How the English Bulldog Came to Be

The English Bulldog breed is loved by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. Bulldogs are famous for their peculiar flat face and their chubby appearance. However, things went wrong over the last few decades: what used to be a strong athletic breed turned into a bag of severe health conditions.

Initially, the English Bulldog was, as you can guess it, used for bullfighting. Farmers weren’t wondering how to breed English bulldogs for work or families; it was only to perform in the bullring. The real reason why they have been bred with a flat face was for them to avoid being pinched by a bull. And because Bulldogs became known for their amazing results against bulls, they turned into icons of manliness power and strength.

In Britain, the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 put an end to bullfighting and the breed quickly transitioned to a family dog thanks to Bill George, a Victorian-era dog trader.

Extreme Breeding Started
Families in the United States and the United Kingdom loved English bulldogs for its appearance, rather than its fighting abilities. So this is when breeders had the sick idea to exaggerate this characteristic to make the breed stand out even more.

Because people loved this feature, there was always a buyer for a more expensive flatter-faced bulldog. The problem is, a flat face is definitely healthy to a certain point. And as you probably know, we are way past that point within the bulldog breed. Way, way past that point.

And the problem with extreme dog breeding is that these dog breeders, for many of them, believe they are not doing anything wrong. After all, they saw all bulldogs back then with flat faces, and they thought that a little flatter wouldn’t hurt anybody. However, when thousands of bulldog breeders think that very same thing, over decades, we reach the atrocious current situation.

Inbreeding Coefficient Increased
When dog breeders want to exaggerate a trait, they use what is called inbreeding or linebreeding. In genetics, inbreeding means the mating of very closely related partners. The power of inbreeding is that the genetic material is very similar to the parents since they are part of the same family. Therefore, the puppies from this litter will all look very similar and have characteristics fixed on them.

So, because dog breeders know how dog breeding works and understand that with inbreeding you get visibly better and faster results, they started abusing it. Instead of doing it once in a blue moon, they inbred their Bulldogs over several generations. It worked — the breed becomes flatter-faced than ever.

Along with inherent issues due to being a brachycephalic breed, the English Bulldog breed reached a high inbreeding coefficient. Meaning, the average pool of specimens within the breed average a coefficient of inbreeding of 10%, this is over the double of the average amongst all purebred dogs. The Imperial College in England has studied COI averages for 10 breeds at around 4%. Bulldogs double that. A 25% inbreeding coefficient is equivalent to a mother-to-son breeding.

With intense inbreeding, the genetic diversity of the entire breed decreases. The same genes (from related dogs) keep on being bred to each other, so there is no external blood and genetic material being added. Therefore, if one dog is a carrier of a genetic disease, it will be passed on to every single generation down the line. After decades, these genetic diseases start adding up to a point where most bulldogs are carriers, or victims, of one or multiple health conditions.

Over-breeding Was The Final Point
Despite all health issues, English Bulldogs are still loved. They are an example of dog breeding going incredibly wrong. However, a lot of want-to-be heroes have started their small-scale programs trying to save the breed using various dog breeding techniques (crossbreeding, grading up, etc.) And this is problematic. It is an unconcerted effort from various breed fanciers to breed a lot of so-called healthy (healthier) dogs in a short time span in order to help the breed regain vitality. Nobody is monitoring, nobody is assessing, nobody gives any feedback. Again, it is just about the breeder and its dogs, with no higher authority sanctioning the quality, whether good or bad, of the new bulldog puppies.

Sadly but, perhaps expectedly, the American Kennel Club is somewhat silent about the entire English Bulldog’s situation. The Bulldog Breed Council and the Bulldog Club of America are great at conducting surveys and publishing health articles, but the breed is passed this education stage. It needs to be saved. Urgently. Publishing another blog post about hip dysplasia or skin infections due to fat rolls is redundant; these articles already exist.

People like me and other breed fanciers cannot save the breed without the help and guidance from a higher authority. The scattered effort provided by several Bulldog breeders these days is not sincere: most of them use that “improving the bulldog breed” tagline as a marketing ploy. And it works, a lot of people go ahead and spend double the amount just because they want to believe that their bulldog is healthier than the others.

