Bordoodle

by Lisa Selvaggio

Updated: January 30th, 2023

About Bordoodle

Weight

30-60 lb

Lifespan

12-15 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles, seniors, and families with children and other pets, living in a house or apartment, with or without a yard

Temperament

Friendly, pleasant, social, loving, loyal, and protective

Comparable Breeds

Border Collie, Poodle

Height

15-22 inches

Bordoodle Basics

Also known as the Borpoo, Borderdoodle, Borderpoo, and Border Poodle, the Bordoodle is a fantastic family dog. These canines are affectionate, intelligent, and protective, so if you are in search of a best friend that will always be at your side, this breed could be your best match. These dogs bond with their humans hard and fast. You’ll never feel alone with a bordoodle. This pup is a friend for life.

However, before bringing a Bordoodle into your family, though, you really should get to know the breed a little better. That’s where Pet Guide comes in. We’ve done the research and are prepared to provide you with everything that you need to know about the Bordoodle before committing to adding one to your family. The helpful information below will allow you to decide if this adorable pooch will love being a part of your family. So keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to discover everything worth knowing about the Bordoodle.

The Bordoodle is a cross between a purebred Border Collie and Poodle.

Origin

When it comes to designer dogs, there’s not much information on the origin of the individual breeds. Unfortunately, no particularly accurate history has been documented as these dogs have exploded in popularity. All we know is that the trend of crossbreeding purebreds peaked in the late 1980s with the first litter of Labradoodle. However, there have always been mixed breed dogs, even without names to label them (they just weren’t bred deliberately at that time, they were all happy accidents). This further complicates things for people who want to find out the history of a designer dog breed. For instance, there may have been Border Collie and Poodle mixes before the Bordoodle came to be, but the moment this mix was developed intentionally is the moment that ‘counts’.

Since there are no breeders to step out and claim that this hybrid breed was a result of their initiative, there is no way to know when that moment happened for the Bordoodle. The best guess anyone can have is that the Bordoodle had its start in the United States, sometime in the last 20 years- the same as most other hybrids. We may never know when the Bordoodle was officially named, but we will forever feel grateful that it happened.

Of course, just because we don’t know when or where the breed was created, it doesn’t mean that the reasons for its development are unclear. It’s easy to see why breeders decided to cross a Border Collie with a Poodle. Both are considered to be the among the most intelligent dogs in the world, and the hope was that their offspring would also be highly intelligent, with a friendly nature and potentially low-shedding coat. To say breeders succeeded in this goal would be an understatement.

Pedigree

The Bordoodle is a cross between a purebred Border Collie and Poodle. Like all designer dogs, this is primarily a first generation mix. This results in litters that have 50-50 percent genes from both of the parental breeds (rather than, say, 25 percent of the Poodle and the rest from the Border Collie). While this type of crossbreeding produces varying results, it’s the most common one for two reasons. First, many believe that first generation mix dogs are the healthiest. Second, this type of crossbreeding captures the essence of what designer dogs are about: each dog is unique, but all tend to inherit the best of both worlds. Every Bordoodle puppy will be a slightly different mix than the others, even amongst pups from the same litter.

Of course, there are also those who prefer uniformity or simply want a dog that has a lager or lesser percentage of one breed in the mix. This leads to multigenerational breeding- or breeding Bordoodles with unrelated Poodles, Border Collies, or other Bordoodles. As a result, the multigenerational Bordoodles might significantly favor one of the breeds in terms of look and appearance, or have more standardized traits. So, if you’re looking for more predictability in your designer dogs, it might be worth tracking down a second generation mix over a first generation one.

Bordoodles are affectionate, intelligent, and protective.

Food / Diet

In the life of every doggo, diet plays the most important role. After all, the proverb says that “health comes in at the mouth”, so never skimp on the good stuff in your pet’s diet. Bordoodles are not that different from most other breeds when it comes to their dietary preferences. They also need a healthy, well-balanced diet to thrive and stay in optimal shape. Usually, high-quality dry food for dogs will give your pet all the essential nutrients they require. However, it’s important to choose the right type to reap the benefits. Avoid cheap brands that produce kibble full of fillers and harmful additives. Instead, opt for those that are made with natural, high-grade ingredients. Additionally, the kibble you pick should be appropriate for your Bordoodle’s age (puppy, adult, senior), size and activity level.

