping with you. Being fully vaccinated helps ensure your puppy is as protected as it can be from any nasty bugs or diseases you might encounter whilst away camping with you.

Age

We’d always advise your puppy has reached the age of around five months before taking them camping. By this point, they tend to be better socialised (which is helpful for campsites where other dogs might be present) and more likely to cope with the physical demands that an outdoors trip tend to require. 

What To Bring When Camping With a Dog?

There are several essentials you need to take with you when camping with a dog; now, camping equipment can be expensive, so to then pile more gear on top of that might not sound ideal. Fortunately, though, most camping equipment (whether general or dog-geared) can be hired rather than purchased outright, and this can save you a good deal of money if you’re looking to camp on more of a shoestring budget.

The following items can all be considered essential for when you go camping with a dog:

• Poop bags!

It sounds obvious, but whether you’re camping on a campsite (which we’d always advise with a puppy, anyway) or wild camping, you need to be able to clean up after your puppy. We’d always recommend using plant-based, compostable bags wherever possible, as these are much better for the environment than the single-use plastic alternatives.

• First aid kit

Again, another obvious one for whether you’re camping with your dog or not, but it only takes one forgetful moment to not have a first aid kit with you, and sod’s law is that’s when you’ll end up needing it. These days, various brands offer first aid kits specifically designed for humans and dogs, reducing the need for two separate kits and saving on space (and money).

• Sleeping pad/mat

Purchasing a lightweight camping dog bed (of which there are countless options out there on the market) will make sure your dog remains both comfortable and warm and means they’re more likely to get a full and restful sleep. Nobody wants to be kept up by a restless dog all night. You might also want to consider getting an elevated, foldable dog bed; these beds, which typically sit a couple of inches off the ground, don’t get as cold because there’s no direct contact between the bed and the tent’s groundsheet.

• Collapsible dog bowl

Being efficient with your space is an integral feature of any good camping experience. Taking a ‘lot’ of stuff that doesn’t take up a ‘lot’ of space is something that any seasoned camper will advocate. You’re already taking a lot of equipment with you when you go camping before you even think about bringing your dog along. When you factor in your canine companion, you quickly realise just how savvy you’ll need to be with your space. A collapsible dog bowl is an absolute essential, not just when you’re camping with your dog but whenever you’re out and about with them.

• Tag/ID

Ideally, your puppy should have a tag on its collar wherever it goes, especially camping. Out in nature, when you let your dog off the lead, there are countless more temptations and distractions, and it takes much less for your pup to go off on its own little adventure – no matter how good your recall. A dog tag is a great reassurance should someone come across your dog, as they can quickly ring you up and reunite you both.

How to Keep Dogs Warm While Camping

One of the essential tips for camping with dogs is to make sure they’re kept warm at night; anybody who’s ever been camping knows just how cold it can get at night when you’re out under the stars and how vital a good-quality sleeping bag is to help keep you nice and toasty. How, though, can you keep your dog warm while camping? There are several things you can do to keep your pup warm, including:

• Using a thermal fleece

Now, whether you’re a staunch advocate of doggy clothing or not, these (relatively inexpensive) items of clothing can make all the difference in helping keep your dog’s temperature up whilst camping.

• Upping their food intake slightly

Like humans, dogs use more energy when colder to keep themselves warm. If you use more energy, you burn more calories, and if you burn more calories? Then you need to eat more. Dogs are no exception, so if you’re going camping with your dog, then put a bit of extra kibble in their bowl – after all, it’s not like they’ll be complaining!

• Keep your puppy dry

Your pup getting damp is a quick route to a cold, shivering pup. If you’ve been out in the rain or your dog has gone for a swim in the nearby stream, then make sure you towel them off thoroughly before hunkering down for the night. Drying your dog will help ensure its core body temperature stays stable and right where it should be.

Other Tips for Camping with Dogs and Puppies

Other top tips for camping with dogs and puppies include layering up your camp with as many blankets as possible; not only will this make the tent more comfortable, it’ll help keep it warmer, too, which is excellent for you as well as your puppy.

