Breeds

Bernedoodle Dog Breed Info | A Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle Cross

Looking to get a Bernedoodle puppy from a breeder or adopt one from a shelter and need basic info about the dog breed? You have just landed at the right place. This post contains everything you need to know about the Bernedoodle dog breed. We have added Bernedoodle’s pros and cons, temperament, grooming, health concerns, and everything else that may be helpful for you.

What is a Bernedoodle Dog?

Also misspelled as Burma Doodle and Bernadoodle, the Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the mighty Poodle. The Bernese belong to Switzerland while Poodle is said to be a German breed. The Bernedoodle inherits its wonderful features and habits from both of his parents. Bernedoodle is also known as the Bernese Mountain Poo and Bernese Poodle. Interestingly, the Bernedoodle Puppies are in high demand nowadays because of their adorable looks.

When did Bernedoodle come into Existence?

The first-ever Bernedoodle came into being when Sherry Rupke, a young breeder and the owner of SwissRidge Kennels bred a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle in 2003. She did it intentionally to form this wonderful dog breed. She is dealing with the dogs since when she was 15 years old. At SwissRidge Kennels, she has been developing Standard, Tiny, and Mini Bernedoodles, as well as, the Australian Bernedoodles.

Bernedoodle Specialties:

Bernedoodles are brilliant, loyal, adorable, fluffy, and intelligent. They have a hypoallergenic coat so they are an ideal choice for all types of owners, especially the ones with allergies. If you are a first-time dog owner, you should consider getting a Bernedoodle because they are easy to train and raise.

Some words about their parent breeds:

Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Established in 1907, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large-sized dog breed that belongs to the Swiss Alps. The area of their origin is the Canton of Bern in Switzerland that is why they are called Bernese or Berner. They were used to pull the carts and also preferred as farm dogs. Their lifespan is 7 to 8 years. They are large and often come in multiple colors. The Bernese Mountain Dogs have been featured in various TV serials and they have gained popularity because of several achievements in history.

Some other crossbreeds of the Bernese Mountain Dogs:

There are several Bernese crossbreeds and the most popular of them are:

Berner Chow: It is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Chow Chow.
Bernese Rottie: The cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Rottweiler.
Labernese: Labernese is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labrador.
Mountain Mastiff: It is a cross between the Bernese and a Mastiff.
Great Bernese: Great Bernese is a cross between the Bernese and a Great Pyrenees.

The Poodles:

The poodles are among the most loved dog breeds worldwide. They have three types, i-e, Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle. Their origin is disputed and they may belong to either France or Germany. Poodles are family dogs and they are full of energy. They are skillful and obedient. Because of their intelligence, they have achieved the second place as the world’s most intelligent dog. They have also been used in Circus in many countries.

Interestingly, when bred with the Berners, they make three different breeds that are dependant on the type of Poodles. They are among the most wanted dog breeds that are used to crossbreed with other breeds. There are dozens of the crossbreeds of Poodle dogs, and some of them are mentioned below.

Popular Crossbreeds of the Poodle:

Groodle: It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
Aussidoodle: The cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle.
Saint Berdoodle: A cross between Saint Bernard and Poodle.
Cavapoo: Cavapoo is a Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix.
Shih Poo: Shih Poo is a Shih Tzu and a Poodle mix.
Cockapoo: The mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.

Bernedoodle Body Features:

Bernedoodles are attention-catchers because of their cuteness and fluffy coat. The most prominent features in a Bernedoodle’s body are:

Their body is compact.
And have medium to long hair.
With a bushy tail.
With the beautiful long hanging ears.
They have small button eyes.
A hypoallergenic coat

Bernedoodles Colors:

Normally they inherit colors from their parents so one may expect different colors in different types of poodle-berner mixes. Most of them come in black while many others can be found in a variety of other colors including black and brown, black and white or even tri-colored.

Bernedoodles Types:

Bernedoodle types are dependant upon the type of Poodle. Let’s explore it in detail.

1: Standard Bernedoodle:

Standard Bernedoodle is a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle Mix. Its height is up to 29 inches and weighs between 22 to 40 KG. Normally they live for about 12 to 15 years. If you are short on budget or have low resources to spend on them every month, the Standard Bernedoodle is not for you. The reason is that their maintenance is costly while their lifespan is shorter than the other Bernedoodle types.

2: Mini Bernedoodle:

Mini Bernedoodle is a Bernese and Miniature Poodle mix. It can grow up to the height of 18-22 inches along with a weight of up to 22 KG. With an average lifespan of 17 years, a Mini Bernedoodle is among the best crossbreeds and its maintenance is less expensive as compared to other Bernedoodle types. We also recommend you to have a Mini Bernedoodle as a pet dog.