You can feed your dog roughly 2½ to 3 cups of dry food every day, but split this amount into at least two meals. This will prevent them from snarfing down their daily dose of food in seconds and promote better digestion. You can also utilize some of the handy slow feeder food bowls that prevent fast eating, and promote a normal eating pace and good digestion as well. They come in many shapes and sizes and you’ll easily find one to suit your pet.

If you are ever worried about establishing or altering your dog’s diet, then it is always worth consulting with a veterinarian. They will always know exactly what your pet needs. While most pet food manufacturers and pet blogs provide useful feeding guidelines, they should still be treated as guidelines and not gospel. All dogs are different after all and often have different dietary needs. Only your vet is qualified to determine the specific needs of your personal pup. So always consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to what goes in your pup’s mouth.

Training

Because Bordoodles are so intelligent, they are a pleasure to work with when it comes to training. They will want to learn, and they will learn quickly. Use a firm but positive tone, and use plenty of praise and rewards while training this enthusiastic pooch. It’s always important to focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based encouragement during training. Anything less is close to abuse than training. Fortunately, Bordoodles are such friendly animals and have such a strong desire to please their owners that training should be quite easy and even rather fun (which certainly can’t be said about most dog training scenarios).

These dogs want to please their owners, so they are more inclined to obey commands with fewer repetitions. This is especially true if you begin training and socializing your dog starting in puppyhood. Always start training and socialization as early as possible for the best results. It’s important not to waste those early and impressionable days in your pup’s life. Otherwise training can be quite difficult, if not impossible. In the end, remember to arm yourself with plenty of patience and a lot of tasty treats for rewards. This is a winning combination, and can work charms in a dog’s training routine.

Weight

For many potential owners, the size of a dog can decide on many things. And it can be the deciding factor when getting a dog. A medium sized breed, the Bordoodle weighs between 30 and 60 pounds. Of course, this means that they will require a lot of free space and time to spend their energy and exercise. If you are living in a small apartment or a tiny home, this might not be the breed for you. In such housing, the Bordoodle might simply feel cooped up and unhappy. Your best bet is a spacious apartment with daily acces to outdoor space (a park, for example) or a house with a fenced-in yard.

This is a breed that will love to play, lounge, and exercise, and it will need a bit of extra free space for that. Remember that without it, the dog might become unhappy and depressed, losing appetite, and developing a string of behavioral issues. Space for exercise is important!

Temperament / Behavior

The Bordoodle is a popular breed because it exhibits the best qualities of the Poodle and the Border Collie, which are both wonderful canine breeds. These dogs tend to have friendly, social personalities, and they will rarely display aggression. Bordoodles are also highly intelligent, loyal, and protective. They will guard their family and be leery of strangers until they know that they are safe and trustworthy. If you have children or other pets, the Bordoodle with get along with them just fine, and these dogs make fantastic playmates for kids who know how to be gentle with animals. All-in-all, this is an incredibly sweet and lovable pooch that anyone want to have in their lives.

Common Health Problems

No dog breed is exempt from an occasional health issue. This can be something basic and non-threatening, but it can also be more serious, passed down genetically. And because the Bordoodle is a hybrid dog breed, it could be susceptible to the health conditions that commonly affect its parent breeds. There is no guarantee, however, that your dog will end up with any of those conditions, or that they will be serious in any way. Many times, hybrid dogs are quite healthy, thanks to their genetic diversity. Plus, it is impossible to determine what an individual dog’s health will be over the course of his lifetime.

Some of the common health concerns that are associated with the Bordoodle’s parent breeds are progressive retinal atrophy, allergies, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. As always, it’s important to maintain regularly scheduled check ups with a vet (especially as your dog ages) to ensure that any health issues are identified and treated as quickly as possible. And, most importantly, it is important to remember that your dog can’t remain super healthy all on their own. They will need your help for that. Your pet depends on you in many ways. Ensure that they always have a proper and quality diet, regular vet checkups, plenty of exercise, and endless amounts of affection!