Next, always have a pack of wet wipes or baby wipes on hand. It’s remarkable just how mucky your pup can get itself in the great outdoors, and whilst some camping sites will have access to shower facilities, not all will, and this is a decent alternative to help clean up your mud-covered pup – at least partially.

Finally, make sure you have a dog tick remover in your pack. When your puppy is galavanting through forests, fields and other parts of nature, they’re going to be more

The best defense is a well-calculated, effective and sustained offense. But when the enemy is ever-present, sneaky, and unpredictable, it pays to be proactive and keep all your defensive faculties in top form. Such is the health story of your furry buddy. You can be proactive about preventing diseases and injuries. However, there are occasions when your dog could be predisposed to illness and injury. 

How do you protect your dog from inevitable illness or the effects of injury? 

You can strengthen your dog’s immunity and give them a better fighting chance against the symptoms and disease-causing pathogens. Read on and learn different ways to improve your dog’s immune system. But first, here’s a brief word on the immune system of our canine friends. 

Your dog’s immune system, what it is and what it does

From grade school, we know that dogs are mammals. They share several attributes with humans. For example, the immune system of dogs is similar to a human’s – the mammalian immune system. It is an inbuilt defense mechanism to protect the body against invasion by foreign microorganisms. 

Your dog’s body has several cell types circulating via the blood and lymphatics. These cells migrate out of their quarters whenever there is a threat and neutralize the foreign invading microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. They also neutralize abnormally growing cells and toxins.

Strengthening your dog’s immune system entails taking steps to help the immune system become efficient and identify and neutralize threats effectively. It will boost your dog’s wellbeing and stretch its lifespan.  

Here are tips on how to strengthen your dog’s immunity. 

Feed your dog on immunity-boosting diets

Immunity-boosting diets consist of foods that promote the production and functioning of the immune system. It includes foods that encourage cell growth, efficient cell functioning and foods that counter inflammation and oxidation. Since dogs vary widely in their nutritional requirements, it is best to consult a vet and get a precise opinion concerning your dog’s diet. But generally, you can refer to scientifically researched sources and learn more about your dog’s nutritional needs. 

Excellent immunity-boosting dog diets contain the right balance of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids (including inflammation countering omega fatty acids), amino acids, and carbohydrates. Most commercial dog foods do not contain these elements in the correct proportions. Many manufacturers use plenty of grain starch to increase bulk and reduce costs. Your dog is likely to develop weight and inflammation-related issues due to the high starch levels. On the other hand, organic dog foods like Timberwolf Organics containing plenty of animal protein, tuber-sourced starch, and veggies could strengthen the immune system. 

Ensure your dog gets regular and sufficient exercise

Exercise does more than keep the muscles and brain fit. It helps the body system work more efficiently. Regular and sufficient workout is crucial for strengthening your dog’s immune system. However, too much or high-intensity exercise could be counterproductive and result in injury or deterioration of the immune system. Therefore, due to variations in age, weight, breed, and external circumstances, consult a vet to get precise guidance on the intensity and frequency of exercise your dog can handle. 

A good exercise plan will do the following and boost your dog’s immune system:

• Stimulate and promote efficient production of leukocytes (or white blood cells)
• Reduces fat mass and adipose tissue inflammation
• Encourages the production of IL-6 that boosts the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines 
• Mitigates effects of aging on the immune function

Use supplements

Still on the aspect of your nutrition, if a vet recommends special care for your dog, you could also inquire about supplements. Dietary supplements are products intended to augment your dog’s current diet. They often come in small quantities and address specific deficiencies. If your dog has a specific dietary need, a vet could recommend a supplement to boost the levels. 

You can consider supplements as a way to strengthen your dog’s immune system. But don’t feed your dog on all kinds of supplements at once. Mixing could be counterproductive. Multiple supplements could block absorption. Ask a vet concerning the type, amount, and frequency of supplements to give. 

Probiotics supplements will help build your dog’s gut flora and strengthen the immune system.

Destress frequently

Stress contributes to significantly increased inflammation and a compromised immune system. However, it is almost impossible to stay stress-free. Focus on the following de-stressing opportunities to strengthen your dog’s immunity. 

