Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2012
Tuesday’s victory at the 136th Westminster Kennel Club dog show went to Malachy, a four-year-old Pekingese. It’s been twenty-two years since a Pekingese stole the show, and this year Malachy beat out a Dalmatian, a Dachshund, a German Shepherd, and three other canines for the win at the impressive annual event. The crowd at Madison Square Garden arena cheered in approval when Malachy was announced as the winner; Judge Vogels stated, “He (Malachy) was spectacular.” Weighing in at just eleven pounds, Malachy the Peke gathered quite a favored stir from the crowd with his fluffed silver and white fur that perfectly framed his adorable black face and happy pink tongue. This pristine pooch is no stranger to wins; he has an outstanding record of 115 best-in-show titles under his belt! While the winner of Westminster does not walk away with any prize money, they do gain a coveted silver bowl, lifetime recognition (along with bragging rights), as well as opened opportunities for prosperous breeding. Congratulations to Malachy and his owner for a successful show!
Those Dog Gone Commercials
The Super Bowl XLVI went to the New York Giants, and according to Pavone’s annual online poll for favored Super Bowl commercials, the top three ads featured dogs. Canine commercials proved to be a great way to advertise, beating out over fifty other ads that used celebrities and beautiful women to market said products. There is no denying a fun commercial with a cute dog, and since many Americans own a dog, using a pooch as the brand’s selling point draws in interest from dog loving viewers. Based off of the Spotbowl.com votes, the top three Super Bowl commercials were:
1. Volkswagen “Slim Dog” – Volkswagen did it right this year, coming in number one with over 100,000 votes and featuring Bolt the dog, a chubby canine who notices the new Volkswagen Beetle outside and loses weight in order to chase the car. The ad ends with Star Wars characters viewing the commercial from a galaxy far, far away.
2. Doritos “Bribe” – The second favored Super Bowl commercial went to Doritos, which also featured a dog as the product’s selling point. In this ad, the family cat, Fluffy, goes missing and a large dog uses Doritos chips to bribe a man on keeping quiet, stating, “You didn’t see nuttin”.
3. Bud Light “Weego” – This clever commercial by Bud Light featured a dog named Weego who fetched beer on command to anyone who said “Here Weego”, which is a play off the product’s catch phrase “Here we go”.
Five Fun Dog Facts
Canines are miraculous creatures with quite an abundance of fascinating facts. Here are five fun doggie facts for all of you dog lovers to enjoy:
1. A one-year-old dog is as physically developed as a fifteen year-old human; this means exercise is vital for dogs. Provide daily walks and playtime for your energetic pooch.
2. Brushing your pooch three times a week during the spring time will conclude in a summer free of shedding; not only will grooming your pooch help keep shedding to a minimum, it will attribute to a healthier hound.
3. If teaching your dog to catch a ball is harder than it should be then switch the tossing item to something softer, some dogs find it easier to catch softer items; invest in one of our plush dog toys for a softer playtime.
4. Typically, when a dog howls in the wild it is to bring the pack together. If you notice your pooch howling it may be because they are lonely and instinct kicks in. To avoid a lonely canine companion, be sure to show much love and attention. When you aren’t at home, keep the television on for sound.
5. Dogs have been loyal pets to people for the past 12,000 years!
National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January is National Train Your Dog Month
The beginning of the year is full of resolutions and personal goals, but don’t forget to include your furry friend in the mix. January has been officially dubbed National Train Your Dog Month, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is aiming to help squash pet disobedience with patient owners. It is sad but true; hundreds of thousands of canines are brought to shelters because owners feel like they have lost control of behavioral problems their pet may be exhibiting. Luckily this problem has been acknowledged and National Train Your Dog month has been proclaimed as an educational experience to assist in nixing behavior problems, as well as help owners and pets alike meet in the middle. During January the APDT will provide free webinars and live chat sessions with professionals that pet owners are welcome to utilize for advice and knowledge on handling certain behavioral concerns. Topics to be covered consist of leash etiquette and an educational session on pet adoption, as well as many other available events throughout the month. Join in the discussions and view the insightful webinars to gain added knowledge on training your pooch and promise to make 2012 the best year yet for you and your playful pal.
News On the World’s Oldest Dog
The world’s oldest dog, a Shiba mix named Pusuke living in Tokyo, passed away recently in Japan at the age of 26 and 8 months. Typically a dog of the Shiba breed will live 12-15 years, but Pusuke doubled his expectancy and made it official in the Guiness Book of World Records just last December (2010). In dog years, Pusuke lived to what would be equivalent to roughly 182 years of age in human years. A dog living long enough to see that age is very rare, but there are things you can do to maintain a healthy pooch. Keep your pup’s diet balanced and free of unnecessary ingredients found in most commercial dog food products. Exercise your pooch regularly to maintain a fit weight, and schedule annual vet visits for check-up’s to confirm your canine’s health. Helping your pup lead a full, healthy life is possible with the correct care. As for Pusuke’s owner, she would like to thank her furry friend “for staying alive so long.”
Five Doggie Facts
1. Dogs actually have three eyelids, the third one known as a nictitating membrane (nickname “haw”) which keeps the eye protected and lubricated. Note: Help heep your dog’s eyes gunk-free with routine cleanings. Dampen a cotton ball and gently wipe your pooch’s eyes, beginning with the corner of the eye and wiping outward.
3. Puppies are born into this world deaf, blind, and toothless. Note: Teething is a pesky puppy phase. Dog chew bones and rawhides act as a great teething ring during this time and help keep later developed teeth clean afterward.
4. The Basenji breed is the world’s only barkless dog. Note: Excessive barking can be tamed through proper training.
5. The first sense a dog develops is touch. All of the canine body, paws included, is covered with touch-sensitive nerve endings. Note: Puppy paws are sensitive, so a set of dog boots is a practical choice for protecting your pup’s pads.
Royal Dog Wedding Fun
Can’t get enough of the royal wedding? The fun doesn’t have to stop after it. Having your own royal wedding party is a great way to have fun, let loose and celebrate the event! Remember to include your furry friend in the celebration too! With our selection of dog dresses and royal accessories, your pet will be just as stylish as the royal wedding guests themselves! In the UK, one woman, Louise Harris, spent an astonishing $33,000 on a wedding for her pampered pooch. You can host a lavish affair just like Harris, but without the lavish price tag. For the bride and groom pups, our Wedding Dog Dress is the perfect outfit for the bride. And let’s not forget about the groom pooch, who is sure to turn heads in our Yappily Ever After Groom Tuxedo.
The bride and groom aren’t the only ones who need to look fashionable at a royal wedding! The guests can feel like royalty themselves in the Red Velvet Dog Dress. This gorgeous special occasion dress features fancy tulle and a jeweled brooch to make your dog the belle of the ball! While outfits are a huge part of any wedding, don’t forget the small accessories and special touches as well. Cake is many guests favorite part of the wedding, so make sure it is delicious! Dogs can enjoy a fancy wedding cake as well with our Puppy Cake Mix. This doggie treat is not only yummy, but nutritious for your furry friend as well. Baking the cake in our Bone Shaped Cake Pan for Dogs provides an extra fun bonus!
So go all out and celebrate the royal wedding extravaganza with some fun of your own. Your prince or princess puppy will love the special day and fun that comes along with it!
