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5 Incredibly Awesome Dog Breeds You Need to Know About

A personal, self-indulgent post today about some of the dog breeds that don’t get enough love from the public. I’m talking about the breeds who are the canine equivalent of Cinderella, they have so much to offer and seem to get overlooked. This is a piece based on my personal experience of dogs of each breed so if you’re expecting a scientific appraisal, you’re in the wrong place today…….

To caveat this piece, I am writing this from a perspective of the dog breeds I have met and possibly trained at some point. It does NOT take in to account health issues – when researching dog breeds always speak with as many vets as you can before deciding which breed or crossbreed to buy or adopt. I recall the best advice I ever got when choosing a car came from a roadside recovery contractor, he was able to tell me which cars he was called out to, broken down on the side of the road, the most. Who better to get a REAL review from than someone who sees the less polished side of the motor industry? Equally, speaking to vets will give great insight in to which breeds they are seeing regular problems with and you should be in with a better than average chance of getting some guidance, free of breed bias.

Before I start with the list, I’d like to give an early mention to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. By no means an overlooked breed, in fact I’m willing to bet if you were to count all the Staffies and Staffy crossbreeds in the UK they’d be giving the Labrador a run for its money in the popularity stakes – but it is a much maligned and heavily abandoned dog breed. Visit ANY UK dog shelter and I can guarantee you will see a Staffy within the first 10 or 20 dogs you encounter. They are an incredible dog breed, truly legendary. So, not overlooked but they deserve more love. Add to this description, the Greyhound. A much misunderstood breed that deserves a better deal.

5) Bedlington Terrier – Why, I ask myself, does the Bedlington Terrier not seem to find its way in to more pet homes? As a nation, we love our Terriers and we love our pet dogs, the Bedlington is easily one of the best pet Terriers I’ve ever encountered. They are BURSTING with personality but don’t have some of the challenges that come with some of the more fire-brand Terriers that we know and love. They are gentle, but playful and I am amazed that more people haven’t discovered just what a beautiful dog breed this is for anyone looking for a companion. I’m not going to use this piece to criticise any other breeds but I’m happy to put it on record that the Bedlington would be one of my choices ahead of quite a few of the ‘popular’ Terriers.

4) Pharaoh Hound. They awe me. They are stunning dogs. Stunning dogs to take out, stunning dogs to work with and they are one of the most beautiful animals to look at in the world. In my living room I have photographs on my wall which exclusively feature my own dogs – obviously – but the biggest print of a dog in my home is of a Pharaoh Hound. They’re a work of art, in every respect. They’re ancient, prestigious they have an X-factor about them which is hard to match.

3) The Sprocker. Oooh, get me – advocating ‘designer dogs’. Whatever. I’ve worked with a number of Sprockers, deliberately bred, and found them to be wonderful dogs who do, as it happens, bring something different to the table than the Springer and the Cocker. Don’t get me wrong, no person alive will ever convince me that the Springer is not the most complete, working dog ever created (so don’t even try, I’m not for turning!) but I have such a massive soft spot for Cockers it’s untrue. So here, the best of both worlds in one bundle. Let’s not get precious about it, the Cocker originated from the Springer but it has undoubtedly got its own identity now. The Sprocker is a beautiful throwback which, in my experience, doesn’t quite have the intensity of the Springer but retains the air of unique character that makes the Cocker so attractive. I’ve probably trained about 10, I loved them all.

2) Leonberger. Have you ever seen a Leonberger puppy? If you haven’t, you NEED TO – they are crazy cute. Yes, yes I know, ALL puppies are cute, but these are on another level. So, am I sat here truly extolling the virtues of a dog breed based on the passing cuteness of its young? No. And it’s fair to say a dog of this size is certainly not for everyone – but I have a theory, if you DO have room and lifestyle for a dog of this size, just what exactly are you doing NOT having a Leonberger in your home? Huh? I mean, that’s like having room for a helicopter landing pad in your back garden but instead choosing to have a fish pond. Come on, priorities people. If you can have a Leonberger, you should! I’d happily pay an admission fee to my local park just to get some face time with the Leonberger who can occasionally be seen there.

1) Border Terrier. In a previous edition of K9 Magazine we did a big survey of vets, owners and pet insurers in an attempt to find the healthiest, hardiest pedigree dog. Who came out on top? The brilliant Border Terrier did. Does it help you to know that they are also absolutely, undeniably AWESOME too? Well, they are. Healthy, funny, full of character, you really couldn’t ask for much more in a dog.

There. As promised. No science, complete self indulgence and probably little in the way of anything remotely useful to you. My apologies.