• Play more frequently with your furry buddy. 
• Avoid stressful environments and stress triggers.
• Consider treating your furry buddy to a doggy massage. 
• Use calming products like CBD.

CBD For Dogs

For most people, a pet dog is like a child whom they care for all their lives – they’re part of the family, and deserve to be treated well when they’re not in their best health.

Unfortunately for dogs, they not only have a short lifespan (when compared to humans), but also face many issues as they grow older. Right from cancer to bone problems, older dogs experience a number of issues which can cause them a lot of pain. 

The worst part is that they don’t have the means to explain what hurts and how much it hurts, so it’s the responsibility of their owners to ensure that they get all the care and treatment they need to relieve their stress. In fact, that’s the main reason why CBD oils have become popular in the veterinary community – let’s have a look at 4 ways in which CBD can help your dog.

1. It’s a safe and effective painkiller

Dogs often suffer from pain in various parts of their body – this could be a result of injuries, broken bones and fractures, pulled muscles, old age, arthritis, or weak bones and joints.

Whatever the reason, there are only a handful of ways in which their pain can be reduced – one of which includes treatment using CBD. CBD has been proven to be one of the least dangerous ways to treat and reduce body pain in dogs. 

So, if your dog looks like they’re in pain due to an accident, seems to have difficulty in their joints, or suffers from chronic body pain, you can consider applying topical CBD oil to the affected area – always remember to start with small quantities, as this should be enough to relieve minor issues.

2. It reduces anxiety and calms the nerves

Just like humans, some dogs are prone to suffer from anxiety and over-excitement or fear, due to various reasons. While this usually can be treated by training the dog, showing them love and affection, and treating them well, sometimes these non-medicinal treatments may not be effective for extreme cases.

In such instances, it’s important to consult your vet about the possible solutions first. If CBD seems like a suitable mode of treatment, go for vet recommended CBD oils to avoid accidentally using oils that have been adulterated or those which are too strong for dogs. 

Also, remember that every dog’s body is different, and the level of anxiousness they feel will vary as well. It’s a good idea to consult with a vet on how much you should include in their oral dosage, and how often the treatment should be administered.

3. Heals anti-inflammatory issues

Dogs can often experience inflammation for a number of reasons, usually, it’s because of an injury or an illness. This is part of their immune system’s response to distress occurring in the body, and is generally not something you need to worry about. 

 However, certain dogs can suffer from this often, due to a variety of physiological issues. In such cases, it’s a good idea to try treating it with CBD – which has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Since this may have to be ingested, you should consult your vet and find out how much should be administered to heal the inflammation. 

Senior Dog Insurance

Those that own older dogs often wonder whether or not they should purchase pet insurance at all, considering their premiums will be expensive or unavailable. It can even be confusing to know what age constitutes a “senior animal,” especially if your pup is young at heart.

Although it’s better to enroll your dog in a policy when they’re young, you can still get insurance for older animals as doing so may help you save your pup and wallet from late-age health concerns. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering pet insurance for your senior dog.

What Types of Pet Insurance are Available for Senior Dogs?

Insurance companies that offer senior cover typically stick to accident/illness plans.

Accident/illness plans cover treatment and procedures related to common illnesses and physical accidents. Accident-only plans are available but only cover injuries. Supplement pet wellness plans can be used as an add-on to cover routine care like teeth cleaning and grooming.

Some companies will provide pet insurance for older dogs once they become seniors, others will offer unlimited coverage, and some won’t cover older pets at all. It’s important for you to compare the best pet insurance policies based on your dog’s age and breed for a better deal.

At What Age do Insurance Providers Consider a Dog “Senior?”

Each provider has a unique set of guidelines that determine a dog’s coverage eligibility depending on their size, breed, and age. Most companies will follow these guidelines:

• Small dogs become seniors at age 11
• Medium dogs become seniors at age 10
• Large dogs become seniors at age 7

Insurance companies will also consider the dog’s average lifespan, as Bernese Mountain dogs can live for 6-8 years, but another large breed, the American Alsatian, can live for 15.

