A Dog’s Role in American Indian Tribes

Here’s an interesting topic I don’t often get to cover on the pets blog: pet history. In today’s world sometimes it seems like pets are over-pampered, taken to expensive salons or left giant inheritances. Some might consider this contrary to how humans used to view pets, merely as tools. A new study by a professor of archeology and anthropology asserts otherwise, at least in some cases. The Sacramento Bee published the recent findings of Professor Paul Langenwalter of Biola University on the relationship local Californian American Indian tribes had with their pet dogs. He found evidence to suggest that among … Continue reading →

Dog Show Lingo

Have you been watching the dog shows lately? Maybe you saw the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship during Super Bowl weekend. Maybe you watched the famous Westminster Kennel Club Show this week. Dog shows — like any kind of competition — come with their own special lingo. Talking about the dogs: Angulation: the angles created at the joints. Gait: the way a dog moves. This is a good indicator of structure and body condition. Pedigree: a written record of a dog’s family tree. Traces the line back three generations or more. Soundness: mental and physical well-being. Handlers and handling: Baiting: using a … Continue reading →

About the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

If you had your eye on Animal Planet over the weekend, you probably saw the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship broadcast. I only managed to catch the “tail” end of the show, but I did get to see the lovely German shepherd win the working dog group and the Best in Show awarded to a Sealyham terrier with lots of personality. Here are some things you might not know about the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship: The AKC (American Kennel Club) is the oldest and only not-for-profit purebred dog registry in the United States. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is by invitation only. The top … Continue reading →

Crufts: England’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The later part of the 1800s sure saw a rise of interest in dogs. It seems that showing off a dog’s talent and/or beauty became quite fashionable, and as a result so did dog shows. The precedent of which continues today. There’s always been a variety of shows, but some are more prestigious than others. In the United States, it’s the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In England, it’s Crufts. Beginning today through March 11, the “World’s Greatest Dog Show” as it’s billed, gets underway. Here’s a little history on how it all came to be, and what it’s since … Continue reading →

The History of the Australian Cattle Dog

It is known by many names –Australian Heeler, Hall’s Heelers, and Queensland Heeler– and there is some dispute about which breeds were ultimately responsible for its development. The only thing where there’s no room for debate is about where it originated: Australia. Origins The Australian Cattle Dog is a newer breed of dog. They are the result of early Australian settlers needing dogs to help them tend their livestock. The dogs they brought with them from the British Isles, Smithfields, weren’t suited to Australia’s terrain, nor were their dispositions entirely suited to herding (they bit too hard and made too … Continue reading →

All the President’s Pets (Washington and Lincoln’s, At Least)

Monday was President’s Day. A virtual trip to the Presidential Pet Museum made it easy to hail the resident pets-in-chief throughout history. But to celebrate the two men whom President’s Day initially honored, George Washington (whose birthday is really today) and Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday was February 12th), I thought I’d profile the pets that were specific to their administrations: George Washington: Born February 22, 1732; Served as President 1789-1797 Technically his pets never lived at the White House, because it wasn’t built yet. (John Adams was the first president with the distinction and honor of residing there, and he … Continue reading →

All Hail the Resident Pets in Chief!

Photo by Peter Mackay Presidents are often known for their policies, diplomacy (or lack thereof), and in some unfortunate cases their scandals or assassinations. In honor of Presidents’ Day, I thought I’d focus on a different side of the White House. One Pets Blog readers might better appreciate: the variety of pets who have called the White House home. I think the first pet I remember hearing of living at the White House was Jimmy Carter’s daughter’s cat. I was just a little girl at the time (maybe eight?), and it caught my attention because I was surprised a cat … Continue reading →

Best in Show: A History of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

It’s covered live on TV, has special reporters, style, excitement, and stars, but it’s not the Grammy Awards, the Golden Globes, or the Oscars…it’s the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! The Westminster Kennel Club’s 131th Annual Dog Show wrapped up yesterday. “Ch. Felicity’s Diamond Jim,” a.k.a. “James,” an English Springer Spaniel sprung away with the coveted Best in Show trophy. But what is the Westminster Kennel Club and why is their show such a big deal? Let’s find out… How It All Started The Westminster Kennel Club first started out sans the “kennel.” In fact, it started out primarily as … Continue reading →