Photo by Sam Cockman

June 17, 2015
Watch This Golden Retriever Play Mediator (Adorable Video Alert)

A game of tug-o-war can be a common activity in any house with more than one dog, the battle for the last toy standing can be an epic one, so having a third dog who’s happy to be a bystander refereeing proceedings can sometimes be essential to harmony – let alone the lifespan of the toy.

Watch this dog play the role perfectly.

At K9 Magazine it’s no surprise Danny and Christopher are the playing duo while Mia sits on the sidelines watching. Tell us, what role does your dog play?

June 15, 2015
Could Your Dog Be Crowned Pet Hero 2015?

Is your pet one of the UK’s most heroic hounds? If so, you could win big! A nationwide competition has launched to find an extra special pet to take the title of the UK’s PetSafe® Pet Hero 2015.

The winner will receive a year’s worth of pet toys, as well as a pet friendly holiday worth £500, courtesy of Sykes Cottages. There will also be a £250 goody bag up for grabs for four regional winners along the way.

Celebrating pet heroes from all walks of life – from animals in the services, therapy and assistance pets, or simply a much loved pet who has brought joy in to your life – there’s no hero deed too big or small to qualify for the PetSafe® Pet Hero title.

To start the search, PetSafe® has found inspirational dog, Lucie from Chorley, Lancashire, who was trained by Support Dogs – a national charity dedicated to increasing independence and quality of life for people with various medical conditions.

Her owner, Alice Boardman, whose son Alex was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, explains why Lucie is their family’s pet hero. “Alex and Lucie’s first hour together was simply magical. Lucie, or as they call her at Alex’s school ‘The Wonder Dog’, has made previously stressful activities such as going to the supermarket a pleasure.”

She adds: “Alex would have previously been overwhelmed and agitated, but with Lucie by his side he calmly looked around and walked down the aisles – just breathtaking. He engaged with her immediately and deep down I knew something special was taking place. She is more than a dog to us; she is the key to a better life.”

If you think your pet deserves the chance to win the PetSafe® Pet Hero 2015 title simply send your pet’s name, along with a photo and a brief explanation about what makes him/her a hero in by 15th September.

For full details of how to enter visit bit.ly/PetSafePetHero or alternatively post your entry to PetSafe® Pet Hero, Hattrick PR 6a Framingham Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 3SH.

June 10, 2015
Welsh Songstress Duffy Calls on Dog Owners to Help End Annual Dog Meat Event in China

Welsh singer Duffy has joined with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to call for an end to an annual dog meat event in Yulin, China, which could see around 10,000 dogs butchered and eaten.

The Grammy and multi Brit Award-winning singer/songwriter and IFAW are asking the British Ambassador in China to intervene and help ban the horrific annual mass consumption of dog meat in Yulin City.

The event in Guangxi Province takes place around the summer solstice on 21 June. In the weeks before, many thousands of dogs are reportedly transported huge distances in cramped cages, without food and water, to await their gruesome fate.

A big proportion of the thousands of dogs consumed are in fact reportedly stolen pets, and the theft of dogs by criminal gangs to supply the demand for dog meat is an ever-increasing problem in China.

Speaking about the plight and why she has chosen to speak out, Duffy said: “Each year, around the 21st June, up to 10,000 dogs are slaughtered in a city called Yulin in China, for human consumption. For the love of dogs, I ask China to please #StopYulin.

“I urge the Chinese government to listen to the growing movement of concerned Chinese citizens and animal welfare ambassadors, and the international community, to end this inhumane event and instead to focus on celebrating man’s best friends who have been beside us, loyally, for centuries.”

In previous years, local investigators and the media reported brutal handling and slaughter of dogs, including beatings and live-skinning, all apparently in public view and in front of other dogs awaiting their own slaughter.

The annual mass consumption of dog meat in Yulin is a modern tradition rather than a long-held cultural practice, dating back only a few years. Whilst some defend this event as a local ‘folk custom’, it is profit-driven.

In 2011 a dog meat festival in China, the Jinhua Hutou Dog Meat Festival, was banned completely following similar worldwide condemnation.

Duffy added: “Please take this moment to sign IFAW’s petition letter, share the #StopYulin message and help us to stop the killing and eating of dogs at Yulin.”

IFAW is urging people to add their names to a petition for the British Ambassador to China, Barbara Woodward, which can be found here

June 10, 2015
More Pets Stolen in UK Than Ever Before

A two-year investigation by The Mirror has revealed that dog thefts have risen by 20% in the UK. The newspaper has revealed their inquiry found that more than 2,400 dogs have been stolen in the last two years with the illegal activity worth an estimated £100,000 to gangs.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which often get a bad rep from the media, are by far the most targeted dog breed, which could worryingly be tied to a rise in dog fighting reports.