3: Tiny Bernedoodle:

The cutest doggy in all the Bernedoodle breeds is a Tiny Bernedoodle which is a Berner and a Toy Poodle mix, that is why it is also called a Toy Bernedoodle. It may grow up to 17 inches and weighs about 4 to 10 KG. Its average lifespan is greater than other Bernedoodle breeds and it can live up to 18 years. Its maintenance cost is also less than other Bernedoodle types so a Tiny Bernedoodle can be an ideal choice for the dog owners.

Teacup Bernedoodle Puppies:

Teacup puppies are the new talk of the town and have become trendy. The miniature version of any dog breed is also called a Teacup puppy. And if we talk about the Bernedoodles, Tiny Bernedoodle is so small that it is referred to as a teacup puppy.

Bernedoodles’ Brother from another Mother:

Australian Bernedoodle:

An Australian Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Labradoodle. Interestingly, Australian Labradoodle itself is a crossbreed of multiple breeds such as Poodle, American Cocker Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, and Labrador Retriever. Australian Bernedoodles are popular for their loyalty, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat. They have gained popularity is the best family dogs.

Bernedoodle Generations:

There are three generations of Bernedoodles based on the ratio of both the breeds crossed with each other. These generations are:

F1 Bernedoodle:

An F1 Bernedoodle is the one that is 50% Poodle and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog. The experts and vets prefer this generation of Bernedoodles to adopt as it is the healthiest breed of Bernedoodle.

F1b Bernedoodle:

The cross between a Poodle and a Bernedoodle is called an F1b generation. It is 25% Bernese and 75% Poodle, therefore it inherits the most features of Poodle.

F2 Bernedoodle:

Also known as a second-generation cross, it is a cross between two different F1 generations of Bernedoodle is called an F2 generation.

What is a Teddy Bear Bernedoodle?

A Bernedoodle + Bernedoodle cross produces a Teddy Bear Bernedoodle. The Teddy Bear Bernedoodles are also called “multigens”. They are in demand nowadays because of their adorable looks but unfortunately, they are not among the low-shedding dogs so the people with allergies should avoid them.

Bernedoodle Behaviour:

As we have already said that Bernedoodles are family dogs, the reason behind this fact is that they are safe for your family and children as well as other pet animals in your home. They are social and loving and have inherited intelligence from Poodles. Furthermore, they are playful and responsive and follow their owners like a shadow everywhere. They are excellent swimmers and runners. All these wonderful features make them a complete package dog for a family.

Bernedoodle Temperament:

The well-bred Bernedoodles usually inherit the good features from their parent breeds. Their playfulness and friendly behavior make them an essential part of your life. The Bernese Mountain Dogs are the ones with the strong will and the Bernedoodles also inherit this feature. They always say yes to exercise and training.

Bernedoodle as a Therapy and Service Dog:

All the traits such as their excellent temperament, loving and cuddly nature, hypoallergenic coat, and trainability make them an ideal therapy dog and they can be used in hospitals, care centers, and disastrous areas as a therapy dog. When it comes to choosing a service dog, the Mini and Tiny Bernedoodle may not qualify as a service dog because of their size. But the Standard Bernedoodle may be trained as a Service dog

Bernedoodle Pros and Cons

Bernedoodle Pros:

They can easily be adjusted with all types of owners.
One of the best dog breeds in terms of hypoallergenic coats and best for the owners who are dander-allergic.
Safe dog breed for your family and children.
Playful with your guests too.
As they are excellent swimmers and runners, they’ll not leave you alone while swimming or running.
The best breed for you if you are an exercise lover, they’ll be your partner while doing regular exercises.
Best playing partners for your children.
Because of their social and friendly behavior, they do well with other pets.
Very less health-related issues if bred by an expert breeder.

Bernedoodle Cons:

Not suitable as a guard dog.
Occasionally, they also feel shy if the strangers are around.
They hate boredom and may show bad behavior in case of boredom.
They need daily exercise, so not a good choice for owners who have busy routines.

Bernedoodle’s Requirements for a living:

The best thing for them is a kind and responsive owner because they love seeking attention. Additionally, they can be kept in any type of apartment. To fulfill their exercise needs, a fenced yard will be the best place for them. In short words, they are not demanding ones and can be happy with an ordinary family too.

Diet of Bernedoodles:

Like other dog breeds, they also like boiled rice and boiled chicken. Regular treats make them ultra-happy and they love to have variety in their daily meals like the addition of pumpkin, yogurt or boiled sweet potato in their regular feed. You can also feed them with boiled turkey, boiled liver, boiled meat, and cottage cheese. The expert vets suggest not to feed them with raw meat or raw chicken. All the mentioned eatables are healthy and full of proteins.

And remember one thing, never over-feed your pup because it may result in weight gain which can further lead to several health conditions.

Bernedoodle Grooming:

Brushing: The best part of having a Bernedoodle is that you don’t need to do something special to groom this fluffy dog. Simply, brush your Bernedoodle thrice a week, especially if its fur is curly or you’ll have to deal with tangles and mats that are a real mess.

