Top Dog – Classic Dog Movies You Need To Watch Part 2

The post 1960s was slow in producing any classic dog movies. The period does, however, provide some interesting variations on the old young-boy-and-dog theme. It also continues to make films along the very traditional, tear-jerking lines. Below you will find a list of several more classic dog movies. This time, they date form the more-modern period.

• Best In Show (2000)

This movie really does go to the dogs. Directed by Christopher Guest, Best In Show goes inside the competitive world of show dogs and proceeds to send it up. The movie flows like a documentary. It is peopled by quirk and often neurotic characters and their equally strange dogs. All are trying to seize the ultimate prize in their dog world – Best in Show at the Mayflower Kennel Dog Show.

This mocumentary does an excellent character assassination of many of the stereotypes within the dog show world. It is aimed at adults and not children. The movie is funny filled with excellent one-liners.

• A Boy and His Dog (1975)

This movie, like Best in Show was not made for children. A Boy and His Dog reflects the then fascination with a post-apocalyptic world. It features a young Don Johnson as Vic. He is wandering with his dog, Blood (Tiger) through the wasteland. They come across a community consisting of women. They want Vic to help increase the population. Vic feels up for the role until he realizes what this all involves.

It is Blood who finds the solution to their predicament. The movie was based on the novella by the great writer Harlan Ellison. A Boy and His Dog was the inspiration for the Mad Max or Road Warrior movies. Blood was a mixed breed. He was better known for his role in the wholesome television series The Brady Bunch.

• Air Bud (1997)

Air Bud, the original, was a basic boy-and-his dog story. It focuses on the Meeting and ongoing relationship between 2 misfits: Josh, a loner in both his hometown and school and Buddy a Golden Retriever. The simple story has a twist. The dog has an untapped talent. He can shoot hoops. This is the first and last role of the original dog star – Buddy. Although other Buddy movies were made, Buddy did not act in them. He died of cancer soon after completing this film.

• My Dog Skip (1999)

A period boy-and-his-dog movie, My Dog Skip takes place in the 1940s. The place is Mississippi and Willie, the boy, is an only child. The obvious star is the dog, Skip. It is played by 2 separate but related canines. Moose, the infamous dog Eddie from Frazier acts the role of the elderly Skip. Moose’s son, Enzio, performs as the young Skip.

• Beethoven (1992)

Beethoven, like Air Bud was one in a series of dog movies featuring the major character. In this case, the dog is a Saint Bernard named Beethoven. The dog is played by Chris. He embarks upon a series of predictable misadventures in this home of new dog owners. There are an evil vet, superficial yuppy con artists and true friends.

• Marley and Me (2008)

Marley and Me is one movie in a long line of dog tear-jerkers. The movie is based on the best-selling book of the same name penned by John Grogan. It tells the story of the life and “sniff, weep, bring out the hankies” death of a misfit dog and the people who love him. Marley is a loveable Yellow Labrador Retriever. No Lassie or Rin Tin Tin, Marley is played by 18 different dogs. Only 3 are made mention of in the cast list. They are Clyde as the Adult Marley and Jonah and Woodson as puppies.

Information written by Deb Stewart of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our complete collection of dog steps online.

Top Dog – Classic Dog Movies You Need To Watch Part 1

Good dog movies are few and far between. Nevertheless, there are several must see dog movies available for you to catch. Bring a few home and be sure to have a good supply of hankies. Here, in part 1, we look briefly at several classic dog movies made pre-1970 that no dog lover should ever miss.

• Lassie Come Home (1943)

Although there are human actors in this movie, its focus is on the dog star of the time. This is the incredible Pal, known in the film as Lassie. Lassie Come Home is a film created in that tried-and-true formula. It is about a boy and his dog.

The cast of the movie includes Roddy MacDowell (Joe Carraclough) as a young Yorkshire boy and Elizabeth Taylor (Priscilla), an interested party from a wealthy family.

• Old Yeller (1957)

If you enjoy crying, watch Old Yeller. The yellow lab is played by Spike, a former animal shelter dog. This tear-jerker also features a memorable cast. They include Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker and Jeff Young. Set in Texas in the late 19th century, ths is another heart-warming story about a boy and his dog.

• Benji (1974)

For a while there, everybody knew about Benji. This cute little dog established a role for small but tough loveable mutts. The role of Benji became a family affair. Higgins, the dog star of the movie, created the character then passed it on to his daughter.

Benji is about an orphan and an abandoned dog making their way in the world. It is about establishing friendships and standing up for what is right. There are good townspeople, kind children and despicable villains. Their roles serve to support the performance of Benji.

