Thursday, December 4, 2025

Friday, November 14, 2025

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Going for a swim

@carirorstrom

The best way to exercise this athletes during this warm summer! Breed to pull a sled, running is their favourite but the warm weather make running dangerous.. they just love this and can’t wait when the life jackets gets on! 💪🏻 We always stay close to land so they can choose, and are 2 persons to make sure they are safe ❤️

♬ original sound - Headbangers Dan

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Meet The Norwegian Elkhound: The Viking’s Loyal Hunting Companion



Sturdy, courageous, and built for the wild north, the Norwegian Elkhound is a living piece of Scandinavian history. Once the trusted hunting dog of Vikings, this breed has spent centuries trekking through icy forests and mountainous terrain. Today, it remains a symbol of loyalty, endurance, and rugged charm.


Name & Origin

  • Name: Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund Grå)

  • Origin: Norway

  • Geographical Roots: Scandinavia, particularly the forests and mountains of Norway

  • Purpose: Bred to hunt elk (moose), bear, and other large game; also served as a farm guardian and family protector

  • Year Officially Recognized: Recognized by the AKC in 1913, and the FCI in 1999

  • Note: While “Norwegian Elkhound” typically refers to the Gray Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund Grå), Norway also recognizes the Black Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund Sort) as a distinct variety. Both share ancient Nordic roots but differ in color and certain breed traits.




History of the Breed

The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, with archaeological evidence tracing its ancestry back more than 6,000 years. Remains of similar dogs have been found alongside early Norse settlers, marking the Elkhound as one of the true companions of Viking hunters.

These dogs were more than hunters. They were family members and guardians, sleeping beside their owners in cold huts and traveling long distances through snow-covered landscapes. Their job was to locate and corner large game such as moose or bear and to bark continuously to alert hunters without attacking. This combination of courage, intelligence, and loyalty made them indispensable in Norway’s harsh wilderness.


📏 Size & Appearance

  • Height: 19.5 to 20.5 inches (at the shoulder)

  • Weight: 48 to 55 pounds

  • Coat: Thick, double-layered, weather-resistant coat with a coarse outer layer and soft, dense undercoat

  • Colors: Gray with black-tipped hairs, lighter silver undercoat and chest, and a distinct black mask

  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

  • Distinctive Features: Upright ears, curled tail carried over the back, wolf-like face, and proud, alert stance that reflects its working heritage




Temperament & Personality

The Norwegian Elkhound is loyal, bold, and full of spirit, the kind of dog that would happily follow you into a snowstorm.

  • Personality: Confident, affectionate, protective, and alert

  • Energy Level: High; thrives on activity, adventure, and interaction

  • Trainability: Intelligent but independent; requires consistent, positive training methods

  • Social Traits: Excellent with families, good with children, and friendly but watchful around strangers. Their guarding instincts are natural but rarely aggressive.



Care & Living Needs

  • Exercise Needs: High. This is a working dog that loves daily walks, hikes, or runs. Without enough activity, they can become restless or vocal.

  • Grooming Needs: Moderate to high. Their double coat sheds year-round and heavily twice a year during shedding season. Regular brushing is a must.

  • Health Issues: Generally healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and a hereditary kidney disorder called Primary Renal Glucosuria (PRG), which causes glucose to be lost in the urine.

  • Living Arrangements: Best suited for active families, rural settings, or homes with yards. They tolerate cold weather extremely well but may overheat in hot climates.



Fun Facts About the Norwegian Elkhound

  • Viking Heritage: The breed accompanied Vikings on expeditions and hunting trips, earning the nickname “Viking Dog.”

  • Voice of the North: Elkhounds use a distinct bark-tracking technique. Once they locate prey, they bark rhythmically to guide hunters to the spot.

  • National Symbol: The Norwegian Elkhound is Norway’s national dog, celebrated in folklore and historical art.

  • Family Bond: These dogs are deeply affectionate and tend to follow their owners everywhere.




Why the Norwegian Elkhound is a Great Choice

  • Loyal and Brave: Fiercely devoted to their families and naturally protective.

  • Energetic and Adventurous: Perfect for active owners who love hiking, running, or exploring.

  • Low Odor and Clean Coat: Despite their thick fur, Elkhounds are remarkably clean and have little doggy odor.

  • Kid-Friendly Guardian: Gentle with children yet vigilant and dependable.

  • Historic Soul: Owning one is like having a piece of Viking history curled up by your side.

If you love outdoor adventures, crisp northern mornings, and a companion with courage and heart, the Norwegian Elkhound is a breed that truly embodies the spirit of the North.




Is the Norwegian Elkhound Right for You?

If you want a dog that is

  • Loyal and protective without being aggressive

  • Adventurous, intelligent, and full of character

  • Suited for active living and outdoor exploration

  • A devoted companion with ancient roots

Then the Norwegian Elkhound might be your perfect match. Just make sure you can keep up with its energy and provide plenty of companionship.