Bathing: A bath every 2-3 months is enough. If you bathe them more often then they may lose their natural oils that are necessary to keep their coat moisturized.

Hair cut: It is also recommended to get your Bernedoodle pup groomed by a professional groomer every three months so it maintains the best look of a Bernedoodle.

Brushing Teeth: Every dog’s oral health is as important as humans. So, brushing their teeth twice or thrice a week is really very important.

Ears: Check their ears once a week to make sure that they are free of infection and have no foreign object in it. If your dog frequently touches his ears with his paws, you need to get it checked by a vet.

Nails: Check your Bernedoodle’s nails regularly and trim them if needed.

Bernedoodles Training:

As they have inherited intelligence from one of their parents, i-e, Poodle, they instantly understand all your instructions and brilliantly respond to them. It is recommended to teach them the difference between right and wrong, but don’t try to be more strict because they love to be treated with kindness.

Bernedoodles Exercise:

Once again, let us tell you that they need regular exercise as they may suffer health issues because of a lack of exercise. At least, a walk for about an hour will be perfect for them. Remember, Bernedoodle is different than other dog breeds and they need at least 30 minutes from you daily. If you have a tight schedule and cannot manage to give at least 30 minutes to your pets, you should not adopt a Bernedoodle, instead, you can go for an English Mastiff, a Pug, or a Shih Tzu as these dogs don’t need much exercise.

Bernedoodle Health Issues:

Any crossbred dog can inherit diseases from its parents, likewise, Bernedoodle may also inherit diseases from the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. Some of the common Bernedoodle health conditions are given below.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a painful disease that is common in large-sized breeds. In Hip Dysplasia, the dogs cannot move normally and in extreme cases, they can’t even walk. If any of your dogs have such symptoms, you should not waste your time seeing your veterinarian.

Elbow Dysplasia

The Bernedoodles are also prone to elbow dysplasia. It is a common disease in many dog breeds, Bernedoodles may inherit it from their parent brees.

Sebaceous Adenitis

Sebaceous Adenitis is a skin disease that is not only found in dogs but also other animals like horses, cats, and rabbits. Poodles are prone to this skin disease because they have a double coat, so Bernedoodles usually inherit it from them. The symptom of this disease is silver dandruff and hair loss in extreme conditions.

Hyperadrenocorticism

Hyperadrenocorticism is usually known as Cushing’s disease. Actually, there is a beneficial hormone in the dog’s body that is called cortisol hormone, but the excess of this useful hormone results in Cushing’s disease. There are various symptoms of this disease and some of them are lack of energy, increased hunger and thirst, excessive urination, and insomnia.

Hypoadrenocorticism

It is another disease that is related to hormones. In this disease, the adrenal glands cannot produce a sufficient amount of hormones which result in a dis-balance of salt, water, and potassium in the dog’s body. Also known as Addison’s disease, the common symptoms of this disease are dehydration, weakness, weight loss, shivering, and vomiting. Although, it is uncommon in Bernedoodles, if found, you must see your vet immediately.

Cataract

It is an eye disease in which the eye lens of the dog may have cloudiness. Usually, this disease is caused because of diabetes mellitus and old age. An electric shock or lower levels of calcium in the blood may also be a major cause. If you feel any sort of cloudiness in the dog’s eye, you must visit your vet immediately.

Color Dilution Alopecia

Bernedoodles usually inherit Color Dilution Alopecia from their parent breeds. It is a hair and skin related disease that may lead to itchy skin and hair loss. It is not a harmful disease in terms of the doggy’s life, still seeing your vet will be a good idea.

Other than these diseases, the Bernedoodles may also suffer from several skin allergies, hot spots, ticks and fleas, and other small issues. The Bernedoodles that are maintained properly, are less prone to any type of diseases. Usually, the Bernedoodles are more healthy than other dog breeds especially their parent breeds.

Moreover, try to brush their teeth regularly to avoid any oral health issues in your cute doggies because oral hygiene is very important for a dog’s general health.

Random lab tests to avoid any health issues in Bernedoodles

A good breeder always vaccine their dogs before handing them over to the new owners. In the case of mixed breeds like Bernedoodles, several lab tests are necessary to avoid any complexity in the future. Some of the important tests are:

Urine
Blood
Hip
Elbow
Eye
Skin Scraping
Heartworm and tick-borne diseases test

The Best Bernedoodle Breed to adopt:

Although all the Bernedoodle breeds are the best, the F1 generation of Mini and Tiny Bernedoodles is recommended the most. Standard Bernedoodle costs more because of its large-sized body and a shorter lifespan. So, we’ll give the first number to a Tiny Bernedoodle and the second number to the Mini Bernedoodle.

