1. Basset Hound

This adorable, slow-moving hound is a great family companion. Basset hounds are relatively easy to groom. They love to lounge around and take regular naps, but also enjoy a few short playtimes now and then. Daily walks are necessary to prevent obesity. Training them may prove a challenge, however, as they do have a stubborn streak. If you plan on leaving them alone for long periods, it might be a good idea to have another dog for companionship.

2. Beagle

Beagles are small, compact dogs with wonderfully expressive faces. They are pack dogs and thrive in the company of friends (human or canine). As puppies, they will need a considerable amount of training, since their curious nature may often get them into trouble. After this challenging phase, however, beagles will make great family pets and develop a sweet temperament. They are highly sociable and love making new friends. Grooming a beagle isn’t difficult, as their short coat requires brushing just a couple of times each week.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This adorable and adaptable toy spaniel will fit right into your life. Cavaliers are not only affectionate and loving, but they also are intelligent and eager to learn new things. Keep training positive and fun since these sensitive dogs don’t respond well to negative reinforcement. While their coat needs regular grooming, Cavaliers don’t shed as much as other dogs. These gentle souls love walking and playing as much as they enjoy cuddling and spending time with their favorite people.

4. Chihuahua

This bright and alert dog comes in a tiny package. Chihuahuas are highly portable and can follow you just about anywhere. They make great companions for people on the go. On the other hand, leaving them alone for too long is not a good idea as they can get destructive; with adequate early training, they can learn and accept boundaries. They are quite active and playful, but their exercise needs are easy to meet. What’s more, grooming a Chihuahua shouldn’t be a problem, particularly for the short-haired variety.

5. Greyhound

This dog is the fastest in the world, so running around and getting enough exercise comes with the territory. Apart from that, however, greyhounds are calm and affectionate, and they enjoy spending time with their family, snuggling on the sofa. Although people-oriented, they can be quite timid and shy, so early socialization is a must. Greyhounds are intelligent, so you will have fun training them, and their short coat makes them easy to groom.

6. Italian Greyhound

If you love the elegant beauty of greyhounds but would prefer a smaller dog, this breed is for you. Italian greyhounds are delicate dogs that reach no more than 15 inches in height. They have long slender legs and love running. Nonetheless, all exercise must be supervised to avoid injuries. Training can also be challenging, so patience is essential. While Italian greyhounds are naturally affectionate, they should frequently socialize to gain confidence.

7. Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers, although medium-sized, are quite strong. They love working and need vigorous exercise on a daily basis. While grooming them isn’t a laborious affair, there will be a lot of shedding, so you have to be prepared for that. Nevertheless, this amazing breed will make a loyal, constant companion. If you are looking for a best friend, someone to have adventures with, then you need to look no further. These dogs are smart and highly adaptable, so they will quickly grow accustomed to your lifestyle and home environment.

8. Maltese

These short dogs have a long history that dates back many centuries to Malta, where breeders developed the ideal companion dog. The Maltese, which is playful but not overly active, loves spending time with its owners and often becomes attached to them. These dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train, but if left alone for too long, they may become destructive. Their beautiful coat requires considerable upkeep, maybe even an occasional visit to a professional groomer. Although a daily brushing is a must, shedding is minimal.

9. Pug

Pugs are funny, friendly and playful extroverts that get along with just about everybody: people, other dogs, even other pets. They are not especially energetic and don’t need a lot of exercise, but daily walks help them stay healthy. They are up for some fun and games, but they also enjoy hitting the couch with you. Grooming a pug involves nothing more than a weekly brushing and the occasional bath. These four-legged comedians make great companions for people of all ages.

10. Shih Tzu

This happy, playful dog will always want to be the center of attention. Shih Tzus are affectionate companion dogs. They are energetic, though not extremely demanding of exercise. Of course, they love playing and exploring their surroundings, but most of all, they want to follow their human parent around. Shih Tzus are friendly and will do just fine with other pets. If you are looking for an easygoing friend to spend your whole day, this is the dog for you.