Photo Credit: starsandspirals

Speaking to the newspaper, Sylvia Tabor, chairman of the Dog Theft Action charity, said: “For thieves, the rewards can be high and the risks low. So it’s sadly seen as easy money. In law, dogs are classed as property like a TV, so sentences are low for taking a living creature away from its family. Unfortunately, it can also often be seen as a low priority by police.”

If you’re worried your dog could be targeted, read K9 Magazine’s guide to keeping your dog safe: http://www.k9magazine.com/ebook-keep-your-dog-safe/

June 8, 2015
5 Reasons Dogs Rule TV

TV writers have known for years the impact a dog has on a show. Whether they change a character’s likeability or simply draw audiences in.
For example, did you know that one of the unwritten rules of TV is that if you want to make an audience dislike a character write in a scene which sees them interact with a dog whereby they inflict discomfort or pain on their canine co-star?

Most recently newly crowned winners of ITV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ show, Jules O’Dwyer and her dog, Matisse, came under scrutiny when it became clear Jules had used a stunt dog, yet Matisse isn’t the first canine to win the votes of the British public. In 2012 Ashleigh and her dog, Pudsey, won the talent contest and have gone on to build a career showing the duo’s bond on stage and screen.
So what is it about dogs on TV that we can’t get enough of?

Well, we think we’ve figured it out. Here is K9 Magazine’s five reasons why dogs rule TV.

1. They can surprise even the most professional TV hosts.

2. Readers of a certain age will forever remember coming in from school and watching this soap with it’s bouncy Labrador.

3. They can steal the stage from even the most well-known stars. Celebrities don’t want to talk about themselves, they want to talk about their dogs.

4. Who really wanted to hear about the weather anyway? Ripple rules.

5. Sometimes all you need is a dog and you’ll have one of the Greatest TV Cartoons of All Time as voted by the TV Guide which has been running on and off across the globe for 46 years.

Featured Photo Credit: “Stròlic Furlàn” – Davide Gabino

Who’s your favourite TV dog? Comment below and let us know!

June 5, 2015
A Birthday Wish to Chloe

One of the perks of owning your own magazine is that you can indulge a little at times, and so please bear with us as we indulge a little, remembering Chloe on what would have been her 16th birthday.

She didn’t have many faults.

She could take a photograph like a pro.

Or she could learn.

Okay, well maybe not, but she didn’t care.

She could run and jump with the best of them.

She loved to swim.

She loved to dance like no one was watching to Mariah Carey, and wasn’t above the odd snub (take that Cat face, she never did forget those two slaps you gave her).

She was quite happy taking the backseat on most things letting Mia take centre stage.

She adored, and was adored in return. She loved unconditionally.

Gone but not forgotten.

Take a moment and indulge with us, share your canine memories and special moments by commenting below – we’d love to hear from you, or join us on Facebook @K9Mag and share your own dog’s photos on Chloe’s post and let us put a face to the name 🙂

June 3, 2015
Dog Reunited With Owners Three Years After Going Missing

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier who went missing from her family home in Belfast three years ago has been reunited with her family, thanks to a microchip.

Mon, who is four years old, went missing after escaping from the garden at home in Northern Ireland. Her owner, Eoin Markey, tried in vain to find his beloved pooch, putting up posters and searching the local area but Mon was nowhere to be seen.

But on Wednesday 20 May, two railway workers at Yorkgate station came across a lone dog on the track and took her to veterinary charity PDSA’s Pet Branch on Shore Road.

Veterinary Nurse, Gemma Vance, who cared for her at the Pet Branch said: “Mon was brought to us as a stray dog and so we scanned her for a microchip. Much to our relief she had been chipped by her owner and we were able to check the database and find not only her owner’s contact details, but also that she had been missing since 2012.”

Gemma immediately picked up the phone and called a shocked Eoin to let him know Mon was safe and well.

Eoin said: “I answered the phone and a voice told me they had found Mon. I couldn’t believe it. I had to ask if they were sure it was Mon as she’d been missing for so long. It was a bolt out of the blue!

“I’m so grateful to the people who found her and took her somewhere safe, and also to PDSA for checking if she was microchipped. Me and my partner often spoken about Mon, wondering what had happened to her and whether she was still alive. She left a huge hole in our lives and anyone who has lost a pet will know just how heart-breaking it is. But when we saw Mon, my partner burst into tears and I think Mon was pleased to see us too!”

Gemma adds: “Mon wasn’t wearing a collar when she was found, so I was relieved when I scanned her and found her microchip. Sadly, many other pets aren’t so lucky.