Life Expectancy

The Bordoodle has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Considering that the average maximum lifespan for most dog breeds is around 15 years, we can see that the Bordoodle falls right into that general category. With proper care they can even exceed that maximum, which makes them ideal as affectionate and friendly companion pets. If you are looking for a dog that you can share a good part of your life with, this unique breed can be the right choice.

Of course, you can’t fully rely on your pet’s presumed maximum lifespan as a certainty: they will need a lot of help in order to reach that number of years in good health. Regular vet checkups, exercise and balanced diet, and a lot of love – this is the recipe for a long and happy canine life. And it’s up to you to provide them!

Exercise Requirements

Just like its parent breeds, the Bordoodle is a moderately energetic breed and will love to play. They don’t really like to snooze and lounge for the entire day. Bordoodles only require moderate amounts of activity, and they can be content with entertaining themselves indoors if you provide them with toys. Scheduling just 30 minutes of activity and exercise for your dog each day will suffice. So, these aren’t particularly taxing pets as far as exercise is concerned. That is great if your days are particularly overwhelmed with chores and you can’t manage long sessions of energetic playtime.

In the end, it’s easy to see that these dogs are good matches for owners who are busy or work late hours. However, they do need to go for a walk or jog in order to get exercise outside. And if you have a safe, enclosed backyard, you can let your Bordoodle run around and play when the weather is appropriate. So, that’s an option as well. Just make sure that their basic needs are always met - otherwise they will become unhappy!

The Bordoodle makes a fantastic playmate for kids who know how to be gentle with animals.

Recognized Clubs

The Bordoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). Besides all this, there are always special clubs and organizations that are devoted to specific designer breeds, including the Bordoodle. These are usually run by enthusiasts and long time owners of the breed, and that ensures that only the best information and advice is directed your way. If you are a future or recent Bordoodle owner, getting in touch with these clubs and owner-run groups will allow you an important insight into all the tips and tricks that you’ll need to know.

Coat

The Bordoodle features a soft, wavy, and long coat, but grooming requirements are low to moderate because it doesn’t shed much at all. Even though the Border Collie is not a hypoallergenic breed, the Poodle is, so a Bordoodle will have a low shedding coat that can be hypoallergenic. You should brush your dog’s coat one or two times a week in order to keep it soft and smooth. Bathing your dog will only be necessary when he gets dirty.

Of course, simple brushing won’t be a challenge – all it takes is a couple of minutes per day to get rid of any loose hairs and to tidy up your pet’s coat. But when grooming is concerned, it might require some more dedicated work. To that end, you might want to take your pet to the professional grooming salon. Here, the groomer can get rid of any undercoat and trim the hairs a bit, ensuring that your four-legged bestie looks their best.

Just make sure not to neglect the maintenance of their coat. You might end up with a lot more work than needed. So, take up a steady weekly routine. Brush their coat lightly for a few minutes every other day - it may help you maintain a tidy and clean appearance that will need to be emphasized by a monthly visit to the groomers. Nice and simple!

Puppies

Because the Bordoodle is a medium size dog, the puppies will be small and will require care and a gentle touch to ensure that they do not get hurt. After all, this is the time when they are the cutest, and everyone will want to snuggle them. If your Bordoodle puppy will be around your kids, make sure they know how to handle the puppy correctly. These are fragile little creatures that need to be handled with a gentle touch. So be careful about leaving them alone with children too young to be sensitive with your pup. Avoid large and loud crowds as well as they might scare a puppy and traumatize them.

Training your puppy as soon as possible will ensure that he learns the rules of the house, as well as how to walk on a leash. It’s so important not to waste those early and impressionable puppy days. That’s when the most effective training takes place. So while you will want to spend as much time as possible snuggling and playing with your little puppy, make sure to sneak in some training time every day as well. It’ll pay off in the long run. Just make sure to make it known that, at the end of the day, you’re the boss. A bit of an assertive attitude never hurts. Especially when training is considered.