11. Yorkshire Terrier

These active little dogs come with huge personalities. Yorkies are full of self-importance, and they want everybody to know it. When they’re not the center of attention, they stay close to their favorite person. While they are full of affection for their family, they are reserved towards strangers. They are bright, intelligent, but also stubborn, and house training them will take effort. If you persist, however, you will have a well-behaved pooch in no time.

12. Whippet

This slender and elegant breed originated in England. Whippets are smaller than greyhounds but equally impressive. Not only are they fast runners, but they also are outstanding on agility and obedience courses. These dogs have no problem being indoors, however, and adult whippets are calm and quiet when they’re in the house. They are satisfied with just a weekly brushing and are good with children and other dogs.

The decision to take on a canine companion is an important one that requires a good deal of thought and commitment. It may take some time to find the right dog for you, especially if you are a beginner, but once you do, you will have gained an amazingly loyal friend.

If it’s the low maintenance dog breeds that you are after then this should be a solid list of 12 different options that you should consider.

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1. Is a Dog the Right Pet For You?

To most people, “pet” just means dog or cat. However, there are dozens of other household critters that make good companions. Rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hedgehogs, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, chinchillas, pot-bellied pigs, miniature horses, birds, lizards, snakes, fish, and even tarantulas make great pets for many people. Before choosing to spend more than a decade of your life with a dog, at least research different types of pets and the laws that apply to them in your area.

2. Why Do You Want a Dog?

It sounds obvious, but your main reason for getting a dog should be that you want to own a dog. Unfortunately, some people get a dog for home protection purposes without much interest in dog ownership. If this is the case, an alarm system offers the same benefit without the huge commitment. Others may want to help their local animal shelter by adopting a dog. In that situation, please consider donating money to the shelter or volunteering there instead. A dog should be a beloved pet, not a means to an end.

3. Are You Ready to Commit to a Dog For 15 Years or Longer?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dogs can live 10 to 15 years. In that sense, having a dog is not so different from having a child. If you’re not sure you can take care of one for the next 18 years, it’s best to wait.

4. Could You or Another Adult Spend at Least an Hour With a Dog Every Day?

An hour is the minimum amount of time a dog needs from their owner each day. This should include exercise, such as walking outside or playing with toys. Dogs left alone all day usually don’t behave well – can you blame them?

Think about who might be spending the most time at home with the dog. According to the nonprofit group Labrador Retriever Rescue Inc., when a family adopts a dog, the duty of taking care of it often falls on the mother. That makes sense, especially if she’s a stay-at-home mom, but is it fair to her?

If you can’t spend at least an hour a day with a dog, and your spouse or partner is either unwilling or unable to, don’t try to pin this job on the kids. Children can’t be expected to take on this duty, no matter how “responsible” they claim to be. Minors can’t even legally take care of themselves, and they won’t be the ones held responsible in case of animal neglect.

5. Could You Afford to Spend Hundreds or Even Thousands Each Year on Your Dog?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the yearly cost to take care of a small dog is $420. This includes meals, vet trips, toys, and a license. The cost is $620 for a medium-sized dog and $780 for a large dog. These numbers don’t include spaying or neutering, a collar, a leash, and a carrier or crate. If you live in an apartment that charges “pet rent,” this could bring the cost up by hundreds more.

Your pet may also develop special health or behavioural needs that could further raise costs. The dog may need a special diet, health treatment, type of training, or surgery that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars more. If you’re not sure you can cover these expenses, wait.

Every dog deserves a home where it’s wanted, looked after, and financially supported. Can you provide this? Being honest with yourself and your family now could save you from heartbreak months or years later.

The post 5 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Dog appeared first on GoBarking.com.

If you live with a little furry dog, you might be wondering if your furry friend can indulge in the same tasty treats that you enjoy so much. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. There is quite a bit of information out there about what dogs can and can’t eat. Here is what you need to know to answer the all-important question can dogs eat watermelon.