• The Wizard of Oz (1939)

To some people, the Wizard of Oz is about Dorothy. To dog afficionados, the movie revolves around Toto. This is another deadly combination of child and dog. It is, after all, Toto who uncovers the fakery. It is Toto who launches the desire to leave Kansas where he is on less than good terms with the prototype of the Wicked Witch, Elmira Gulch (Edith Hamilton).

In this case, the dog role was played by Terry a Blue Cairn Terrier. Together with Dorothy (Judy Garland), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), the Scarecrow (Ray Bulgar), the Tin Man (Jack Haley) and Glinda the Good Witch (Billie Burke), they make this a classic movie for both humans and dogs to enjoy.

• The Incredible Journey (1963)

This is truly an animal story. It involves the adventures of 2 dogs and a cat. The incredible journey tells the tale of how these 3 beloved pets make their way across treacherous and dangerous country back home. The movie stars in this film are the animals. The dogs are named Luath and Bodger. The former is played by Rink, a Labrador Retriever. The older male , Bodger is performed by Muffy, a female bulldog. The cat, Tao is played by Sym Cat.

• Lady and the Tramp (1955)

Lady and the Tramp is an animated movie from the Walt Disney studios. It is the story of 2 dogs from different spectrums of society. It is a love story even the young children can enjoy. Lady is a purebred; Tramp is a street urchin. Together, however, they will forge a life together. This, however, can only occur after various adventures, including clashes with a villainous dog catcher.

• 101 Dalmatians (1961)

Lady and the Tramp was a sensation during its time. Children fell in love all over again with animated dogs some 6 years later with the release of another Disney Studios film – 101 Dalmatians. It focuses on the attempts of 2 dogs: Perdita and Perdo, to thwart the evil designs of Cruella de Vil. She wants to make a coat completely out of dalmatian dogs. Can the 2 courageous dogs save their new family of puppies? This was the movie that sparked an intense interest in Dalmatians, not for the best.

Information written by Katie Sheppard of Oh My Dog Supplies, search for current discounts on wooden dog gates online.

Top Dogs – Dog Film Stars Part 1

Although many actors dreaded working with dogs, dogs have become an integral part of a genre of movies. They are the main component of the boy (or Girl) and his (or her) dog offering. In bit roles and major parts, they can add depth, pathos, and humor to an otherwise dull movie. The big screen has paraded many a bigger-than-life canine. Some even obtained a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Two of the biggest have become icons for ideal dogs. Some have continued this tradition. Other canines fall into the category of character actors or comic relief. While these canines are or were famous, they were always known by their stage name.

• Rin Tin Tin (1918 – 1932)

Rin Tin Tin was not the first dog actor to appear prominently in movies, but he was the first great dog star. Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd. He was found in Germany by Corporal Lee Duncan, a soldier during World War I.

Rin Tin Tin was starving when Duncan located him, his mother and litter mates. He held a noble ancestry. In February 1918, Rin Tin Tin and 4 other pups were living in the kennel of an abandoned German station. Duncan took it upon himself to rescue the mother and pups. He adopted two: Rin Tin Tin and Nanete. Both were named after French Puppets given to the
American soldiers for good luck.

Duncan returned to California. Only Rin Tin Tin survived the trip. Duncan went back to work but entered Rin Tin Tin in several dog shows. Soon the talented canine was discovered. He stepped in to perform the scene another dog had refused. Soon, he had a contract with Warner Brothers.

Rin Tin Tin was the star of 26 pictures for Warner Brothers Studio. His films initially saved the studio from bankruptcy. In his hay day, more than 10,000 fan letters arrive weekly. He died in 1932 but not before he established a precedent and a dynasty. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Las Angeles, but his body is lying in the world’s most famous pet cemetery in Asnières-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris.

Brief Filmography: The Man from Hell’s River (1927), A Dog of the Regiment (1927), Rinty of the Desert (1928), The Famous Warner Brothers Dog (1928), The Lightning Warrior (1931).

• Lassie 1940 –

After Rin Tin Tin, Lassie was the biggest canine to hit the silver screen. He, yes, Lassie was a Laddie, was trained by Rudd Weathermax. The Weathermax family were to establish themselves as serious animal trainers. They originally intended to help the owners train Pal a.k.a. Lassie to stop chasing motorcycles. The owners decided to give Pal over to Weathermax. It was the beginning of a fruitful relationship

Lassie was not intended to be a film star. It just happened. He was initially hired as a stunt dog. He replaced a canine who refused to swim across a raging river. He then took over the role. Soon Pal as Lassie was a major motion picture star. His best role was in Lassie Come Home (1943). After he retired form show business, his sons and grandsons took over.