“Here in Northern Ireland we’re ahead of the rest of the UK, with microchipping of dogs being a legal requirement. Although any dog in a public place must wear a collar and tag by law, collars can sometimes come loose. It’s also important to remember that cats should be microchipped too, even indoor cats can escape through open doors and windows.”

May 28, 2015
Bilbo the Lifesaving Newfoundland Sadly Passes Away

Bilbo the lifesaving Newfoundland who regularly patrolled the beach at Sennan Cove in Cornwall has sadly passed away. His owner Steve Jamison, known as JMo, was the beach’s head lifeguard announced the news on Facebook saying:

“Just to let you know that my lovely, lovely Bilbo/Best Friend/Saviour, slipped his moorings late this afternoon and has sailed off without me. R.I.P Bilbo, Gwynver supreme 2003 – 2015.”

Take a look at some of his most memorable moments as a lifeguard caught on camera.

Forever remembered for his unique talent and lifesaving abilities, he’s a true canine hero and will be sadly missed.

May 21, 2015
Comedy Legend Ricky Gervais Amongst Animal Lovers Crowned at Animal Honours Ceremony

British comedy legend and the man behind TV shows The Office, Derek and Extras, Ricky Gervais has been presented with the Arthur Broome Bronze Award for speaking out against animal cruelty and championing the work of animal charities to his eight million Twitter followers.

Ricky recently shared this photo on his Facebook page with the caption ‘If you don’t have empathy with animals, you don’t have empathy.’

Gervais, owner of Ollie the cat, was filming in LA at the time of the awards ceremony but was sent his award, which recognises an important contribution in the field of animal welfare.

Ricky and Ollie, his furry bagpipes, shared on Twitter

The campaigning group behind what became known as Harvey’s Law also received the Arthur Broome Bronze Award, during the fifth annual RSPCA Honours. Pets killed on Britain’s highways will now be collected, identified and their owners notified, thanks largely to the petition launched by the group, which was signed by more than 100,000 people.

The campaign was launched by Nina Blackburn after her friend Jude Devine’s dog Harvey was killed on the M62 minutes after he went missing in 2013 – only for Jude to find out months later, after spending thousands of pounds searching for her beloved poodle.

A volunteer RNLI crew from Merseyside were also recognised for their brave rescue of a dog in treacherous conditions at New Brighton in February.

May 19, 2015
70K Demand Gumtree Halt Sale of Pets On Website

A Care2 petition urging classifieds website Gumtree to discontinue allowing adverts for the sale of animals on their website has gained more than 70,000 signatures.

Many animal lovers feel by allowing the sale of animals on the website, it facilitates the breeding of dogs and cats for profit when there are already more than 100,000 animals waiting in UK animal rescue centres for homes.

Care2 member and petition author Lynsey Clayton says, “Animal welfare is an extremely important issue for me. It breaks my heart to see so many dogs and cats for sale on Gumtree and I just couldn’t sit back knowing that this was happening, when I know that so many of them end up in awful situations. Unwanted cats and dogs should always be taken to a legitimate rescue shelter, where their future safety and security can more adequately be ensured.“

People signing the petition have shared passionate comments in support of the cause: “You cannot guarantee that these animals will be treated well and kept safe. You are encouraging indiscriminate breeding simply to make money without any concern for animal welfare,” writes petition supporter Yvonne Gray. “This causes unnecessary suffering and distress to some unlucky animals and it is just not ethical to be actively playing a part in their ill treatment.”

“It is totally unethical and potentially cruel to advertise animals on Gumtree. There is no vetting, no safeguard, no protection for the animals which are being sold in this way,” writes supporter Michelle Hart. “These are living creatures, not commodities.”

Have your say and join the petition online here

May 15, 2015
London Dog Owners Reminded to Keep Pets Away From Caterpillars

Dog owners and dog walkers in parts of London and Surrey are being reminded not to let their pets approach caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (OPM), which are now active in and around oak trees in these areas.

Parents are also being advised to keep children away from the caterpillars and their nests, because the caterpillars’ hairs can cause itching skin rashes and other health problems. The public is also urged to report any sightings here.

Affected areas include boroughs in West and South-West London; Bromley and Croydon and southern parts of Lewisham in South London; and Elmbridge and Spelthorne in Surrey. The greatest risk period is May to July, although nests should not be approached at any time.