Watermelon as a Treat

Ultimately, it is safe to give your pup watermelon, though there are a few things you should be aware of before feeding your furry friend the treat. Watermelon is full of incredible vitamins and nutrients that are great for your pup, as well as yourself. Watermelon is also made up mostly of water, so the treat is light and tasty on those sweltering days. If you are ever concerned about what you are feeing your dog, simply ask your veterinarian whether certain foods are safe.

Your dog will probably really enjoy the sweet treat as well since it is tasty and hydrating. Of course, it is always wise to monitor your pup while they enjoy any treat, especially watermelon. You can even sit down with your dog and enjoy a little of the watermelon yourself. Later in the article, we will talk about a great DIY for frozen dog treats made with delicious watermelon, coconut milk, and honey.

What About Rinds and Seeds?

Watermelon is made up of three different parts: the fruit, the rind, and the seeds. Though watermelon is a tasty treat, you should avoid feeding your pup a few parts of the watermelon. The seeds should be avoided. They have been known to cause choking and intestinal issues in many breeds of dog. You should be sure to remove any and all seeds before serving your pup watermelon. There are some seedless watermelons that you might be able to cube up and serve your furry friend.

Likewise, rinds are not suitable for pups to chew on or eat. Rinds are not easy for animals, especially dogs, to digest. They are hard as well, making them quite the choking hazard. Before serving your dog watermelon, you should be sure to remove the rind from the fruit. Another great way to have rind free watermelon is to purchase pre-sliced or cubed watermelon pieces, but you should make sure they are seedless. Many grocery stores sell this kind of watermelon during the summer when the fruit is in season.

You Might Also Like: Can Dogs Eat Cat Food? Everything You Need To Know

Health Benefits

Believe it or not, there are many health benefits that we can enjoy just from eating watermelon. Full of vitamins and nutrients, watermelon is great for our health. It is also a great source of vitamins and nutrients for your furry pal as well. Watermelon is loaded with potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. For your little pup, watermelon can help boost their overall immune system, helping keep them from getting sick.

On hot days, watermelon can be beneficial to your pup because of the water found in the fruit. This light treat is perfect for keeping your dog cool off, even on the hottest of days. Your pup’s portions should be limited since this treat can cause your dog diarrhea when eaten too much. If you think your dog could benefit from the nutrients found in watermelon, then giving your pup a few slices every once in awhile will not be harmful to your pal. If you are concerned, it is always wise to ask your veterinarian any questions about foods your pup can and cannot eat.

How to Prepare the Treat

When you are preparing a nice little bowl of watermelon for your pup, you need to remember that less is more. Your dog doesn’t need a huge platter of watermelon since fruit is often difficult for animals to digest. If you have a smaller dog, you might want to give them only a few melon cubes. A larger dog might be able to handle a little bit more. It is always best to start with smaller slices and servings when first feeing your dog watermelon. They might not be able to handle the fruit without having an upset stomach.

Before giving your pup their treat, you should remove all seeds and the rind from each watermelon piece. The best way to do this is to either purchase seedless cubed watermelon pieces or seedless watermelons. If you can’t find either, it is just as simple to purchase a regular watermelon, remove the seeds, and remove the fruit from the rind before serving it to your pup. Remember to monitor your pup while they enjoy their tasty treat.

A Little DIY

During extremely hot days, you might want to change up your pup’s treats to help keep them cooler during those warm months. Watermelon is a great treat, yes, but you can take it just one step further to create a splendid concoction to help keep your dog cool and satisfied.

Start by preparing a little watermelon like normal for your pup. Add a little coconut milk, not almond milk since almonds have adverse reactions on your pet, and a little honey with your watermelon to create a nice taste.

Mix your ingredients together, pour it into silicone molds, and pop them into the freezer like shown in this YouTube video. Not only can your pup enjoy these tasty, frozen treats, but you can eat along with them as well.