How To Breed Healthier Bulldogs?
Unfortunately, breeding healthier bulldogs in today’s world would mean bringing healthy blood from a sister breed. Most purebred bulldogs are carrying health conditions within them, so breeding even the two healthiest bulldogs would result in an affected litter. It is somewhat too late to find quality blood within the pool of purebred English Bulldogs today.

Therefore, the only solution is to find appropriate dogs from related bull breeds and allow their breeding and labeling as purebred English Bulldogs. I insist on the labeling as purebred bulldogs (even if technically, they wouldn’t be) because prospects buyers will only buy a bulldog if it is a purebred; the AKC for decades has worked hard promoting registered dogs and it worked. People want a purebred dog, so it has to be labeled as such.

Breeding dogs take time, so it will take years to see a regain in health within the English Bulldog breed. This is why many breeders don’t even start improving their breeding program; they may never see the results. A long and slow process is very unappealing, in opposition to extreme breeding that gets results immediately, at the next litter.

Overall, the English Bulldog is a wonderful dog breed that went through a lot. It is too far to find a solution within the breed itself; those who want that only delay the doom. A viable solution has to come through other closely related breeds. It may take long years but eventually, we will find our beloved English Bulldog back and healthy.

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Dogsitting Quit Failure: How I Failed at Quitting Dog Sitting

How I Failed at Quitting Dog Sitting
By Wendy Newell

After three plus years of being a professional dog sitter, my goal for 2017 was to be a one dog household again. Just Riggins, my adorable 12-year-old pup, and me in our sweet little apartment together. I failed – miserably.

I suppose I should explain why I went into dog sitting in the first place. It was a dark time in my life. My job as VP of Sales required me to constantly be away from home and the time difference with clients and the home office had me working nearly 24/7. The money I was making wasn’t helping with the depression I was feeling, so I did something I’ve never done before – I quit without a new job waiting for me.

Not wanting to go back into sales my career options were limited and Riggins and I needed to eat! To help make ends meet a friend suggested dog sitting. It seemed like a great idea. Dogs are fuzzy balls of happiness. What better way to shake off the blues and make money than to surround yourself with them?

It started slow. One or two dogs now and then and grew into a full-fledged business. My calendar was packed with dog’s names and my phone contacts read “Cooper’s Mom,” “Dragon’s Dad,” “Clover’s Mom” etc. I would have up to 9 dogs chillin’ with me as I watched TV, cuddling in bed, and protecting me from the big bad mailman. It was fantastic!

Honestly, I have never been happier with a job. So, why did I want to quit? For one it was exhausting. The best way to keep a pack of dogs happy and out of trouble is to poop them out. We went on an adventure every day, which was usually a hike on our local trails. This too, started out small and grew as the dogs and my endurance would take us on tougher and longer routes. If I had some extra energetic pups I would often take them on a separate, even longer hike. In the afternoon everyone with four legs would plop down at my feet snoozing away while I worked a part-time job for extra money. No extra zzzzzs for me!

Money. That’s another reason. As fulfilling as my job was it didn’t make me enough cold hard cash to live in pricey Los Angeles. The dirt. OMG, SO MUCH DIRT. It was almost impressive how dirty my house, car, and person would get. When I left my sales job I also had to give up on the wonderful woman who came to clean my house. Without her, it was all up to me and honestly, when you are crazy tired it seems logical to just plop down on dirty sheets. After all the mutts curled around you are just going to leave more fur and grim. Cleaning seemed like a losing battle and I got to the point where I was fine letting it win.

Mental exhaustion. Riggins is my sun and moon, my everything. I knew the pups I took care of were the same to their human family. The main part of my job was to keep them safe. The straw that broke the camel’s back, as they say, was when a teeny tiny chihuahua I was watching ran away. For four days and 12 hours I rarely slept, spending my time roaming the neighborhood day and night searching for little Nikki. I was heartbroken. I kept her mom updated on any progress and each call left me spent, sad, and weeping. With the help of my wonderful friends and neighbors, Nikki was found at almost the same time her mom’s plane touched down. Despite her adventure, the little runner only suffered from mild dehydration.