OPM caterpillars are a tree pest which was accidentally introduced to Britain. They feed on oak leaves, and in large numbers they can severely defoliate trees and leave them vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

Their tiny hairs contain a protein which can cause itchy skin rashes and, less frequently, eye and throat irritations and breathing difficulties in people and animals. The hairs can be blown on the wind, and left in their nests in and under oak trees. This, as well as the fact that the caterpillars sometimes crawl in nose-to-tail processions
across the ground between oak trees, makes curious dogs particularly at risk of getting hairs in their mouths and noses.

Dr Deborah Turbitt, Deputy Regional Director for Health Protection, London, endorsed the ‘don’t touch’ advice issued by The Forestry Commission saying, “See a pharmacist for relief from milder skin or eye irritations following possible OPM contact, or consult a GP or NHS111 for more-serious reactions. Contact a vet if animals are affected.

She continued, “We have issued advice to local GPs and health professionals to help them identify when patients have been affected by the caterpillars and to advise them on appropriate treatment.”

May 14, 2015
Get Your Copy of K9 Magazine’s Latest Edition (83) on Your Tablet Now!

K9 Magazine’s latest issue, 83, hits the web today and we’d love to hear your thoughts on what you enjoyed most, or what you’d like more of.

This month we speak with Bonnie-Jill Laflin and find out about her blind military hero dog, Asur, and work in the animal welfare field. We find out about Lyme disease and whether it really is something we should be concerned about, before we take a trip to Romania and discover about the life of a dog living there.

Plus much, much more inside so whether you’d prefer a copy for your PC or tablet/mobile, you can get your copy here, so don’t miss out and start your week off with us. Get yours today and let us know what you enjoyed most – we love hearing from you!

May 11, 2015
Meet the Newest Odd Couple All Animal Lovers Need to Know About

First there was ‘the dog and crow’ playing ping pong together, then came the orangutan and the hound, which saw the duo act like long lost friends enjoying each other’s company, and then we met Bubbles, the baby elephant and Bella, her canine sidekick, who captured the hearts of millions, but did you ever think you might hear about a dog and rat becoming BFFs?

Meet Osiris, a 3-year-old Dutch Shepherd cross, and his friend Riff Ratt, a 3-month-old fancy rat. This Chicago based atypical duo have taken Instagram by storm sharing special moments at home.

Speaking of their unique special friendship, owner Mickey Alice Kwapis, who an experienced foster carer and involved in wildlife rehab said: “Osiris was abandoned as a tiny puppy in a parking lot and from the time I rescued him that night until now, he has received special training to be extremely gentle with baby animals, such as mice, squirrels, kittens, raccoons and puppies, and help keep them warm between sessions on a heating pad, which can be dangerous and overheat. In February, on Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend, Eric and I were at a pet store looking at lizards when we fell in love with one of the baby feeder rats, which they use as live food for reptiles. His eyes were barely open and we knew we had to have him as part of our family.”

Mickey continued, “So we brought him home, named him Riff Ratt and bottle-fed him for a few weeks, and nursed him back to health. Osiris was by our side the whole time, licking up spilled milk and helping groom Riff because he was too small for baths. When his eyes finally opened all the way, Riff was so used to the smell and feel of Osiris that it didn’t phase him in the least, and they were instant best friends. They began playing together as soon as he was old enough and now share toys, eat the same treats, cuddle and play together.”

Here are a few of their special moments shared on the social platform.

Speaking with Mashable, the pair’s owner said: “I’m sure you all are wondering if we’re afraid Osiris will eat Riff – NOPE! Osiris has helped foster and care for dozens of animals and he is the gentlest dog I’ve ever met.”

Keep up to date with their adventures and latest photos and videos on Instagram by following them @osirisandriff

May 9, 2015
Dogs at Polling Stations – In 2015 it Became a ‘Thing’

It began as a question, ‘are dogs allowed at polling stations?’ and quickly became a top trending term on Twitter on 7th May, so while we await the outcome of today’s election, here are some of the best photos of dogs who visited polling stations across the UK.

1. The dog who showed up, in style and on-trend in tweed.

Photo Credit: Twitter/LilyBaileyUK

2. The dog who looks like he’d like to vote then get ‘Otto’ there.

Photo Credit: Twitter/Edingtonsltd

3. The trio of dogs who came, saw and conquered the polling station.

Photo Credit: Twitter/StumpedMonkey

4. Have directions, will vote.

Photo Credit: Twitter/DennisSkinner

5. This little detective Agatha Christie surely knows the outcome after casting her vote.

Photo Credit: Twitter/SaskiaODonoghue

6. It’s a Pug’s life.

Photo Credit: Twitter/thalestral

7. The dog who opted for the quiet life and chose to vote by post.

Photo Credit: Twitter/BBCPaulMurphy

If you took your dog to a polling station, share your photos and experiences with us – we’d love to hear from you!

May 7, 2015