These tasty frozen watermelon treats you can serve to your pup all summer long, just don’t forget to remove any seeds and rind before mixing up the tasty treats.

Anything Else?

If you didn’t know, it is always best to consult with your vet before feeding your dog anything from the kitchen table. However, there are several other fruits and vegetables that your precious pup can enjoy with you, though they should all be eaten in moderation. Just like watermelon, apples and tomatoes are great sources of nutrients and vitamins for your pooch. Remember to remove all seeds or pits from fruits that you feed your dog to ensure that they do not choke or experience toxicity from the seeds.

Just like there are healthy fruits for your dog, there are also some that should be avoided under every circumstance. Grapes, raisins, avocado, and onions are extremely dangerous and toxic to all dogs. These fruits should be avoided no matter what since they can cause serious problems to your pup’s health. Likewise, apricot pits, cherry pits, peach pits, and apple seeds are all toxic to your dog as well, but these fruits are safe for your furry friend to eat, though in moderation.

In Conclusion

Summertime brings with it heat ways and humid weather. For your pup, these summer months can be quite a bummer. Instead of just giving your pup water or ice to help them cool down, you can try a delicious treat that even you might enjoy eating. Watermelon is perfect for your little pup to snack on during the hot summer months. It is full of nutrients, and the water inside the fruit is great for helping hydrate your furry friend. The best part is, you can share your watermelon with your pup as long as you remove the seeds and rinds. Your dog will thank you with a tail wag and a lick.

The post Can Dogs Eat Watermelon and Watermelon Seeds? appeared first on GoBarking.com.

1. Puppy or Adult Dog?

The majority of people prefer to get a puppy, rather than an adult dog, because they are generally more adaptable and easier to train.  Puppies are also very cute, playful and friendly, and this obviously adds to their attraction. Unfortunately, though, puppies can be very mischievous and will require lots of attention during the first few months of their lives.

Adult dogs are generally easier to care for, as they should be fairly well trained to start with and shouldn’t require housebreaking.  An older dog is also a good option because it will be a lot calmer than a puppy and more straightforward as far as feeding is concerned.

It may also have been spayed/castrated and given all the necessary vaccinations, which will enable you to begin introducing it to other dogs straightaway. An adult dog will still take time to settle into a new home, and it may have acquired one or two bad habits that need changing.

2. Male or Female?

Choosing between a male and a female dog is really a matter of personal preference. Both sexes do, however, have some differences and knowing what some of them are may help you to come to the right decision.

Female dogs, for example, are considered to be more independent, stubborn and even moody, whereas male dogs are generally more affectionate, outgoing, attentive and aggressive. If you already have another dog in the house, you will also need to consider the impact a new dog will have on it.

It is also important to consider castrating or spaying your pet if you do not wish to breed from it, as this can help to calm your animal down, prolong its life and avoid any unwanted puppies.

3. Pedigree or Mixed Breed?

Deciding whether to acquire a pedigree or a mixed breed is once again down to personal preference. If you do decide to purchase a pedigree, however, you will at least be able to gauge the eventual size and temperament of the dog.

Some breeds are particularly suitable as family pets and therefore great for young children. Other breeds shed little or no hair at all and are perfect for those who suffer from allergies. Always buy pedigrees from reputable breeders, though, as many pedigree dogs sold in pet stores come from puppy mills.

Mixed breeds can make ideal pets too, but it is much harder to establish the eventual size, coat length and temperament of the dog. Mixed breeds can be prone to wandering, but they are thought to have a stronger resistance to disease because they are not exposed to inbreeding.

Don’t dismiss animal shelters in your search for the perfect dog, as these places are literally overflowing with unwanted animals.

4. How Much Spare Time Do You Have?

All dogs obviously require a certain amount of attention every day, but some require more than others. It is not just a simple case of walking your dog, as there are other things to consider like affection, training, feeding, grooming, trips to the vets, etc. If your spare time is limited, then you would be very unwise to consider a large longhaired dog that requires lots of daily exercises.