Other similar breeds of Bernedoodles:

Ausidoodles, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Schnoodles, and Whoodles are some of the mixed breeds that are similar to Bernedoodles. If we look closely, almost all the Poodle crosses are close to Bernedoodles because they share traits of one parent. With very few differences, all of these breeds of some features that are similar such as intelligence, playfulness, and friendly behavior. Almost all of them are hypoallergenic and very low-shedding dog breeds.

Bernedoodle Price:

A Bernedoodle puppy may cost you more than your expectation but when you meet your puppy for the first time, that moment pays off whatever you’ve spent. On average, you may need to pay around $3000 for your Bernedoodle puppy.

If you have specifications such as a tri-color puppy or need a specific type such as a Mini or Standard male puppy, it may cost you up to $5000. So, think well and complete your homework and research before getting one.

Bernedoodle Annual Maintenance Cost:

A Bernedoodle may cost you up to $1500 annually which includes vet visits, food, grooming, crate, leashes, socialization and training, and other basic needs. Once again, think well before getting a Bernedoodle puppy. If you can’t afford this cost then you should go for a breed with fewer maintenance costs.

Bernedoodle, the Most Misspelled Dog Breed:

Bernedoodle is one of the most misspelled dog breeds and during our research, we have found a plethora of miss-spelled Bernedoodles. Some of them are Bernidoodle, Bermadoodle, Burnadoodle, Burmadoodle, Bernadooe, Bernesoodle, Bernoodle, Berner Doodle, and Bernesedoodle.

Bernedoodle FAQs:

Is Bernedoodle good with children?

Yes, Bernedoodle is excellent with children and is a perfect companion dog.

Is there any significant difference between Bernedoodle and other Poodle crosses?

Yes, all of them may have differences as they involve breeds other than Poodle too. In fact, the puppies from the same litter may also be different from each other.

Are Bernedoodles completely Hypoallergenic dogs?

There is almost no dog breed in the world that is completely hypo-allergenic. But Bernedoodles mostly have low to non-shedding coats. One thing to keep in mind; a breeder can never guarantee the hypo-allergenic coat in a puppy, and in fact, they may have a shedding coat too.

I am allergic to dog’s saliva, will a dog with a non-shedding coat like Bernedoodle work for me?

Well, in that case, you’ll most probably be allergic to Bernedoodles. So, try to get a smaller dog. Small dog, less saliva.

Can Bernedoodles be registered?

Unfortunately, Bernedoodles can’t be registered with the American or Canadian Kennel clubs because it is a mixed breed and the mentioned Kennel clubs don’t recognize mixed breeds.

Which one is the best Bernedoodle breeder?

There are many best and well-reputed breeders around the US and Canada. Choose the one that allows you to meet the parents, show you the parent’s health clearances, provides you with the health guarantees, and provide you with the references from vets and some of the older clients.

Final words about our research on Bernedoodles:

Good for almost all types of owners.
Fewer health concerns as compared to other dog breeds.
The best family dogs that become a soulmate of every member of the family.
They are fluffy as well as hypoallergenic and low-shedding.
To keep them healthy and active, regular exercise is necessary for them, especially in the early years of their life.
They can be kept in any type of home such as an apartment or a bungalow.
They are an attention seeker and love to be cared for and treated as a real family member.
Swimming, running, playing, and jogging is their most favorite hobby.
Social with other animals and pets.
Also a good breed for a single living person.
Because of their low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time and money to groom them.

Bernedoodles Recognition:

American Kennel Club Recognition:

American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize mixed breeds, therefore, the Bernedoodles are not recognized by them.

American Canine Hybrid Club Recognition:

American Canine Hybrid Club (AKHC) has recognized the Bernedoodles and they are named as Bernese Mountain Poo.

Recognition with other clubs:

Bernedoodles are recognized with many other clubs such as the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry.

So, these were the detailed features, facts, pros, and cons of the Bernedoodles. If you are still unable to make a decision about Bernedoodles or have a question in your mind, just feel free to ask and we’d love to help you.

By Will Douglas Leave a Comment

14 Most Amazingly Beautiful Cat Breeds in the World

Are you cat lovers? What kind of cats do you know? How many of them?

Of course, they are a pretty, adorable, and cute animal! But what do you know about the cat? Well, first of all, this feline is carnivore animal mostly of them have fur on their entire body.

They are very approachable and very socialize to human. They love when you pet them and it feels like they love you back even more, right?

To know more about this beautiful creature and their species, take a look below!

1. Maine Coon

This type of cat is very known among them all, this cat is known as gentle giants because they are the largest type of cat. Just like the name, this cat is originally from Maine which is in the United States.

Their behaviours are very gentle and friendly. They come in various colour, you may see them in red, orange, white, black, grey accents.

Their thick fur helps them to handle the cold wheater.

2. Exotic Shorthair

This cat has a small pointed nose, small ears, which is cute. Just like the name, this cat has short hair. This cat’s behaviour is very friendly and quite they love to sit in your lap.

