Dog Breed of the Month: The Miniature Pinscher

Despite what most people think, the Miniature Pinscher is not a scaled down Doberman! These small, attentive dogs were first bred in Germany and have some of the same ancestors as Dobermans but are a totally separate breed. Their premordial ancestors could possibly have been a combination of Italian Greyhounds and Dachshunds. “Pinscher” translates to “Terrier" in German and the Min Pin breed originated over 200 years ago, bred to hunt rats.

Miniature Pinschers are compact little dogs that stand 10-12 inches in height and weight about 8-10 lbs. They have a smooth coat and need only basic grooming Min Pins have a characteristic high step walk similar to that of horses. They have an arched neck and a muscular body. The ears and tail are often cropped. Typical coat colors are black and rust, chocolate and tan, or red.

While all breeds have congenital health problems, Miniature Pinschers are generally healthy dogs that live long lives. Life expectancy is around 15 years. Prevalent health issues are normally with the eyes or legs such cataracts, glaucoma, and hip dysplasia. Min Pins are also predisposed to obesity if they are not regularly exercised and are sensitive to colder temperatures. This breed will be grateful for a dog coat and dog boots in harsh weather.

Min Pins are spirited, brave, smart dogs. They are incredibly loyal and have a great deal of energy. Min Pins tend to be skilled escape artists and shouldn’t be left off leash. Because of their independence and intelligence, you must assert yourself as the pack leader or these little dogs can develop undesirable behaviors. Because of their small size, they make perfect apartment dwellers but also do well in environments with a large, closed in yard. Min Pins are excellent watch dogs. These curious dogs are very watchful and don’t understand their size, redering them fearless in the face of danger.

Fun Facts:

1. In Germany, this breed is known as Zwergpinscher. Pinscher refers to terriers, which are dogs bred as guardians or to hunt vermin. Zwerg means ‘dwarf.

2. The Min Pin’s nickname is the “King of Toys” though the breed is not actually a toy breed at all.

3. The miniature pinscher once came in harlequin like that which is found in the Great Dane

4. Until the early 1900's Miniature Pinscher popularity was primarily contained in Germany and the Scandinavian countries but has gained great popularity in the US since the first one was registered with the
AKC in 1925.

5. Originally the AKC recognized this breed as “Pinscher- Toy”. The name was officially changed to “Miniature Pinscher” in 1972.

For the Dog Loving Mom...

Does your mom love dogs? Mother's Day is on the way and here at Doggie Vogue we have a huge collection of presents for animal loving moms! Beginning today, all of the items in our Gifts for the Pet Lover category are 15% off (excluding sale items)! From fun parody dog toys to Puppy Cake dog cake mix, you're sure to find a unique gift perfect for a dog lover! Already have a gift for your mom? Treat yourself to something special, like our Dog Speak shirts for humans or a personalized pet placemat for your fur baby. Shop now for big savings! Simply use the coupon code: LOVEMOM when you check out! Not valid on sale items. Offer ends Monday, 4/29 @ 11:59 PM.

National Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Month

This month the ASPCA embarked on their National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. There are immeasurable amounts of  blameless pets abused or neglected by their owners annually. This month is a perfect opportunity to increase awareness and assist abused animals. There are numerous incomplex things you can do to help eliminate animal cruelty in your community. Knowing who to report to is key. Each town does things differently; some depend on the police department to follow up on animal cruelty cases and some depend on the local animal control agency. If you suspect a case of animal cruelty, make sure to call and offer as many details about the incident as possible including type of cruelty, who was involved, dates, times, and where it took place. Take care to watch pets in your neighborhood. If you acquaint yourself with the pets that live near you, you’ll notice if an animal has lost a lot of weight or changed their demeanor. Here are some additional signs and symptoms of animal abuse:

• Tick or flea infestation

 • Wounds on the body

•Patches of missing fur

• Extremely thin

• Limping

• Repeatedly left alone without food or water

• Left outdoors in extreme weather

• Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when owners approach

• Dogs who need medical attention and aren’t taken to the vet

• Pets housed with too many other animals

• Overgrown nails, matted fur, filthy

• Weakness, drowsiness, confusion

If you notice any animals showing any of these signs, or if you see any physical abuse such as hitting or kicking firsthand, be sure to call the authorities immediately. If you don’t want to give your name, you can always call anonymously. Animals rely on their owners to supply them with food, water, shelter, and kindness. Pets are innocent creatures and need you to step in if  they are suffering.

Top Ten Spring Must Haves Under $20

Spring’s much anticipated appearance has one thing on everyone’s mind – Going outdoors to bask in the gorgeous weather! After being cramped up indoors all winter, your canine companions are dying to go in the yard and play. Here is a list of our top ten must haves for spring, sure to put some pep in your pup’s step after the long cold months, all under the low price of $20!

  1. Puptato Chips ($4.99) – The perfect guilt free treat for your dog! Our Puptato Chips are made from all natural sweet potatoes and are dried, not fried, making them virtually fat free!

  2. Flower Waste Bag Holder ($5.99) – These fun shaped waste bag holders make clean up a breeze! Clip to belt or leash to keep them close when needed. Comes with two rolls of scented waste bags!