5. What Are Your Expectations?

It is important to decide what you expect from a dog in your life. Are you an extrovert character who loves the outdoors and wants a dog that enjoys long walks, or are you more of a couch potato who would rather curl up with a small docile dog? You need to do plenty of research on different dog breeds to find out which ones will suit you the best. Some breeds are also easier to train than others and this could be another important factor to consider.

6. Where Do You Live?

Provided you are prepared to exercise your dog regularly it shouldn’t really matter where you live, but you do need to consider the size of the dog if space is limited. There are obviously more places to walk your dog if you live in the countryside, but even some cities have dog parks where your companion can have a good run off the lead.

If you live in rented accommodation, then you will need to check whether your landlord allows you to keep dogs.

7. Cost

Keeping a dog can obviously be very costly and therefore requires you to work out a few figures before making a final decision. Once you have bought all the initial accessories, you will still have to think about food, vet bills, pet insurance, grooming, occasional professional grooming, kennel costs, etc. Small toy dogs will obviously be cheaper to keep than larger breeds, but they are more fragile and can easily suffer injuries.

When you do eventually acquire your new companion, you must always remember to be a responsible dog owner. If you have young children, it is your duty to ensure that they understand how to treat their pet properly. Make sure that you know who will look after your pet in the event of you being too ill to care for it, on holiday, or away on business.

Owning a dog is a big commitment that could easily span 15 years or more!

The post Choosing a Dog to Match Your Lifestyle appeared first on GoBarking.com.

Just as with human diets, dogs need food that is balanced and nutritious for their particular needs. This can be tough to figure out when comparing many different brands of dog food. In addition, the quality of some processed foods can be questionable, raising the issue of whether we can even trust what is listed on the label. Buying a higher quality food is an option, but that also comes at a hefty price. The good news is there are healthy options available for the budget conscious dog owner.

Buying a higher quality food is an option, but that also comes at a hefty price. The good news is there are healthy options available for the budget conscious dog owner.

Know the Basics

Dogs need food that provides essential elements for good health and vitality. There’s a good deal of confusion about what this means so to clarify, here are the basics.  A dog’s food should consist of

A dog’s food should consist of high quality protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This combination provides most of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Most commercial dog foods have some nutrients to varying degrees, but many are deficient. To increase the nutrition of your dog’s diet, here are a few options.

Most commercial dog foods have some nutrients to varying degrees, but many are deficient. To increase the nutrition of your dog’s diet, here are a few options.

Just Mix It up a Little

If you’re limited to the use of standard dog food, don’t despair. Simply add a small amount of high-quality dog food to the brand you are currently using for each meal. Adding a modest amount is easier for dogs to tolerate. In addition, try mixing in healthy leftovers from meals. This would consist of meat and veggies prepared with simple, wholesome ingredients without heavy sauces or spices.  While healthy foods are generally beneficial for dogs, it’s important to research what foods are safe and unsafe.  In general,

In addition, try mixing in healthy leftovers from meals. This would consist of meat and veggies prepared with simple, wholesome ingredients without heavy sauces or spices.  While healthy foods are generally beneficial for dogs, it’s important to research what foods are safe and unsafe.  In general,

In general, high-quality protein from natural peanut butter, fish, lean meats, and peas are good options. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples are also great sources of essential nutrients.

Some foods that are toxic include chocolate, onions, grapes, and avocados.

Switch to Homemade

The trend in preparing homemade meals for pets has many advantages. Transitioning from a bag to a homemade diet is not as intimidating as it may seem and is well worth the investment when you consider the benefits.

All of the ingredients are under your control. You select what to include or leave out. You can include specific veggies and meat to accommodate your pet’s needs. This is important if your pet is ill or has allergies.

Organ meat, such as liver, kidney and heart are all high quality, and relatively low cost. Stock up on chicken when it is on sale and save the bones to use later.