In addition to training, your pet should be properly socialized as soon as possible. As far as socialization goes, it is quite crucial for the proper development of a dog. Starting early and taking a measured approach is crucial for your pet’s later life. Not only will your dog be more comfortable around strangers and other dogs, but they will be much more affectionate with you as well. Bordoodles are energetic, smart, and inquisitive, and you should encourage socialization. Introduce your puppy to new people, kids, and other friendly dogs. If everything is done properly and with minimal stress, your pet should quickly become friendly and sociable. This removes the possibility of aggression, anxiety, and fear in their adult life. Do not underestimate the importance of socialization.

Photo credit: Rsguy/Flickr; Jarib G./Bigstock

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Here are a few situations where you may consider setting up a doggy-friendly bathroom spot inside:Potty Training The most common reason for setting up an indoor potty station is to provide your pup with an option during the potty training stage. We regularly associate potty training with young puppies, and for good reason. They are still learning what is expected of them at this young age. But young puppies aren’t the only ones trying to familiarize themselves with the household rules. This may also apply to dogs that recently joined the family at an older age, like shelter or rescue dogs who have recently been adopted. Some dogs also experience potty training regression, needing to relearn where they are allowed to relieve themselves. Regardless of your dog’s age or whether this is the first time they have been potty trained, one thing is true – there will likely be times they suddenly need to go. If they can’t get your attention to take them outdoors, an indoor potty provides them with somewhere to take care of business while still respecting the rules of the house. Medical Issues or Injury Recovery If your dog’s mobility is limited due to an illness, disease, or injury, they may have difficulty getting outdoors to go to the bathroom. This often requires changes in your routine or around your home to accommodate their needs. It could be for a short-term need, like recovering after surgery, or a long-term change due to an ongoing medical condition. Setting up a bathroom space in your home will make it easier to help your dog to the right spot to do their business. This is especially important if hurdles like stairs prevent them from easily moving through the home or heading outside. The Golden YearsDo you share your heart and your home with a senior dog? Whether your dog is experiencing limited mobility due to arthritis or struggles to make it outside due to incontinence, an indoor potty station may help reduce accidents around the home while avoiding the guilt older dogs often feel when they know they have done something they shouldn’t. Another condition often faced by dogs in their later years is canine dementia. As part of this, your dog may struggle to remember the route to the back door, making it nearly impossible to avoid accidents unless they are near an exit point. Setting up a potty station or two in your home, where they spend the bulk of their time, will ensure an easy-to-find bathroom spot is available. Harsh Weather Taking your dog out to go to the bathroom, rain or shine, is a commitment you make as a dog parent. However, there are times that extreme weather conditions make it unsafe to go outdoors, preventing your dog from heading out to their usual bathroom location. Some examples we have seen recently in the United States include a potential tornado or the arrival of a severe hurricane. Unfortunately, during these weather events, your dog will still need to go to the bathroom. An indoor potty station can easily be set up in the safety of your home, allowing your dog to remain near the rest of the family while avoiding unnecessary accidents. Lack of Convenient Outdoor Space If you have an easily accessible backyard or garden space, this struggle may not cross your mind. But for some dog parents, taking their pup out to go to the bathroom may require a lot more effort. For example, if you live in an apartment on one of the upper floors of a high-rise apartment, the journey to take your dog outside could take a surprisingly long time. Your dog is probably used to the time it takes to make their way outside. However, there are times when they may have to go so badly that it makes it difficult or uncomfortable to hold it that long. For example, if your dog has been inside for a longer time while you’re at work or you’re just waking up after a full night’s sleep. In these situations, having an indoor potty will allow your dog to relieve themselves without running the risk of accidents along the way. Physical Limitations We already addressed the possibility that your dog may experience limited mobility, but what about you? If you were to suffer an injury or be recovering from an illness, taking your dog outdoors could be a significant challenge. Struggling to keep up with your regular routine doesn’t make you a bad dog parent, but you must consider alternatives to meet your dog’s needs. Setting up an indoor potty for your dog is a great short-term solution until you have recovered enough to take them outside more frequently.