That was it. I couldn’t do it anymore. I decided to take Riggins and move into a smaller, more affordable, apartment and take on more hours with one of my other jobs. I wrote a letter to my loyal customers and sent it off.

It didn’t take long before I started getting the “but you will still take Romeo right?” messages. I had to explain that it just wasn’t possible but of course I LOVED ALL THE PUPS SO MUCH! I missed them. Riggins missed them. With my landlady/friend/dog lover’s permission, I started taking on a guest dog now and then. I must be much more selective now. I can only take one, maybe two, at a time. They should be well mannered and get along with the house pups which include Riggins and 3 chihuahuas.

I was known in the dog sitting world to be good with super energetic, rowdy and hard to handle dogs. My long hikes were my secret weapon, but now with a full-time desk job that is out of the question. That means I had to send many of the pups I love on to other sitters but luckily, for me, there is still a handful that doesn’t mind lounging with Riggins while I work and are satisfied with a stroll around the neighborhood in the evening for exercise.

Dog sitting is hard. It’s physically and mentally exhausting. I have scars on my legs and hands that will never fully fade. It seems illogical to have any dogs join Riggins and me in our home.
Then I think about when Boone, a cuddly Lab, lays on my feet as I sip wine in the backyard, or Cooper, a beautiful Golden, lays his head on my stomach while we sleep or Sadie, an adorable mix, stares at me lovingly from her perch on the top of the sofa, and it melts my heart.

Oh, dog sitting – I can’t quit you!

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Santorini Street Dogs Living the Resort Life

Many organizations have stepped up to help homeless dogs abroad. (Photo: Sergio Beristain)

Have you ever noticed the sheer number of stray dogs roaming around the resort you are currently staying at or the number of lonely faces while walking through the town center? These animals are only looking for a bit of attention, a meal not scavenged from a trash can or a friendly pet on the head. You grant their request and give them the love and attention they are seeking but the night ends and you have to retreat back to your room or head out for a night of fun because you are on vacation. 

So what happens then? These lonely animals are then given the run of the resort, tired and without a home to call their own.

Canadian photographer Sergio Beristain recently caught a glimpse of the life these dogs lead when the sun goes down and the resort becomes a ghost town, while on vacation at a Greek Island resort located in Santorini. He stumbled across a tired dog sleeping on a beach chair and all this poor boy done was stare and return to his slumber, storing energy for the tiring day ahead.

Santorini is the locale numerous street dogs call home, as are many other locations world-wide, but unlike these other locations the local residents’ band together to give year-round care to these wandering souls. According to the local citizens Beristain spoke to, food and water are left daily on the street for these dogs and care is offered to those truly in need. Tourists have also gotten in on the action, donating supplies before their stay at the resort is over.

While as heart-warming as these acts of kindness are, something about it can still tug at the heartstrings of even the non-animal lovers. The sadness comes from the thought that while food and water are definitely a priority for these majestic creatures, it cannot compare to a loving home with attention and affection on a daily basis. It is a lonely road for these dogs and a long road at times. The sad truth is while the street dogs of Santorini are granted a better lot in life, the majority of strays world-wide are in far worse conditions.

If you find yourself wanting to help these animals and other animals globally, there are numerous rescue groups whose sole purpose is to bring dogs from exotic locations to the U.S. and Canada to find their forever home. Donations are deeply appreciated and those who volunteer are a blessing. Some of the organizations fighting to make a difference in the lives of these innocent souls are Compassion Without Borders and Soi Dog Foundation.

Until the forever home for these beautiful creatures are found, give thanks a higher power that there is still humanity left somewhere in this world. Such as the humanity and grace exhibited by the residents of Santorini who continue to do whatever they can to alleviate the stress and suffering of these beach dogs. With any luck, someday this world will not have a need for a shelter or rescue organization and instead a dog is loved and wanted.

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Top 7 Therapy Dog Breeds

While many different animals have been used in pet therapy, it’s hard to beat man’s best friend. Therapy dogs do a very important job – they can brighten up the day of a child recovering in hospital, comfort someone suffering from anxiety, and give affection and companionship to the elderly.