Brief Filmography: Lassie Come Home (1943), Son of Lassie (1945), Courage of Lassie (1946), Challenge to Lassie (1949)

• Toto/Terry (1933-1944)

Toto’s real name was Terry. She was a female Black Cairn Terrier who acted across from many of the era’s greatest child stars. Although best known for her role opposite Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, she also acted with other child star, Shirley Temple, in the movie Bright Eyes.

Terry performed in 14 movies. Unlike either Rin Tin Tin or Lassie, Terry was not slotted into 1 specific role. Her performance in The Wizard of Oz, however, did increase her earning power. Her wages went up to a princely $125 a week during shooting. This was a higher sum than many of the film’s human actors. Terry also came to the premier at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Brief Filmography: Bright Eyes (1934), Fury (1936), The Wizard of Oz (1939), The Women (1939) George Washington Slept Here (1942)

• Buddy ( 1989?- 1998)

Buddy appeared in only movie during his short but memorable career. Prior to his role as Buddy in Air Bud, this Golden Retriever had appeared on the Stupid Pet Trick segment of the David Letterman Show. Buddy made and dunked in basketballs. Buddy won over the crowd.
Buddy then went on to make his mark in movie history.

He starred in Air Bud. At the Academy Award that year, he was honored as holding his own among “the greatest Animal Actors of all time. Buddy’s career as a canine movie star was fleeting. Although he spawned an entire series of Air Bud movies, he only starred in one. A bout with cancer took away 1 of his rear legs. Buddy rallied but died in 1998.

Filmography: Air Bud (1997)

Part 2 of Top Dogs will continue to look at some great canine performers in the world of the cinema.
Information provided by Amy Mitts of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, look for limited time deals on stainless steel dog bowls online.

What to Expect During Your Dog’s Pregnancy

Upon making the decision to breed your dog, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with normal and abnormal conditions regarding your dog that may or may not warrant a visit to the vet. Most dogs, regardless of breed will, for the most part, go through the same stages of pregnancy. In addition, the dogs will experience the same stages of pregnancy. Diet, personality and behavioral changes will also be similar. Most female dogs will go through pregnancy for an average of two months or so. This time could slight differ among breeds, though.

The majority of female dogs will reproduce with a male dog only when they are ready and prepared to do so. The female dog may tend to be aggressive with the male right before they are most fertile. Be certain to keep the female dog separated as she may again become aggressive with other male dogs who may try to mate with her. It is advisable to take the female dog to the vet approximately 30 days after the female breeds for a check up that will confirm that that she is indeed pregnant.

This is generally completed with a blood test, but with some breeds, the vet can finish an intestinal palpation at approximately the same time to support the pregnancy. The female’s nipples will begin to enlarge at the same instance, however this is not always an illustration of pregnancy. An abundance of females will go thru a false pregnancy in which they display all the physical appearances of pregnancy although they are not. At this time the females may experience a touch of morning sickness, lack of energy or slightly more disconnected behavior. They may become less worried with other pets and even family members and might have an inclination to desire to stay by themselves rather more. This may typically end by about the end of the fourth or fifth week or pregnancy, if not be sure to see the vet.

Do not insert calcium or vitamin additions to the females diet as this could cause abnormal growth rates and issues for both the puppies and the female. Additionally, the female should be insulated from other dogs at this time as they are extremely subject to contacting herpes pathogen from other dogs that will cause minor health issues to the mother but will just about always be fatal to puppies. Offer an abundance of clean water on an ongoing basis, and arrange for additional trips outside to alleviate herself as pregnancy continues. Begin stimulating the female to spend time in the whelping area to assist her comfort level when the puppies are born.

If you find that your female dog is exhibiting any abnormal behavior, including refusing food, vomiting, having diarrhea or other discharge from its mouth, eyes, ears or genital area, you should speak with the vet to rule out possible health concerns. If a female dog is well taken care of during her pregnancy, she should be more likely to be healthy before and after the pregnancy as well as have healthy puppies.

Content written by Kerri Hill of ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a incredible selection of large dog beds online.

The ABCs of Puppy Classes

You have ventured into the unknown. You have bought yourself a puppy. There are glorious times ahead. Whatever the breed, the temperament, the character, you have yourself a promising being. It is up to you to help him or her become the best they can be. It is a daunting task at times.