What To Do If My Dog Licks or Eats a Toad?

Dogs are curious creatures – as a result, every time your pooch is outside, they will use any opportunity to explore and roam. This wouldn’t be such a bad thing, of course, if they weren’t using their mouths and noses to do all the exploring. This is the way they get around the world, and they will often nibble or lick things that could be dangerous for them. This includes toads, which are common in many areas. While some species of toads are harmless, others can be toxic to dogs. As a caring owner, you should know how to respond quickly and properly, as it can make a big difference for your pet. What To Do If My Dog Licks or Eats a Toad?First, it is essential to know why exactly toads are dangerous to dogs. There are certain toad species, such as the Colorado River Toad (Incilius Alvarius) and the Cane Toad or Bufo Toad (Rhinella Marina), that secrete toxins from their skin and they can cause severe reactions in pets.

Things to Consider Before Adopting an Adult Cat

While kittens are undeniably adorable, thousands of adult cats are waiting for their forever home in animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country. Adopting an adult cat offers many unique benefits and rewards – from their calmer demeanor to their already-established personalities.Before deciding on your next feline friend, I recommend taking a moment to reconsider whether an adult cat could be the right fit for your home and lifestyle. Here are a few key considerations to help you find the right cat for your family. At What Age is a Cat Considered Adult? Before discussing the benefits of adopting an adult cat, let's start at the beginning. At what age is a cat considered an adult, anyway? Like with dogs, this will depend on your cat’s breed and size. Larger breed cats like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats will take longer to reach maturity than most others. For most cat breeds, you can start referring to them as an adult around the time of their first birthday. For those larger kitties, it can take up to 2 years. If your cat is on the borderline or you’re unsure, consider asking your veterinarian during your next appointment. Understanding your cat’s life stages and growth rate will help you make many important decisions, like ensuring their diet includes everything they need in each chapter of their lives. Do Older Cats Have a Harder Time Getting Adopted? Many factors can make it more challenging for a cat to be adopted, including their color, personality, comfort with other pets, and, unfortunately, their age. When a young kitten comes into a shelter or rescue organization, they are often adopted within the first couple of months. The same can’t be said for most adult cats. There is no exact figure, but experts in the rescue space estimate that the time needed for an adult cat (aged 2-3) to be adopted is double that of their younger counterparts. That timeline continues to climb, reaching nearly 10 times as long for cats aged 9-10. 7 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat When considering adding a new companion to the family, whether it’s a hamster or a new puppy, you should start by doing your research. This includes assessing whether the animal of choice is a good fit for your family and lifestyle and deciding on other key factors like the right age and breed. Here are 7 reasons you may want to consider an adult cat instead of a kitten: They Are Generally Calmer There is no denying that kittens are adorable, but they are also bouncy and full of kitten energy. These active little furballs are adorable at first. However, in time, they can begin to feel like “too much” for some cat lovers. An adult cat could be a better option if you want a slightly calmer, more mature companion. That being said, there is an exception to every rule. Most adult cats are calmer and more relaxed, but many high-energy adult cats are also out there. If this is an important consideration when searching for your “right fit,” be sure to ask the shelter or rescue volunteers about the energy levels and personality of any cat you are considering. They will either have first-hand experience with the cat or will be able to connect you with someone who can answer your questions (like a foster parent). Less Supervision is Required If you have ever had to kitten-proof your home, you know how much trouble that cute little kitty can get into. They can get into everything and anything, including chewing electrical cords, scratching your furniture, and eating anything they can get their furry little paws on. Bringing a kitten home means doing a lot more preparation upfront as well as committing to the ongoing supervision they will require. Cat lovers who have a busier lifestyle or a demanding work schedule may not be able to give a kitten the time and attention they need to keep them safe and happy. Unless you work in a pet-friendly work environment where you can bring your kitten along for the day (and have done the work to kitten-proof that space, too) or have someone at home when you’re not, your lifestyle may be better suited to an older cat who can relax at home comfortably throughout the work day. Most Are Already Housetrained We often talk about the importance of potty training for puppies, but what about kittens? Not every cat is going to take to a litter box right away. Typically speaking, kittens are taught to use the litter box by their mothers early in life. However, your new kitten may not have learned this important life lesson for several reasons. It’s possible that they left their mother too early or they needed a little extra teaching to learn the basics. If a kitten hasn’t naturally learned to use the litterbox, you’ll need to train them to do their business in the right place. However, by the time they reach adulthood, someone has likely acknowledged they didn’t learn this skill from their mother and addressed it already. Their Personality is Known Anyone who says cats don’t have personalities has never shared their heart and home with a cat! I firmly believe that. We have two cats, Pippen and Jinx, with very different personalities and temperaments. While Pippen is sweet and loving, Jinx is a stereotypical tortoiseshell – sassy and spirited. You may not be feeling picky about the personality of your newest family member. However, some cat lovers are looking for a specific personality to match their lifestyle and vision of life with the new kitty. For example, if you hope to spend time snuggled up watching TV with your feline friend, an independent cat who isn’t interested in cuddles won’t be the ideal match. When kittens are young, they still haven’t “found themselves” yet. This means you are taking a gamble on their personality. Adult cats, however, are established in their personalities. What you see is what you get.