  3. Outing Travel Bowls ($5.99) – These dog bowls make travel a breeze! Save yourself the trouble of toting bulky bowls on trips with these food and water safe dishes that fold up in a snap!

  4. Fruit Frenzy Ruffle Dog Skirt ($13.99-$17.99) – Full of colorful charm, this ruffled dog skirt is the perfect choice for spring! Alternating solid and printed ruffles with a comfy Velcro waste, your fashion hound is sure to love this dog skirt!

  5. Blooming Brights Dog Polo ($9.99-$17.99) – Our best selling polo design got a spring makeover! These bright new colors are sure to spread sunshine and cheer!

  6. America’s Pup Dog Bow (S1.99) – With Memorial Day and the Fourth of July on the way, now is the perfect time to get new gear for your patriotic pooch. This American Flag printed dog bow is just the thing!
 
 7. Digital Camo Dog Bandana ($5.99) – The pixilated look of our digital camo gives a modern, stylish look to a classic favorite. Bandanas are the perfect accessory for dogs who aren't into clothes.

  8. Fruit Frenzy Dog Toy ($3.99) – Perfect for the dog with a healthy appetite for play! These cute plush toys come in fun fruit shapes with a squeaker for added fun!

  9. Wheat Free Red Velvet Cake Mix ($6.99) – A healthy and safe treat for your deserving pooch! Colored with bright red beet powder, this cake mix is sure you have your pup licking his paws in anticipation!

  10. Pickle Pals Dog Toy ($6.99) – Funny faces, moppy tassels, and a squeaker make this dog toy an instant hit! Perfect for tug or toss games!

Five Fun Dog Facts

Our canine friends are the single most varied species on Earth. There are roughly 400 different breeds of dogs! Because of human's selectively breeding dogs, our precious pooches come in all shapes and sizes and the wide assortment of dog breeds surmounts any other creature on the planet. Here are some quick facts about a few of those breeds:
1. One kind of Pekingese is referred to as a “sleeve” because it was bred to fit into a Chinese empress’ sleeves, which was how it was often carried around.

2. The most intelligent dogs are reportedly the Border Collie and the Poodle, while the least intelligent dogs are the Afghan Hound and the Basenji.

3. Thirty percent of all Dalmatians are deaf in one or both ears.

4. The best dog to reportedly attract a date is the Golden Retriever. The worst is the Pit Bull.

5. Greyhounds appear to be the most ancient dog breed. “Greyhound” comes from a mistake in translating the early German name Greishund, which means “old (or ancient) dog,” not from the color gray.

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has finally sprung ! The temperatures are starting to warm up and it's time to go out and appreciate the season! Here at Doggie Vogue we've been adding new items to our site daily in preparation for spring! Take a look at our new arrivals section to get first pick of  spring's sweetest styles! If the nicer temperatures inspire you to take a walk with your canine companion, we've got a wide variety of dog harnesses, dog collars, and dog leashes. You're sure to something great  for your darling dog and right now we're offering 10% off of everything on our site (excluding sale items)! Shop now for great savings on all your Spring needs! Simply use the coupon code: HELLOSPRING when you check out! Not valid on sale items. Offer ends Thursday, 4/11 @ 11:59 PM.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

Spring is in the air! Temperatures are slowly increasing and us humans aren’t the only ones ecstatic about the pleasant weather! Our canine companions suffer just as much as we do during the long frigid months. As the days get longer, it’s time to start planning spring cleaning. While most homes do household spring cleaning, dog owners have more to tackle. Here are a few chores you might want to think about adding to your spring cleaning to-do list this year:


1. Clean out your dog’s toy box – Discard any broken or torn toys. Set aside any toys your pup doesn’t use and donate them to a local shelter. Give any remaining toys a good scrubbing – Wash plush toys in the washer and wipe down any rubber toys with a pet-safe cleaning product, such as a mixture of vinegar and water.


2. Go through treats and medication – Check expiration dates and throw away expired ones. Check prescriptions to see if any are expiring soon and if so, make a note to call your vet to set up an appointment.


3. Clean your dog’s bed – Wash any bedding your dog sleeps on. If your dog bed has reached the end of its life, now is a perfect time to purchase a new one.


4. Have your floors and upholstery professionally cleaned – Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping can only go so far. Our furry friends leave a build up of fur, dander, dirt every where they go. Having your carpet and upholstery cleaned yearly will prolong its life and make your home that much cleaner. If having it done professionally is to costly for you, many places rent out professional equipment by the hour, which works much better than any regular home appliance when it comes to getting rid of dirt and dander.


5. Make sure your pup is up to date – Inspect your dog’s tags and make sure that the information is up to date. If you’ve moved or changed your phone number, it’s time to purchase a new tag. Also check that the information is still legible – Tags get scratched and become unreadable. That’s the last thing you want if your pet gets lost!

And lastly and most importantly: Enjoy the beautiful weather! Spend some long awaited time outside with your fur baby! Go on a long walk, play fetch, take a trip to the dog park… The possibilities are endless. You and your canine companions have been cooped up for months. April is a perfect time to stretch your legs and spend some time in the sun!