Unlike other Persian types, this cat does not need brushing all the time.

3. Persian Cat

You may know this cat as Persian longhair because they are Persian with long hair. This cat is the oldest Persian type. Persian cat comes in a variety of colours like black, cream, red, brown, and white.

They have deep blue or brown eyes. Persian cat has a short nose and full cheeks. They do not like to climb inside the house, they love to hang out with the rest of the family.

4. British Shorthair

Did you know that this cat is originally from Egypt and they imported this cat to England? This cat is very calm and loving. This cat can be found in various colours like black, white, red, grey etc.

5. Siamese Cat

Just like the name, they are from the country of Siam, you may also found this cat in Thailand. This cat likes to communicate with people, they have loud noise to talk to you this cat also love to sit on your lap.

They are very approachable and they do not want you to leave them alone. They are very known with the black face and white fur on their body.

6. Abyssinian

The name of this cat is named after the former name of Ethiopia. They are known as the holy cat in ancient Egypt.

They are very intelligent and energetic as the cat and they are a quick learner. They have a brown colour and a thin body, also big ears.

7. Toyger

Just like the name, they have the same pattern and colour like tigers. They are breed cat that mostly found in the United States.

The size of this cat can be reached to 6 kilograms with the round face and the long tail. Their tiger look helps them to hide to catch the victim.

8. Birman

This cat is known as the sacred cat of Burma, they have originally come from France. They have thick fur and unique colour.

Their face and tail are black but most of their body is white. They also have vibrant bright blue eyes.

Not only that they also come in various colours like brown, grey, and red. Their body can reach 7 kilograms.

This cat is the lazy type who loves to be around with the owners and can mingle with other pets so well.

9. Scottish Fold

At first, they named this cat as lop-eared but it no longer used. You also may know this cat with the name Scot Fold.

This cat is very unique with the fold ears that make them look like owl since they have big rounded eyes. Not only that this cat can sit like a Buddha position.

Did you know that the newborns’ Scottish fold are born with straight ears but they start to fold after around 2 to 4 weeks!

10. Ragdoll

This type of cat is very popular, they are natively from California, United States. The type of ragdoll is that they have dark accents on their thick fur.

The size of this cat is around 3 to 8 kilograms and can live for more than 10 years.

11. Turkish Angora

Just like the name, this Turkish angora is originally from Turkey. Back then, this cat is the result of Persian and angora breeding.

Sadly, the Turkish angora type with white fur and blue eyes are typically deaf. Their size is around 9 kilograms and they can live up to 18 years.

12. Russian Blue

This feline is natively from North Rusia. This cat is known as the healing and good luck charm. They are almost endangered after the World War II but they start to breed them again to get the original one.

They can live to 20 years long. If you are allergic to the cat but still love them and want a cat as your pet you can adopt this Russian blue since they do not shed of their fur.

13. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cat does not have hair in their body so they look slim and thin. They do look muscular and their ears are big and stand out.

This cat is very sensitive to temperature, they simply get cold and hot due to their hairless body.

14. Bombay

Their black body and sharp yellow eyes makes them look like black panther. This cat is natively from United States but you may also see this cat in Thailand.

Their fur is very smooth and deep black, they just look like American black shorthair. The size of this at is about 4 kilograms.

Since they are very smart, they are really good at playing fetch and playing toys. They also friendly with the calm space, they can bond with other pets like dog.

By Will Douglas Leave a Comment

9 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds

There’s been a vicious rumor circulating for decades that cats are not affectionate. This simply is not so. In fact, there are many breeds of felines known for their cuddly, want-to-be-near-you-attitude. Don’t believe us? Read what feline experts and fanciers claim are the 9 most affectionate cat breeds.

1. Cornish Rex

Not only is this cat the comedian of the feline world, but his love for his pet parent is unbounding. The Cornish Rex has super-soft, short curly rows of hair, an egg-shaped head and huge bat-like ears. Okay, sure, it may not win a contest for the most aesthetically pleasing in the appearance category, but this fun-loving feline enjoys playing fetch, interacting with the other pets in the home and, of course, just hanging out with his favorite human.

2. Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is being hailed as one of the oldest cat breeds on the planet. It has an exotic and gorgeous spotted coat that is the only one naturally occurring. Look out leopards! It addition, it’s personality is second-to-none. It loves to cuddle with that special person, knead a welcoming lap and will even wag it’s tail like a happy dog. This breed also has a reputation as being friendly and is a great choice if you want to add a second or even third kitty to your household.

3. Devon Rex

Thought the Cornish Rex has a spectacularly soft wavy coat? It’s got nothing on its cousin the Devon Rex. This breed has been described as being “alien-like” in appearance, which is probably due to its huge eyes and ears. But even if its appearance is less than “gorgeous” (which is a matter of opinion) the Devon’s personality well makes up for it. This cat is super affectionate and loves to ride on his pet parent’s shoulder or just snuggle in for a good night’s sleep. This cat is always ready for a good play session and doesn’t even shed that much!