What to Do When Your Dog is Choking?

Naturally curious and often very voracious, dogs can get into a lot of trouble just by following their gut, so to speak. Not only will they try to munch on anything, but they will also eat at a rapid pace, often gulping down their food in seconds. Naturally, this doesn’t mix well – accidents can happen as a result and your pet could choke. Choking is a big fear for dog owners whose pets are greedy or fast eaters, but all dog owners, in general, should know how to act in case their pet is choking. After all, knowing how to act quickly and effectively can make all the difference for your pooch. What to Do When Your Dog is Choking: Step by Step ExplainedThe foremost thing for any owner to know is how to recognize the first signs of choking. The most common signs include excessive drooling, panic and agitation, difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth, gagging and retching, and blue or pale gums. If you notice any of these symptoms it is paramount to act immediately and remain calm. Before you do anything, try to assess the situation. Remember that a panicking dog might accidentally bite, even if that is not their intention. So, to ensure you remain safe, approach your pet calmly and try to reassure them. Try to spot the cause of the choking. If you can see the object, and it can be easily removed, then proceed but cautiously. However, if the object can’t be removed easily and is deep in the throat, do not attempt to remove it. The same goes if your dog is panicking and biting aggressively – it’s a situation for the pros. If, however, the situation appears reasonably safe, then you can try to remove the object manually.First gently open your dog’s mouth, by holding their upper jaw with one hand, and the lower with the other. If you spot the object, use your fingers to try and remove it. But be careful – one mistake can push it further into the throat, making the situation worse. So be cautious. If, however, the object is visible but out of reach, you can use special tweezers or pliers. Still, you need to be very careful in order to avoid further injury.If the object cannot be removed manually or with tweezers, then you might want to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Depending on the size of your dog, this technique could vary slightly. For small dogs:Place your pet on their back.Place one hand on their back to support them, and then use the other hand to apply firm pressure just below the rib cage, pushing upwards and towards the chest.After a few of these thrusts, check the mouth to see if the object was dislodged.For large dogs:It is best to stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around their waist. Place your fist just below their rib cage, and grasp it with your other hand.Apply quick upward thrusts to the abdomen.After several thrusts, check the mouth cavity and see if the object is removed.When you remove the object that your pet choked on, it is crucial to check if they show signs of injury or distress. And even if they seem fine, it is advisable to seek out the help of your vet and schedule a thorough examination. This is because choking can cause damage to the throat that might not be apparent at first glance. 

Are Some Toys Better For Senior Dogs? Yes!