Any dog can become a therapy dog, providing they have the right temperament, though some breeds tend to be better suited than others.

So, let’s find out which are the 7 top dog breeds used for therapy:

1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is not only the most popular dog breed in the US but is also commonly used as a therapy dog. This is in large part due to their gentle temperament and happy-go-lucky nature.

Labs absolutely love to please you, so training them is usually a breeze. They tend to be very perceptive as well as affectionate, so they are great for people suffering from depression or anxiety disorders and can be used with kids and adults alike.

2. St Bernard
Don’t be fooled by their size – St Bernards are gentle giants, and oh-so-cuddleable. Children just love to play and nuzzle into their soft fur, and this dog is glad of the attention.

Their patience and love of being around people make them a great candidate for use as a therapy dog. Who can resist smiling at the sheer size of this calm creature?

For those who find larger dogs daunting, a smaller dog may be a better choice…

3. Pug
Pugs are good for people who can be intimidated by larger dogs because, well, they’re just plain cute! Not to mention that their sociable, playful nature is hugely entertaining and will have most people giggling in no time.

Pugs often work with children and the elderly due to their small size, and their sunny demeanors usually mean they are well-matched to those with mood disorders.

4. Poodle

As well as service dogs, Poodles are often used for therapy. This is no surprise, as they are one of the most intelligent and obedient dogs.

These fluff balls are friendly and loving but not too excitable, so they have just the right energy for the job. Their mane of curls also makes them irresistible to pet and cuddle.

The poodle’s calm nature makes them a good match for people with autism, particularly children.
5. Greyhound

Greyhounds are quite the dark horse when it comes to therapy breeds, as most people don’t expect to see them in such a list.

They are, however, incredibly calm, quiet, and affectionate dogs that can provide comfort to patients in a hospital or those in a retirement home setting.

If you’re after a dog that rarely barks, Greyhounds are a good bet.

6. Pomeranian

Little Poms have the whole package – they’re small, cute, fluffy, and affectionate. They have a tendency to bark, so they need to be trained to stay quiet and calm.

They are usually used as therapy dogs with the elderly as they don’t need much play or exercise, and they’re happy to simply sit on someone’s lap and keep them company.

7. Beagle
Beagles, when properly trained, can be wonderful therapy dogs. They are usually confident, bouncy, and always ready to play. They do tend to be somewhat stubborn, so they will need a firm handler.

Beagles just love human contact. They tend to get on very well with children, but they also fit in well in retirement and nursing homes.

Conclusion
Therapy dogs provide comfort to people in hospitals, schools, disaster areas, nursing homes, and retirement homes. They also give affection to those with mood disorders and learning difficulties.

Any breed can train to work as a therapy dog, but some are used more commonly than others. Labradors are a top choice for therapy dog due to their gentle natures. For those who are a little dog shy, a smaller breed like a Pug, Pomeranian, or a Beagle would make a good match.

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How to Stop a Dog from Eating Poop!

Dogs are the kind of furry, lovable creatures that just make you want to squeal in happiness and swoon over the cuteness of their faces. Suddenly, the mood changes as you realize that furry ball of sweetness is currently chomping down on poop. Yeah, poop. Good luck getting a kiss now!

This habit is more common in dogs than most will admit. Approximately 10 percent of dogs will eat their own poop whereas 85 percent of dogs will feast on the poop of other animals. This strange and disgusting habit is called Coprophagia, and is defined as “A dog who eats their own poop”. If your dog exhibits signs of Coprophagia and makes a lunch of their own feces, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong. Dogs tend to eat their own poop (and cats too) for a variety of reasons ranging from a digestive issue to stress-related issues. Perhaps your dog isn’t receiving a properly balanced diet to suit their needs or you just brought home a rescue dog which can be stressful for both the owner and canine.