4. Maine Coon

This bundle-of-love is not only big on affection, but it’s big in size. Nicknamed as the “Gentle Giant” of the cat world, this fluffy cat starts out small, but can grow upwards of 18 pounds! However, lovers of the Maine Coon don’t mind, because it’s just more cat to cuddle. Although, this breed can be a bit clingy to its humans, it usually gets along well with other pets, loves children and may even use its massive paws to puddle in the water dish. This cat is an all-round good egg!

5. Tonkinese

Stream-line beauty is not all the Tonkinese has to offer; it’s a “lap lounger.” This breed was created by blending the Burmese and Siamese and got the best of both its lineage. It’s not extroverted like the Siamese and not shy like the Burmese, but is rather a fun and affectionate mix of stunning looks and warm personality. The Tonkinese is also highly trainable and can quickly master walking on a leash or playing a fun game of fetch. Plus, it loves to stay close to its humans and usually won’t say no to a ride on a shoulder, a warm inviting lap or even socializing with kids and the family dog.

6. Persian

This breed may be sporting a “grumpy” face, but its personality is all cuddler. This could be why it has remained one of the most popular breeds of cat for decades. Its soft luxurious coat is wonderful to the touch, which is all this breed wants to be. It enjoys sitting quietly being stroked by its favorite human and will reward you with soft, steady purrs. The Persian has an all-round sweet and gentle disposition and makes an awesome companion for older folks or calmer households.

7. Ragdoll

The name of this next affectionate breed is not by chance or accident. The Ragdoll was aptly named because of its propensity to go limp in people’s arms. This big floppy feline loves to be held and cuddled, will follow its pet parent around the home, join them at night and might even suddenly appear in the shower. Even though this cat is quite large fully grown (around 20 pounds) it rarely uses its claws, does not want to fight and doesn’t usually exhibit any aggressive tendencies.

8. Siamese

Despite its wicked portrayal on the popular Disney cartoon, Lady and the Tramp, the Siamese still makes the list of affectionate felines. Although, it can be a bit demanding, the Siamese will shower its favorite person with attention, loud chattering “conversations” and may even join you in the shower. This breed does not like to be left alone and craves interaction with its pet parent. It is also known for its super-intelligence and fierce devotion, so there’s a lot to love about the Siamese.

9. Sphynx

The fact that the Sphynx is completely peach-fuzzed, has lemon-shaped eyes, huge ears and a big belly may have some folks doing a double-take when they lay eyes on it for the first time. However, it’s sweet nature well makes up for its “unusual” appearance. This breed loves to lounge on a cozy lap, has a huge personality and is very outgoing. Plus, if you have feline fur allergies, the peach fuzz this kitty sports may not affect those that suffer from the itchy, watery eyes and sneezing that accompanies pet allergens.

Love-to-Love Those Kitties

Now that we’ve laid out some of the well known affectionate feline breeds, perhaps you’re ready to embark on pet parenting one of these amazing cats. If so, be sure to find a responsible and reputable breeder or visit your local animal rescue to adopt your next bff (best furry friend).

By Will Douglas Leave a Comment

7 Facts About Senior Chihuahuas

Whether you have just adopted a senior chihuahua (and bless you if you have!) or have had your little fur ball for most of their life, there are questions you may have about this stage in your chihuahua’s life.

1- AT WHAT AGE IS A CHIHUAHUA CONSIDERED A SENIOR?

Chihuahuas are considered a senior when they reach 10.

This is much later than other breeds who reach senior citizen status at around 7 or 8 and in the case of giant breeds 5 to 6.

2- HOW LONG DOES A CHIHUAHUA LIVE?

12-20 years but they have been known to live into their early 20’s.

3- ANY HEALTH ADVANTAGES TO BEING AN OLDER CHIHUAHUA?

Yes, there is a neurological condition called GME which is becoming more and more common.

It is believed to caused by over vaccination and targets mostly small breeds.

For some reason, dogs over 8 years of age do not develop this disease.

4- WHAT ARE COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS IN ELDERLY CHIHUAHUAS?

Many are the same issues other dog breeds, and even people get as they age including:

cataracts
glaucoma
dementia
arthritis
gum disease and dental problems
cancer
diabetes
hearing loss
congestive heart failure

5- DOES MY OLDER CHIHUAHUA NEED CLOTHES?

Most likely yes. Chihuahuas in general tend to be cold natured.

Just like people tend to get cold more often in their senior years, well chis do too.

So do keep a few cuddly sweaters on hand for your dog along with lots of soft blankets.

6-WILL MY CHIHUAHUA’S PERSONALITY CHANGE?

It may change as they age.

Of course, they won’t be as active as they were when they were younger.