(photo credit: Ryan Brix / shutterstock.com)When we think of aging pets, we envision dogs that have slowed down a little, love to nap and prefer to settle into a sunny spot over a vigorous walk. I admit that these days, my 13- and 15-year-old Schnoodles are less inclined to get excited when I pick up their leash than they were just a couple of years back. So, their outings are shorter and treats are doled out as a reward for making the effort when we return home.But there’s so much more to your pet’s aging than just a slower gait and desire to curl up and snooze away the afternoon. Vision starts to fade, hearing is not quite so acute and often, their teeth and gums begin to cause problems.That said, every so often we see the puppy come out when they get excited about something special – a high-value treat, another dog, your return from work, or a fun new toy that he can still enjoy despite his physical limitations. And those are the moments we want to continue creating by adapting their arsenal of playthings to meet their changing needs.

How Much Water Should My Horse Drink Daily?

Hydration is very important for all animals, especially horses. Large and powerful animals, equines can require plenty of water on a daily level. Hydration is thus a vital aspect of maintaining a horse's health and performance. Like humans, horses rely on water to regulate their body temperature, support digestion, and facilitate the smooth functioning of their organs. Understanding how much water a horse needs daily can help prevent dehydration and related health issues, ensuring the animal's overall well-being. So here is what you need to know.How Much Water Should My Horse Drink Daily?On average, an adult horse should consume between 5 to 10 gallons of water per day (18 to 37 liters). This amount can vary based on several factors, including the horse’s size, activity level, diet, and the climate in which it lives. Larger horses, especially those engaged in strenuous activity, will typically require more water. For instance, a racehorse or a horse working in a hot environment may need closer to 15 gallons a day to stay properly hydrated.Of course, foals and younger horses may drink less water than adults, but it is still essential to provide them with easy access to fresh, clean water to promote healthy growth and development. Still, there are several factors that affect water consumption, and the foremost of these is a horse’s activity level. The more a horse exercises, the more water it will need. Horses sweat during physical exertion, losing both water and electrolytes. Replenishing this lost fluid is crucial to prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and heat exhaustion.Diet is also crucial - horses that consume large amounts of hay, which is dry and low in moisture content, will drink more water than those on fresh pasture grass, which contains higher levels of moisture. Additionally, horses fed grains or high-protein feeds may also require more water to aid digestion.Owners also have to take into account the weather conditions. Horses living in hot or humid climates will naturally need more water to stay cool. Similarly, horses in colder environments may drink less water, but it's still important to monitor their intake to avoid dehydration, which can be a concern even in winter. Providing slightly warmed water during cold months can encourage a horse to drink more.

Puppy Blues is a Real Thing – Just Like Baby Blues, Study Shows

There is no doubt that puppies are super cute. When you first bring a tiny little bundle of fur into your home, it is a cause of great joy. But sometimes, life can change in many ways as you care for your new pet. A latest scientific study published in Mental Health Research reveals that almost half of all dog owners can experience something reminiscent of the famous “baby blues” – only related to puppies instead of babies.Many owners will experience anxiety, frustration, or weariness during those first steps of their pet’s puppyhood. The study that was conducted at the University of Helsinki confirmed that owners will experience a short-term drop in mood, and great melancholy, while their pet is a puppy - something that is akin to the famous postnatal “baby blues”. This is because caring for a puppy gives rise to a variety of worries and fears, anxiety and frustration, and difficulty bonding."The study found that these so-called 'puppy blues' manifest in three ways: anxiety, frustration, and weariness. These often occur concurrently, but in some cases, one or two of the three may be particularly prominent," said psychologist and doctoral researcher Aada Ståhl.When a puppy owner is anxious, their thoughts “are colored by concerns” about the wellbeing of their pet, and how they are developing. They can also be worried that they are not adequately looking after the fragile little being. If something doesn’t pan out, the owner would often blame themselves for it. What is more, as a result of the strain and the challenges of caring for a puppy, a puppy owner might become frustrated even further. In the initial stages, they might discover that it is difficult to build an emotional bond with the puppy, which would only make everything much more difficult.All of this makes puppyhood exhausting and very taxing mentally and physically. Owners could experience a lack of sleep and increased tiredness and anxiety."Just under half of owners report having had significant negative experiences during their dog's puppyhood phase, with only about a tenth reporting the most severe levels of strain. This is in line with the prevalence of postnatal depression. However, the negative feelings fade relatively quickly," says Professor Hannes Lohi.But the study now offers a key insight – the more time that passed since puppyhood, the more positively owners remembered it. This means that the negative emotional content of these memories “fades” as time passes. All these results were collected by examining the experiences of over 100 different dog owners, all of whom experienced emotional strain after bringing a puppy home. The survey was specifically developed to measure “puppy blues”. It collected specific responses from over 2,000 dog owners, ensuring the reliability of the survey."Capturing the phenomenon in a measurable form is important if we are to better understand its characteristics, prevalence, and duration. This will also allow us to improve understanding of the factors that may predispose owners to or protect them from the 'puppy blues,' which will help us to develop prevention and support measures," added Ståhl.The study offers a crucial new glimpse into the relationship between a pet and an owner. Exploring the puppy blues phenomenon will help raise awareness and prepare future owners for the challenges of puppyhood – as there are quite a few that come together with all that cuteness.