Why Does a Dog Eat Poop?
-There is an imbalance in their digestive processes and they are trying to correct the issue
-Your dog is fed a primarily kibble based diet and they are lacking in enzymes
-Dogs suffering from anxiety or stress
-Puppies weaned too young from their mother
-Puppy mill dogs who have to fight for food and forced in a crate for hours on end with no stimulation or affection

How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop
There are several tips available for dog owners whose puppies won’t stop eating their own poop. Some of the tips can be executed by the dog owners and others would need a helping hand from a professional. A partial list of tips to curb your dog of their feces-loving ways is:

1. Provide your dog with a nutritionally balanced diet, with added supplements; enzymes, minerals, etc.
2. Remove your dog’s feces as soon as possible
3. If your dog is trained for a potty pad, remove it from their presence until they are ready to use it
4. If your dog does their business in the yard, consider putting a small amount of hot sauce over the feces to deter the dog from ingesting more
5. Provide both physical and mental stimulation – engage your dog in a long walk or game of tug-of-war to prevent boredom or stress
6. If the problem persists, consider the use of over-the-counter medications that can help curb the urge for a snack

Conclusion
If your dog is a closet poop muncher, you will probably feel equal parts disgusted and worried. Luckily, a dog should not develop any major health problems indulging in the unpleasant snack of poop. Always talk to your veterinarian if your dog persists with this behavior as it could show signs of a pancreas or digestive issue. With a little bit of patience and effort, you can be back to lapping up the kisses and love of your furry friend, without wondering just where their mouth has been!

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California Becomes the First State to Sell Rescue Pets in Pet Stores

Fetch! Pet Care’s Erica Kei with her rescue dog, Dolce.

There is a problem plaguing not only the United States but other countries all over the world. This problem is stray animals crowding shelters and roaming the streets without a place to call their own. It is a sad phenomenon that, until recently, showed no signs of slowing down.

California is aiming to become the first state to slow this trend of unwanted animals and recently implemented a new legislation that requires all pet stores in the entire state to sell exclusively rescue dogs, cats and even rabbits adopted from shelters and non-profit organizations. 

This new legislation will bring awareness to the general public of the growing number of rescue animals of various species seeking their forever homes. California Governor Jerry Brown signed the legislation, also known as Assembly Bill 485, or, The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act, in September 2017 and is slated to go into effect state-wide on January 1, 2019.
Bill 485 is written to state:

“All dogs, cats, and rabbits offered for retail sale in California to be obtained from animal shelters or non-profit rescue organizations”.

The end goal of this bill and the reason for this measure is to drastically reduce the number of animals sold through both shelters and retail pet stores purchased through mass breeding operations or as the media along with the general public labelling them “puppy mills” or “kitten factories”.

Assembly member Patrick O’Donnell, sector D-Long Beach, is the author of Bill 485 and has stated to the media “This is a big win for our four-legged friends”. It will also reduce the amount of taxes that California residents pay to annually house and euthanize animals living in over-crowded shelters. According to financial reviews, California taxpayers spend more than $250 million annually in support of this cause.

The support for this controversial bill was strong from animal lovers across the state and rescue operations for the awareness it is bringing to the amount of rescue animals not only in California but also worldwide. Numerous founders were overjoyed at this historic bill and were proud to say California was the first to offer legislation of this type.

Opposition was found however, in the participants of the American Kennel Club and California Retailers Association. The American Kennel Club is an exclusive organization where dog owners can nationally register their purebred canines, provided they fit a select list of criteria. They also promote and organize events for purebred owners, such as the Westminster Dog Show. The California Retailers Association is a non-profit organization that advocates for the retail industry and its large number of workers. Sheila Goffe, Vice President of Public Relations for the American Kennel Club, said in a statement released to the media that “Bill 485 blocks all of California’s pet lovers from having access to professional, licensed, and ethical commercial breeders”.

Arguments can be made for either side of this debate but there is one solid fact, and that is the number of rescue and stray animals is growing almost daily. Shelters are over-crowded and resources limited. Volunteers only have so many hours in a day to give to these precious creatures and funds only stretch so far when hiring full-time staff along with paying for necessary medical treatments. Perhaps this Bill will only exist for a short period of time or last for a lifetime, but whatever the outcome, people need to step up and help our furry friends.

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Love pets? Interested in a new & rewarding career?