Some chihuahuas get a little crotchety as they enter their senior years and don’t handle stressful situations as well as they did when they were younger.

Sometimes things that didn’t bother them when they were younger, suddenly scare them such as thunder storms.

And sometimes dementia sets in and changes their personality drastically.

If you notice signs of dementia such as confusion, staring into space for long periods of time or other personality changes, get your dog to your vet as soon as possible.

There are drugs available that can help with dementia and for some reason, they have a better success rate with dogs than humans do with their drugs with dementia.

7- WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO TO KEEP MY SENIOR CHIHUAHUA HAPPY?

Keep an eye on your fur baby for any health problems that need veterinary care. If you can afford it, you might want to switch to vet visits every 6 months instead of once a year.
A good joint supplement can help a lot with arthritis.
Your dog still needs some exercise, just not as much as when he was younger. Do try to take him for a daily walk for 15-20 minutes. If you like to go for longer walks, bring a pet stroller with you and just put your dog in it when they get tired.
Don’t move the furniture around as it can be confusing and frustrating for dogs that are losing their site or are developing dementia.
Keep a check on your chihuahua’s weight and don’t over feed them.
Don’t let them jump from high distances such as from the bed or couch. Get them pet steps and teach them how to use them.
Keep them away from crowds, (unless you have them secure in a stroller or sling) as they can be scary or too much stimulation for an older dog.
Keep small children away from them as much as possible.

Leave a comment and tell me about your oldster.

By Will Douglas Leave a Comment

7 Tips to Manage Golden Retriever Shedding

Golden Retrievers are very popular pets, and it is easy to see why: They’re not only friendly, loyal and smart, they also have some of the most beautiful coats around.

But unfortunately, these gorgeous golden coats can also cause headaches for their owners. We’ll talk about the Golden Retriever shedding below, as well as the best ways to manage the problems the coats and shed hair of Golden Retrievers can cause.

The Golden Retriever’s Coat

Before we begin talking about the ways to deal with your Golden Retriever’s shed hair, we need to explain the basics of their coats. Golden Retrievers have a double coat, comprised of two separate layers.

The outer coat of Golden Retrievers is waterproof, comprised of medium to long hairs and primarily intended to protect the dog from the elements. Some Goldens have wavy hair, while others are primarily clad in straight hair. The outer coat of many Goldens exhibits “feathering” on the legs, tail and
The inner coat of Golden Retrievers is extraordinarily dense and quite soft. The inner coat isn’t very visible, but if you run your fingers through the coat of a Golden, you’ll easily feel the soft hairs underneath. The primary job of the Golden Retriever’s undercoat is to keep the dog warm in cool weather.

Do Golden Retrievers Shed?

All mammals shed their hair periodically. Individual hairs only last for so long, so they’re typically jettisoned once they wear out. But while some animals (including humans) tend to shed at a relatively consistent rate, others shed particularly heavily in specific seasons or portions of the year. Golden Retrievers are a good example of the latter.

Golden Retrievers typically shed a little bit all year long, so you’ll have to contend with this issue more-or-less constantly. However, they tend to exhibit a punctuated shedding pattern, in which they shed especially heavily during the spring and fall. These are the times in which it is most important to take steps to manage the shed-hair problems they present.

How Much Do Golden Retrievers Shed?

There isn’t an easy way to quantify the amount of hair Golden Retrievers shed, but they are surely one of the heaviest-shedding breeds in the world. Golden Retrievers shed enough to leave a constant dusting of hair on your floors and furniture, and they’ll bury your entire home in a layer of golden fur each spring and fall.

The first time you give your dog a thorough brushing during a heavy-shedding period, you’ll surely be shocked at how much hair you are able to remove from your dog.

It is important to note that the length of a Golden Retriever’s fur not only makes it seem like they shed even more than they actually do, it also makes it harder to clean up after them. Long hairs are more likely to become stuck to the fibers of your carpets and upholstery, and they are also more likely to clog vacuums and form “tumbleweeds” that will end up blowing around your home.

Seven Ways to Manage Golden Retriever Shedding

Again, there’s no way to completely eliminate Golden Retriever hair shedding (or any other breed of dog). However, there are a few things you can do to limit the problem.’

1. Brush Your Dog Frequently

Since you can’t completely stop your dog from shedding, the next best option is to remove your dog’s hair in a controlled manner. And the easiest way to accomplish this is by simply brushing your dog once a week (or more frequently), collecting the hair trapped in the brush and putting it right in the trashcan.

Most dogs, including Golden Retrievers, will enjoy the attention and stimulation a thorough brushing provides, and they’ll learn to accept it as part of their weekly routine. It will also give you a good chance to observe your dog’s coat and skin, increasing the chances that you’ll discover ticks, abrasions, wounds and other problems that require attention.

Additionally, by brushing your Golden Retriever regularly, you’ll be able to eliminate mats and tangles and keep his coat looking its best.