You can make it easier for you and your family. You do not have to tackle everything alone. You have the vet to rely on for medical and other health issues. You have a few friends who have gone through and survived early pet responsibilities. You also have the possibility of drawing on the experience of experts in the field. You have Dog schools.
Dog schools offer all sorts of information and support on raising and training your puppy and dog. Puppy classes are a great way to for you and your canine to bond and learn together. A puppy class is all about training you and your dog. In a good puppy class, the two of you work as a unit.

Before you rush out to sign up, do your research. You need to ask questions. You need to ascertain whether this puppy class is the right fit for you and your dog. You need to look for the following.

• Professionalism. Does the school have a professional approach? Are the instructors qualified to teach? Check the reputation of the school. Attend a class and watch. Ask if they have references. Talk to other puppy owners. Talk to friends about it. See what everyone says. Maybe your vet can recommend this school.

• Make sure the method is in line with your concepts and preferences. If you do not agree with the approach, you will not be able to follow though with the training outside of school.

• Avoid all schools where there is physical punishment. This is wrong.

• Look for positive techniques of training. Your dog is a puppy. Honey is more effective at drawing flies than salt.
Once you have decided on a school, follow through. Arrange to sign up and do attend classes regularly. This is part of your commitment to your pet. Let’s face it. Your pet cannot attend alone. Shilo needs you there to learn right along with her.
Make the commitment. Enroll and attend all classes.

Class Rules

• Always walk your puppy before you come to class. This will decrease the energy level, allowing your dog to focus on the task at hand.

• Arrive early to socialize with the other dogs. This will fulfill another of your pup’s basic needs. It will also mean he or she will have no strong urge to sniff a butt mid performance.

• Try not to feed your dog just before the class. This may affect training.

• Always keep your hands free for action. Do not attempt to hold anything but the leash in your hands.

• Wear comfortable clothing. This is not a fashion parade. This is a puppy class. Your dog, not you, is the focus. Clothes with pockets to hold treats and other items are handy.

• Do not wear sunglasses. This is distracting.

• Make sure you always carry small treats to use as rewards. Make sure the puppy begins to associate these special treats with positive actions.

• Unless you are practicing a specific action, do not remove your dog from its leash.

• At the end of class, during class and at the beginning of class, ask questions. Do not ignore even the seemingly dumb or obvious queries. Ignorance is not bliss where your dog training is concerned. Moreover, a good dog trainer should be able to answer each-and-every question without making the querent feel stupid.

Content written by Jenny Morrison of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a incredible selection of dog seat covers online.

Sledding – An Introduction to the Sport

On January 25, 1925, Nome, Alaska issued a distress call. They were in desperate need of the anti-dote serum to battle an outbreak of diphtheria. Anchorage had enough in stock. They were willing to send it. There was, however, a problem. Weather conditions made it impossible for them to fly it in any closer than Nenana. A call went out and sleigh teams took up the challenge to relay the medicine the remaining 650 miles. The combined Eskimo, Inuit, and local sleigh persons and their dedicated dogs finished the trip in 130 hours. Today, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog runs annually in honor of their remarkable fete.

Sledding is a sport for the toughest and strongest of dogs. It is open to all types of breeds, but the most common to adopt it tend to be members of the Husky-Malamute family. The most common are Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies and Samoyeds. Alaskan Malamutes and similar breeds are best for pulling heavier weights short distances. Siberian Huskies and their kind are better for lighter weights but longer distances. Yet, you can also find Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, hunting dogs, Irish Setters and even Dalmatians. Nevertheless, the stockier and stronger your dog, the better a chance you and he or she have in competition.

Sled dogs are the elite athletes of the dog world. An average canine in this competition will pull 300 to 400 pounds covering 9 to 10 miles an hour. The top dogs pull the same amount at 20 to 22 miles an hour for shorter distances. How much can your dog pull? How fast can he or she do it?

The races for sledding take place on groomed trails. They start and finish at the same point. The governing body is the International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA). It ensures the races are regulated. It divides the classes into 10. These classes range from unlimited to Peewee. The former race runs with 7 teams each of 12 to 16 dogs over a distance of no less than 12 and up to 30 miles. The Peewee is for small children, some as young as 3. They have a sled with a single dog. The dog pulls the sled, under supervision, a distance of between 100 yards to ¼ mile.

Sled races cover everything between these two types. There are 10, 8, 6, 4 and 3 dog teams. The distance ranges from 3 to 1,000 miles. Weights also vary. In the Freight Race, dogs must pull a minimum of 50 pounds per team. In this class, there are 3 different classes of team sizes. The trail lengths vary as well.