What is Separation Anxiety? 

Having a pet is fantastic as having an animal companion with whom to spend your time is amazing. A connection between you and your pet can be pretty intense, which has its pros and cons. 

One of the cons of having a close connection with your pet is that you can become attached. When the dog is more attached to you than vice versa, you will notice your pet acting out whenever you are not around, known as separation anxiety.

The first step to treating separation anxiety in your pet is to understand what it is. 

Signs of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety will happen when a dog is extremely attached to its owner. The dog is very stressed when you leave the house or even leave it alone for some time.

When a pet experiences separation anxiety, it goes way beyond most dogs’ subtle whining and barking. It is troublesome mischief that often leads to many pet owners giving up their pets. 

There are several reasons why a dog may experience separation anxiety other than extreme attachment to the owner. It may be that the dog is undergoing a change of ownership which is difficult for any dog. It may also be because the dog has had a change of home. If you modify your regular routine, your dog may also show signs of separation anxiety. 

Signs of separation anxiety are often the result of too much stress in the dog. They will include extreme whining or barking whenever you leave the dog alone. They will urinate or defecate in the house even though you may have already trained the pet.

They may chew and damage things in the house. You may notice your dog pacing obsessively, drooling or panting more than usual, and other new or unusual behaviors that may not have existed before. They may try and escape your home, which is often an extreme sign of separation anxiety.

The pet will often be okay while you are around and exhibit the above behaviors when you leave. You may witness them by peeping in a window in your house or placing a camera that records your pet. If you see the above symptoms in your pet, it probably has separation anxiety, and you should take it to the vet so that you can both come up with a treatment plan.

Treating Separation Anxiety

If a veterinarian diagnoses your pet with separation anxiety or notices any of the above signs in your pet, there are measures you can take to address the situation, including: 

Leave Treats

Dogs love treats, and they often associate treats with positive emotions, which can be a fantastic way to address separation anxiety. You should try leaving a treat for your pet before you leave the house. CBD treat, in particular, is excellent for a dog as it helps with mobility and anxiety. Therefore, your pet will move well, be fit, and be relaxed.

A sufficient number of treats to keep your dog fed until you return home should be the goal. Leaving a treat will be for a dog with mild separation anxiety. 

Leave a Special Toy

Another thing dogs love almost as much as food is their toys. A toy with which a dog has an emotional connection could help address its separation anxiety. The main issue with a dog that has separation anxiety is it feels abandoned whenever the owner leaves. If the dog has something familiar around when you are not around, it will not feel as separated. 

Keeping your dog occupied when you are not around is an excellent way to address its separation anxiety. Leaving a toy behind will ensure your pet is busy for a while after you leave. A mentally stimulating toy will keep it occupied for even longer. Put the toy away whenever you come home to ensure the dog does not become bored with it. 

Minimize Disturbances

New stimuli will exacerbate the separation anxiety your dog feels when you leave. If people pass by the windows, loud noises, and strong smells in your home when you are not there, your dog could get very agitated. Without anyone to calm them down, they will exhibit some signs of separation anxiety, such as chewing things in the house. 

Therefore, you should reduce any disturbances your dog may experience when you are away. You should leave a space open to allow the room to be aerated but no more. You want as little stimuli as possible to aggravate your pet whenever you are not home. 

Get a Dog Sitter

You will find someone to do any job these days if you can afford it. If your pet has separation issues and misbehaves whenever you are not there, you can pay someone to watch your dog when you are not there.

There are excellent dog sitting services out there, and you can hire someone to walk your dog and spend time with it whenever you are out. Having a sitter will definitely reduce the stress they feel when they are alone. 

Encourage Your Pet to Relax

You should promote relaxing behavior in your pet if you want it less stressed when you leave the house. If your pet is already agitated, when you leave the house, it will become even worse. Therefore, you should do things to help your dog relax before leaving the house. 

Taking your dog for a walk for relaxation and to the bathroom before you leave the house is one thing you can do. You can also groom your pet or massage it before you go. 

What is the Best Family Dog Breed?