What is the Difference Between a Hamster and a Dwarf Hamster?

Hamsters are popular pets due to their small size and playful personalities. These pocket pets are an excellent choice for those who may be limited in space but still want to bring a companion into their home or apartment. With various breeds available, choosing between a Syrian or dwarf hamster can be overwhelming. Both offer unique characteristics, personalities, and care requirements. Let’s explore the key differences between these two adorable pocket pets to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and living space. Plus, we’ll share tips and tricks for giving your new hamster the best quality of life! Syrian Hamster vs. Dwarf Hamster: Key Differences Deciding between adopting a Syrian hamster or a dwarf hamster largely depends on personal preference. However, there are distinct characteristics that can help drive that decision. Let’s explore the physical differences between the two popular hamster breeds, including size, appearance, and temperament: Size and AppearanceThe most obvious difference between Syrian and dwarf hamsters is their appearance. Syrian hamsters (often simply called hamsters) are larger, growing up to 8 inches long. They have large, round eyes and are frequently described as looking like little teddy bears. This is also due to their most common coloring, a golden brown with white bellies. However, they can be found with white, black, or gray fur if you want a different color. Dwarf hamsters are smaller in size and often described as looking more like a mouse. Fully grown, they are usually 2 to 4 inches long. They are also available in a range of colors, but the most common are shades of grey-brown.Personality While the appearance differences may be more evident at first glance, the personality differences are often the reason why pet lovers prefer one over the other. Syrian hamsters are affectionate and loving pets, thriving off attention from their families. They are active, spending much of their time exploring their enclosure and playing with the available toys and features, but will also gladly spend time being held or handled (within reason). On the other hand, dwarf hamsters are considerably less affectionate. There are always exceptions to every rule, but most dwarf hamsters would be happiest spending their time playing independently. They have more energy than Syrian hamsters and higher exercise needs.

Unlock Your Pup’s Heritage: Embark Vet's Summer Sale is Here!

Hey fellow dog lovers! 🐾Is there anything more heartwarming than watching our furry friends playfully bounding around, tongues lolling and tails wagging?As proud dog parents, we're often fascinated by our pups' heritage and health.That's why it's so exciting to introduce you to Embark, the company that offers the most accurate dog DNA test on the market.

NC Rainbow Bridge Memorial Swept Away By Hurricane Helene Flood Waters

Hurricane Helene has swept across much of the southeastern United States, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Homes were damaged, trees uprooted, and lives disrupted. For those in its path, this storm has unapologetically changed life as they know it. Log into any social media platform, and you’ll see heartbreaking photos and videos of the devastation. However, one announcement has broken the hearts of pet parents across the country and around the world – the loss of a cherished rainbow bridge memorial in Lake Lure, North Carolina.

5 of the Rarest Cat Breeds

There are many cat breeds that you can choose from, and some are much more common and easy to find than others, including in shelters and rescues. Rarer cat breeds, such as those listed below, are harder to come by. They might not be as well-known or as popular as other breeds, and there may not be as many breeders as a result. Once you get to know the defining characteristics and features of these breeds, though, you might want to find a way to bring one into your family.

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