If you are interested in training for a Sled Race, attend one first. This way you will be able to see firsthand the dogs, the demands and the skills. It will also give you an idea of the type of equipment you will require. You can note techniques, types of dogs and gage the expertise.

While there, talk to the sledders and find out how they became involved. Pick up any available literature. Be brave and ask about training and conditioning. Talk about your own dog. If you think your dog is a good match, arrange for a meet. Of course, if you are really serious about the sport, you will be ready to have your own dog team.

Article written by Linda Garcia of ohmydogsupplies.com, look for new deals on luxury dog clothes online.

The ABCs of Puppy Classes

You have ventured into the unknown. You have bought yourself a puppy. There are glorious times ahead. Whatever the breed, the temperament, the character, you have yourself a promising being. It is up to you to help him or her become the best they can be. It is a daunting task at times.

You can make it easier for you and your family. You do not have to tackle everything alone. You have the vet to rely on for medical and other health issues. You have a few friends who have gone through and survived early pet responsibilities. You also have the possibility of drawing on the experience of experts in the field. You have Dog schools.
Dog schools offer all sorts of information and support on raising and training your puppy and dog. Puppy classes are a great way to for you and your canine to bond and learn together. A puppy class is all about training you and your dog. In a good puppy class, the two of you work as a unit.

Before you rush out to sign up, do your research. You need to ask questions. You need to ascertain whether this puppy class is the right fit for you and your dog. You need to look for the following.

• Professionalism. Does the school have a professional approach? Are the instructors qualified to teach? Check the reputation of the school. Attend a class and watch. Ask if they have references. Talk to other puppy owners. Talk to friends about it. See what everyone says. Maybe your vet can recommend this school.

• Make sure the method is in line with your concepts and preferences. If you do not agree with the approach, you will not be able to follow though with the training outside of school.

5 Grooming Problems Part 1

Dogs are all shapes, sizes, and ages. Their coats are very different, and can have known and unknown medical problems. You have to think of all these challenges when you are grooming a dog. The following article will help a groomer at any skill level. These are some situations your may encounter.

Matting Or Pelting

A mat is a big knot of your dogs hair. It pulls on their skin and can become a bigger tangle. The longer the mat is left to collect hair the harder it will be to remove. They can be close to the skin causing a tough removal.

• Before you remove the mat, calm the dog down so they are not moving around while you are cutting the mat out. The mat may hurt so your dog may squirm.

• Place a comb under the mat before you use the scissors. This will hold it safely away from the skin.

• With the mat elevated in this way, you can then proceed to cut the mat or tangle.

Sometimes this is not as easy. The mat may have worked itself too close to the skin to get a comb under. This may need to be shaved off. Work slowly and remove the mat in pieces.

Matted dogs can be upset. If you are pulling on the sore hair they can have pain. This may cause the dog to become aggressive or to shift around while you are working. Let the dog know it is okay and calm them with your voice or a soft touch.

If your dog must be shaved their skin can be burned by the sun. Dogs skin is very sensitive and will need to be protected. Keep the exposed skin covered until they grow back some new hair.

Grooming Seniors

Older dogs tend to have more health issues. They have limited mobility and slower reaction time. The older dogs may be incontinent and loose their balance. You have to consider all the challenges of a senior dog. Keep an older dog calm and safe on the grooming table.

When it comes time to groom the older dog you can adopt the following approach

• Pad surfaces the older dog will be on. Put a towel or a dog bed down while the senior dog is waiting for their turn. And if the dog happens to fall, it will be broken by a soft surface.

• If the dog needs a bath make sure the water is a comfortable temperature.

• Prevent the dog from slipping in the tub by putting down a rubber mat.

• Be gentle with the older dog. Take plenty of time during the grooming and let the dog take a break.

• If the animal has a heart problem do everything you can to keep stress at the very minimum. For example, avoid an overheated room.

You must make grooming pleasant for an older dog. The part 2 of this article will cover other grooming issues you may encounter.

Content provided by Kenny Spears of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a fantastic variety of dog car harness online.

The Fashionista Puppy – NOT

There are two types of people: those who dress their dogs up and those that do not. Admittedly, lines blur when a holiday comes around and the non-dressers place a cute hat or reindeer horns on the puppy’s head. They, and everyone else in the room, pronounce it cute. Yet, that is a seasonal aberration. It will not manifest itself into a daily fashion parade. On the other hand, there are people who dress up their dog everyday in a different outfit.