Scroll down to the next section to learn about the best brushes for Golden Retrievers.

2. Bathe Your Dog Regularly

Brushing your dog isn’t the only way to remove his soon-to-be shed hair in a controlled manner – you can also bathe him regularly. Most Goldens enjoy the occasional bath and it is a very effective hair-management technique that’ll help keep your home looking great. Just be sure you don’t bathe your dog too frequently, as this can cause coat and skin problems.

Anytime you bathe your dog, you’ll end up washing off many of the hairs that we’ll be shed soon, as well as those that have already been released from the follicles, but still cling to his coat. Additionally, the massaging action of your hands and fingers will help dislodge soon-to-be shed hair, and it’ll free the hair that becomes trapped in his coat.

Then, once you’ve bathed your dog, you can simply dispose of the hair left in the water. If you’re bathing your dog outdoors, you can simply dump the fur out on the ground (this will even help your local birds, as many use hair while building their nests) or collect it and throw it in the trash.

If you bathe your Golden indoors, you’ll want to use a drain guard, which will collect the hair as it washes down the drain. This will prevent the hair from clogging your pipes and make clean up much easier.

3. Take Your Golden Retriever for a Swim

Swimming is a great form of exercise for most Golden Retrievers. It burns a ton of calories, it’ll help wash off a bunch of hair, and most Goldens love playing in the water. In fact, because swimming is a low-impact activity, it is a great way to exercise dogs with aching joints.

If you are taking your pup to a lake or river, you don’t have to worry about the hair he sheds. But if you decide to let him swim in your swimming pool, you’ll want to be sure to remove the hair that collects around the filters and traps to ensure the pump keeps working efficiently.

It’s a good idea to give your dog a bath after letting him swim, as lake and river water can contain bacteria and other pathogens. Even if you let your dog swim in a pool, it’s a good idea to bathe him afterward, to help rinse the chlorine from his fur.

4. Feed Your Dog a High-Quality Food

It’s obviously important to provide all dogs with a healthy and nutritious dog food. However, it is especially important to do so for Golden Retrievers, as proper nutrition will help keep their skin and coat as healthy as possible. This, in turn, will help ensure he isn’t shedding more hair than he should.

Any of the recipes highlighted should make a good choice for your pet. However, you’ll want to give special consideration to those foods that contain an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and promote coat and skin health.

You can also begin providing your dog with omega-3 fatty acid supplements. These supplements come in a few different forms, including tablets and liquids designed to be added to your dog’s food, so be sure to pick the one that should work best for your pet.

5. Keep Your Dog’s Stress Level Low

Stress and anxiety may increase the rate at which your dog sheds, so it is important to ensure that your Golden remains healthy and happy. You can do this in part by providing your pet with plenty of opportunities to exercise and giving him lots of attention, but it is also important to provide him with toys to help prevent boredomand give him the chance to exercise his chewing instincts.

It’s also a good idea to provide him (as well as all other dogs) with a secure crate, in which he can retreat when desired. Many dogs appreciate having a safe place to hang out when they’re feeling worried or stressed, which may help prevent him from excessive shedding.

6. Keep Your Couch Clean by Giving Your Dog a Comfortable Bed

The tips mentioned above can certainly help you reduce the amount of hair your Golden sheds and prevent some of the hair that is shed from covering your floors and furniture. But it won’t completely eliminate the problem – your Golden Retriever will still end up leaving hair around your home.

However, most of the hair your Golden sheds will cling to the surfaces and areas in which he spends the bulk of his time. So, be sure to provide your pet with a comfortable bed (or kennel pad) and teach him that the couch is off limits. This may take some time and effort to accomplish, but your efforts will be worth it, once you start noticing less hair on your furniture.

It’s also important to remember that Golden Retrievers often suffer from joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. One of the best ways to help take coddle your canine’s joints is by providing him with a high-quality, orthopedic dog bed that is designed to provide exactly the type of support he needs.

7. Color-Coordinate with Your Dog

Although it won’t do a thing to reduce your dog’s shedding, you can often reduce the visual impact of your dog’s shed hair by trying to use furniture (both your furniture and his) that matches his coat color. In the case of Golden Retrievers, this means opting for things that are strawberry blonde to yellow-white.

We’re not suggesting that you go out and buy all new furniture, but it is a good idea to consider the color you choose whenever buying new furniture. You can also cover your couch and other furniture with covers that are similar to your dog’s fur color. And it is always wise to purchase dog beds and similar furniture that matches the color of your dog’s hair.

Golden Retrievers certainly shed pretty heavily, and given the length of their coats, the fur they shed can cause quite a mess. But if you employ the tips and advice presented above you can keep your Golden’s shedding under control and ensure that your home doesn’t become a giant furball.

Have you figured out any other ways to control your Golden Retriever’s shedding problem? Tell us all about it in the comments below.