Caring for a dog is a long-term commitment that requires time, patience, and attention. This is why choosing the right dog to bring into your home can be daunting. It sometimes isn’t enough to simply be willing to love and look after a dog for their entire lifetime. You should also be prepared to make personal adjustments based on your puppy’s temperament and needs.  So what is the best family dog?

If you are looking for the right dog to care for, here are a few things to consider before visiting a breeder:

1. Your Home 

Puppies need a safe and comfortable place to rest, which is why it is important to take into account your living environment before choosing a dog. The size of your home, its location, and the space around it will help dictate what dog breed is right for you. Generally, small dogs do well in flats, while large dogs do well in spacious homes with a big well-maintained lawn. 

2. Your Time

Every dog requires a certain amount of attention and care, so your family needs to assess its routine before deciding to adopt one. There should always be someone available to feed, groom, play with, train, and exercise your dog. If your family tends to be busy or is rarely home, choose a low-maintenance dog that can manage some hours alone without its humans.

3. Your Needs 

It is easy to get smitten by a puppy’s appearance, but how it looks is one of the least important considerations when choosing one. If you already have a specific breed in mind, do thorough research on its temperament, needs, overall health, and maintenance costs. Take into account its negative characteristics to avoid a lifestyle mismatch and have a basic understanding of the signs of fleas. Your family needs a dog that everyone can get along with while also having a wonderful time taking care of.  

Top Family-Friendly Dogs

• Mutts

Because they are a mixed breed, these dogs are less likely to have genetic defects. They are also unlikely to fall into any extremes.

• Golden Retrievers

Intelligent, friendly, and loyal, these dogs settle well into any home. They are fairly easy to train and generally healthy.

• ​​French Bulldogs

Their gentle and playful temperaments make French Bulldogs a wonderful family pet. They like to show affection and are good with kids.

• Labrador Retrievers

While energetic, these dogs are gentle around kids. They are playful, friendly, and eager to please.

• Poodles

With their small size, these friendly and playful dogs are suited for rough-and-tumble play. They are patient and polite with children. Poodles barely shed, so they’re great for families who have issues with hair and allergies. 

• Irish Setters

These happy-go-lucky dogs are naturally friendly and obedient. They are affectionate and will love their humans unconditionally.

Finding a Verified Breeder 

Now that you have decided to bring home a dog, it is time to find yourself a reputable and responsible breeder. This will not be easy, as some people tend to breed dogs for the sole purpose of making money. You should look for a breeder who wants to produce

What Does a Dog Use Its Whiskers For?

Primarily dog whiskers play two essential roles for dogs; they assist with navigation, and they provide protection.

Navigation:

• The hair follicles at the base of whiskers contain nerves that send sensory information to a dog’s brain. These nerves provide essential information to help the dog evaluate its surroundings. These whiskers are highly sensitive to vibrations found in the air. The dog uses these vibrations to sense nearby objects. A particularly important role as a dog’s vision (especially close up) is nowhere near as strong as its sense of smell.
• Cats sometimes use their whiskers for feeling their way around places during the night, but cats see better in the dark than dogs do. Dogs often find themselves in situations where the ability to sense movement is helpful, and at times, that ability is even more important than being able to see. That’s where a dog’s whiskers come into play. They can function as a guide when, for example, your dog walks down the hallway towards the water bowl at 2 a.m.
• “For dogs who like to dig and tunnel in the dark, it’s good for them to know where their face is located, how far it is from a wall,” says Dr. Foil. “That’s why the vibrissae are there; they let them know where their whole face is.” She adds, “Dogs can then tell what’s happening all around their face in a tunnel or going after a mouse in the dark.”

When Threatened: 

• Whiskers are also used when dogs express their emotions. When dogs are scared or feel threatened, they will point their whiskers forward, seemingly a defense strategy. When a dog is asleep, so are its whiskers, but when a dog is active, the whiskers are too!

Eye Protection: 

• As well as having an essential navigational role, whiskers can also provide some protection for a dog’s eyes. The whiskers above a dog’s eyes offer protection to the eyes, much like eyebrows do for human eyes.