Buying and cooking in bulk is a big money and time saver. The bones can be ground in a blender or cooked whole by simmering them until soft. Then, add in rice and veggies of your choice for a meal rich in nutrients or use to make your dry food more nutritious.

This can easily be made and stored in large or small batches and frozen for future use.

Feeding your dog a healthy diet is both economical and time-saving with a modest amount of time and investment. Whether transitioning to a homemade diet or supplementing your current food, you can feed your dog like a king, without the high cost.

Not only are you saving money, you are adding better health and potential years of time with your pet.

The post Low-Cost Ways to Feed Your Dog a Healthy Diet appeared first on GoBarking.com.

But not all dogs make great running companions. English bulldogs, for example, are not built to take the kind of wear-and-tear that is sure to happen as you rack up the miles. Fortunately, several breeds are essentially born to run; pick one of these, and the only thing you’ll need to worry about is keeping up.

English bulldogs, for example, are not built to take the kind of wear-and-tear that is sure to happen as you rack up the miles. Fortunately, several breeds are essentially born to run; pick one of these, and the only thing you’ll need to worry about is keeping up.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Developed to pursue lions on the hot African plains, there may be no dog better suited for running medium to long distances in warm weather.

Their short coats help to keep them from overheating and their floppy ears and long noses work somewhat like radiators and allow them to shed additional heat.

Border Collies

Border collies are incredibly intelligent and energetic dogs. In fact, running a couple of miles each day with your border collie may be necessary to keep him from getting into mischief.

Border collies love to run, and they can keep up with medium- and long-distance runners, as long as you increase the distances of your runs gradually.

Australian Cattle Dogs 

Unsurprisingly, dogs bred to herd cattle through the Australian outback love to run. Australian cattle dogs are great dogs for long-distance runners, who need a dog that can run for mile after mile.

Additionally, Australian cattle dogs tolerate warm temperatures fairly well.

Labrador Retriever 

Labrador Retrievers love to play and it is easy to convince them that running is fun. Most are robust enough to tolerate the high-impact nature of the activity, and they have the endurance to keep up for miles. Labradors can be prone to problematic behaviors if not exercised enough, so running will also help keep your lab well behaved. If you live in a hot climate, consider purchasing a golden lab, rather than a black or chocolate-colored one, which will heat up more quickly in the hot sun.

Labradors can be prone to problematic behaviors if not exercised enough, so running will also help keep your lab well behaved. If you live in a hot climate, consider purchasing a golden lab, rather than a black or chocolate-colored one, which will heat up more quickly in the hot sun.

If you live in a hot climate, consider purchasing a golden lab, rather than a black or chocolate-colored one, which will heat up more quickly in the hot sun.

Dalmatians 

Dalmatians are athletic dogs, whose infamous stamina has been honed through the ages – runners will rarely be willing to go as far as their Dalmatian is. Additionally, their tendency to stay very close to their owner makes them easy to keep out of mischief during outings.  

Jack Russell Terriers

Despite their small stature and short legs, Jack Russel terriers love to run and have the energy to do so. Nevertheless, they are not suitable for serious runners who like to rack up the miles, they are better for casual joggers, whose runs are less than 3 miles long.

Huskies 

Huskies were bred to pull sleds and they need plenty of exercise each day, so they usually make great running partners. However, thanks to their thick, long coat, huskies are not the ideal breed for those living in hot climates.

On the flip side, your husky will be happy to go on runs in weather that would be too cold for many other breeds.

By selecting one of these breeds, you’re sure to enjoy miles and miles of running fun with your new partner.

Just be sure to have your new dog examined by a veterinarian before letting him accompany you during your daily run, slowly increase the duration of your runs over time and always keep an eye out for any signs of injury.

If you notice that your dog is limping or in discomfort, stop running and provide the necessary care for your dog.

The post The 7 Best Dog Breeds for Runners appeared first on GoBarking.com.