Some people insist all dogs must have some sort of clothing. The non-dressers will say, “He (She) does – a collar.” They will also support the wearing of a neckerchief. This is not what the fashionistas have in mind. They see a wardrobe of items made to imitate and even match their own. Instead of a dog, they have a four-legged Barbie doll or Ken.

There is some logic behind some pet fashion arguments. During winter, ice, snow and salt make a painful combination for many pets. In areas where there is enough salt to kill a tree, your dog may actually be more comfortable if he or she wears boots (also called socks) outside. They will protect his paws from the deranged neighbors’ attempts top create a salt age.

Doggie coats are also practical for some pets. If a dog has a thin or very short coat, an extra layer of warmth is logical. It will help the dog maintain body heat during a walk. If you and Rufus like to walk for more than a split second, a dog coat will ensure the two of you can go the distance without freezing.

Older dogs may need the extra warmth. Certain breed may also welcome the addition. Pit bulls, for example, may be tough and durable, but they really do not have any external protection from cold, snowy weather. Golden Retrievers and Newfoundland, on the other hand, hardly require the extra protection. In fact, adding an extra coat may be detrimental. Dogs do not sweat in the same manner we do. The last thing you want is for Newfie to suffer from dehydration on a winter’s day.

Both dog coats and boots are sensible in context. If you decide to buy one, make sure it is suitable for your pet. If your dog refuses to go along, do not make it unless it is necessary. (A hint may be finding the little coat you paid good money for in tiny pieces around the house). You have to ask yourself, “Is this really for the good of my pet? Am I doing this for me and not for Trouble?” do not project your need upon your pet. Do not confuse your dog’s reality with what you perceive.

If you do go ahead with the purchase, make sure the coat is durable and practical. Be sure it fits. Also be positive the dog is not about to overheat. Do not dress the dog in a coat that will cause discomfort. Avoid materials that are fashionable but awkward to use. Your dog must be able to carry out his or her normal functions. Sure, Charming may look cute, but can he go pee?

Information written by Helen Cooley of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, look for limited time deals on orthopedic dog beds online.

Designer Dogs – What are They?

If you are an avid dog lover, or follow the recent trends in dog breeding, you have heard the term, “designer dogs.” This term identifies a dog that comes from a mixed breed that is crossed to produce a specific look. This designer dog would be easily recognized as a cross between the two dogs from which it was bred.

Below are some of the more familiar designer dogs:

• Labradoodle – a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. These dogs are supposed to own the non-shedding coat, easy care coat of the poodle. Its personality is a cross between the intelligence of the Poodle and the loving personality of the Labrador.

• Porkie – a cross between the Pug and the Yorkie. This small dog is considered heartier than the standard Yorkie, but possessing the longer hair and personality of the Pug.

• Cockapoo – a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. This dog is often thought to be a smart, low shedding small breed that is appropriate for a family to own..

• Schnoodle – a cross from the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This again is another example of an attempt to breed a smart, non-shedding companion dog.

• Daisy Dog – a mix among the Poodle, the Shih Tzu parent and a Bichon. Owners of these dogs report that these dogs are very calm and also make wonderful companion dogs for journeying or residing in smaller areas.

• Poogle– a cross between the Poodle and the beagle. This is a small-sized dog possessing a lively personality. It is also no hassle to teach.

• Puggle – a blend between the Pug and the Beagle. These dogs are considered to be extremely outgoing dogs that enjoy being highly socialized with the family.

Poodles are normally a part of the equation when dogs are designer dogs. This is because Poodles are renown for their intelligence and for their non-shedding coat. In addition, Poodles come in three different sizes, which makes them more desirable for dog breeding.

An important thing to remember is that the above mixed breeding has happened in the past; only now are dog enthusiasts starting to recognize that these breeds exist. Some dogs make great breeders, while other dogs should not be crossed due to their genetic health conditions and personality traits.

Kennel Clubs do not recognize designer dogs, also known as, hybrid dogs. Many agencies, however, are trying to make registries for these particular breeds. Several of these designer dogs cost more than the dogs they were breeded with cost individually. Many dogs found in dog shelters are mixed breed dogs and cost less to purchase there than buying them from a breeder.

Many designer dogs have as many health issues as purebred dogs have. If you are planning to purchase a hybrid or designer dog for your family, ensure that the dog’s personality matches that of your home and family. Do not buy a designer dog just because they are in style.
Information written by Deb Morganti of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our diverse assortment of discount dog beds online.