If you ask a hundred people on the street, the majority of them will confirm they have some form of love and compassion for all animals, both big or small, furry or scaly, or even those considered somewhat odd. Maybe you are one of those people who wants to shelter and love every animal you see or perhaps you hold a special place in your heart for a particular canine companion. If you are the type of person to gush excitedly over pets and would not think twice before dropping to the ground (or floor) to greet this majestic creature face to face, then you are hands down a pet-lover… join the club!

What if we told you that it is possible to nurture this love of pets while also earning a living? Seems a little too good to be true right? We promise you it isn’t! By operating a franchise with Fetch! Pet Care, you are guaranteed to find success & happiness. A combination of a fatter wallet and lots of furry love while being your own boss? Sounds like a winning combination to us!

We are the nation’s leading provider of professional pet care services. With rapid growth in numerous states, we offer a range of services from dog walking to in-house pet sitting & more. With a specialized support team at every turn and weekly conferences with upper management, you will be fully prepared to operate your own pet care operation.

Our amazing support team will book your appointments for you, provide you with comprehensive insurance for all related factors of owning a franchise along with offering daily 24-hour support. You will also have available to you email, phone & online live chat services to effectively manage any issues that may arise or answer any questions the moment they come about.
If your territory is currently in a target area or in an area where the consumer demand for service outweighs the providers, you are already ahead of the game! We provide our franchisees with all the training needed to handle everything from difficult customers to managing time and space effectively. Training is conducted in a series of steps so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by an influx of information. Our training seminars will teach you everything from how to schedule a routine for a new puppy to providing specialty services. You will learn how to handle and maintain top tier level of care for senior pets or how to handle off-leash adventures, for example. You will also learn everything you need to provide over-night or in-house pet sitting services.

So now that all the facts have been laid out for you to read, why not hop on over to our website and read about how many pet owners recommend and trust Fetch! Pet Care for all their pet care needs? Maybe you’ll find your new career and have fun while earning top dollar along with enjoying the flexibility of being your own boss!  

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The facts about fish depression

When we discuss animal depression, it is commonly in reference to the feline and canine species, but not normally fish! It seems a little strange that a fish could be suffering from depression when the term is defined as “feelings of severe despondency and dejection.”

However, throughout numerous studies, it has been shown that fish, in fact, exhibit multiple symptoms of depression the same as any other animal or even humans do. A lethargic fish that tends to float through their bowl, hovering on the bottom and those that show signs of a decreased appetite can be deemed depressed.

According to some of the scientists who have conducted a variety of studies using fish as subjects, fish can actually be a beneficial model to understanding depression in not only animals but also humans due to similar neurochemistry makeups. The special bonds between pets and their owners can lead to answers regarding depression and the effects on relationships when studied properly.

The effectiveness and side effects of anti-depressant medication were similar enough to fish and humans that it leads to both new answers and new questions. Studies are currently being conducted using fish, in particular, zebrafish – a small fish that is found in tropical freshwater, to develop more effective anti-depressant medication. Zebrafish are quickly becoming the go-to fish for clinical studies because of its transparent body and rapid reproductive rate. They also share approximately 70% of genetic makeup with humans.

Fish are generally thought to be simple organisms with a sole purpose in mind, but the reality is the brain functions and moods can vastly differ from species to species. A fish can be diagnosed as depressed almost instantaneously when introducing it to new surroundings or a differently decorated bowl. A fish that sinks to the bottom and allows the currents of the water to move it from place to place is most likely depressed. An inactive fish that loses interest in everything from mealtime to exploring can be classified as depressed.

A lack of stimulation and insufficient oxygen is most likely the cause of fish depression, according to Victoria Braithwaite. Braithwaite is a professor of fisheries and biology at Penn State University and has concluded that fish are naturally curious to anything in their view and a lack of this exploration is a sign that something is wrong.

Some scientists argue that instead of depression, fish show more anxiety-based symptoms. Fish and other animals are unable to communicate exactly how they are feeling, so findings are based on previous interactions with the same fish or fish that have been given safe dosages of new medications.

As with humans, interactions can vary from species to individual fish of the same family. So next time you are contemplating a fish as a household pet, go the extra mile and invest in a good sized fish tank with a variety of plants and structures to stimulate your fish and sit back to enjoy the show!

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