The Bottom Line

The Norwegian Elkhound is more than a dog; it is a legend come to life. Brave enough to face moose and bear, yet gentle enough to guard your home and children, this breed combines endurance, loyalty, and heart. A true Nordic treasure, the Elkhound stands as a testament to the bond between humans and dogs that began thousands of years ago and continues to thrive today.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Meet the Spinone Italiano, The "Italian Pointer": Italy’s Gentle, Scruffy Hunter

 



When you think of Italian style, your mind probably jumps to fashion, food, or fast cars. But Italy also gave us one of the most charming, loyal, and scruffy dog breeds around: the Spinone Italiano. This versatile gundog isn’t just a skilled hunter, it’s also a big-hearted family companion with a look that makes you smile.


Name & Origin

  • Name: Spinone Italiano (sometimes simply called “Spinone”)

  • Origin: Italy

  • Geographical Roots: Northern Italy, especially the Piedmont region

  • Purpose: Originally bred as a versatile hunting dog, skilled in pointing and retrieving game on both land and water

  • Year Officially Recognized: Recognized by the AKC in 2000, but has been acknowledged by the FCI for decades




History of the Breed

The Spinone Italiano is believed to be one of the oldest hunting breeds in Europe, with roots tracing back to ancient Italy. Artwork from the 15th century shows dogs resembling the Spinone, hunting alongside their masters. Unlike sleeker hounds, the Spinone was prized for its rugged endurance, trudging through marshes, thickets, and cold waters that would turn away more delicate breeds. Its wiry coat was perfect for brambles, while its patient, methodical hunting style made it a favorite among foot hunters.


📏 Size & Appearance

  • Height: 22–27 inches (at the shoulder)

  • Weight: 61–85 pounds

  • Coat: Dense, wiry, and slightly rough, perfect for outdoor work

  • Colors: White, white with orange, white with brown, or roan (a mottled mix of colors)

  • Lifespan: 12–14 years

  • Distinctive Features: Long, expressive eyebrows, a beard, and soulful amber eyes that give it a wise (and sometimes comical) look.




Temperament & Personality

If you’re looking for a dog that’s both a working partner and a couch buddy, the Spinone Italiano checks all the boxes.

  • Personality: Gentle, affectionate, patient, and loyal

  • Energy Level: Moderate, happy to work all day but also content to nap with the family

  • Trainability: Intelligent but sometimes stubborn; responds best to positive reinforcement

  • Social Traits: Great with children, tolerant of other dogs, and generally friendly toward strangers


Care & Living Needs

  • Exercise Needs: Daily walks and playtime, plus opportunities to stretch those hunting instincts. They’re not hyper but need consistent activity.

  • Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing to keep the wiry coat in good shape; occasional hand-stripping for show dogs.

  • Health Issues: Generally healthy, but prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections (thanks to floppy ears), and occasional digestive issues.

  • Living Arrangements: Adaptable to home life but happiest with space to roam. They’re great for families with yards but can do well in urban settings if exercised properly.




Fun Facts About the Spinone Italiano

  • Ancient Roots: Their ancestry likely includes coarse-haired Italian pointers and even Russian setters.

  • War Heroes: Spinoni were used as messenger dogs in World War II, valued for their endurance and calm nature.

  • Comedians at Heart: Known for their goofy, clownish personalities, they often use their expressive faces and shaggy beards to get laughs (and treats).


Why the Spinone Italiano is a Great Choice

  • Family-Friendly: They’re patient and gentle, making them excellent with kids.

  • Adaptable Energy: Active enough for outdoor adventures but calm enough to relax indoors.

  • Low-Maintenance Personality: Not overly demanding or hyperactive, they blend easily into family life.

  • Unique Look: Their scruffy coats, soulful eyes, and comical beards make them stand out in a crowd.

  • Loyal Companions: Spinoni bond deeply with their families and thrive on human connection.

If you’re looking for a dog that’s loving, versatile, and full of personality, the Spinone Italiano is a breed that brings both heart and humor to any household.




Is the Spinone Italiano Right for You?

If you want a dog that’s:

  • A loyal family companion

  • Affectionate and gentle with kids

  • Rugged enough to hike or hunt but calm enough for the couch

  • Quirky, scruffy, and full of heart

…then the Spinone Italiano might be your perfect match. Just be ready for some stubborn moments and a little extra grooming!


The Bottom Line

The Spinone Italiano is proof that not all hunting dogs are high-strung or aloof. With its ancient heritage, clownish personality, and big heart, this Italian treasure is as comfortable chasing birds as it is curling up at your feet. Whether you’re an outdoorsy adventurer or just someone who loves a loyal, scruffy sidekick, the Spinone will bring joy, laughter, and plenty of beard-covered kisses to your life.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

The Big Names in the Dog World: Kennel Clubs Around the Globe

 long-coated black and white dog during daytime 

If you’re a dog lover, you’ve probably heard of the AKC (American Kennel Club). But did you know it’s just one of several powerful organizations that shape the way we understand, breed, and celebrate dogs? From setting breed standards to hosting legendary dog shows, kennel clubs around the world keep the canine world organized (pun intended). Let’s take a tour of the biggest players.


1. AKC – American Kennel Club (United States)

  • Founded: 1884

  • Breed Count: ~200 recognized breeds

  • Signature Event: AKC National Championship (and contributes to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show)

  • Key Attribute: The AKC is the leading registry in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world, promoting canine health, responsible ownership, and sports.

  • Interesting Fact: The AKC doesn’t just run shows, it also operates one of the largest DNA and microchip recovery services for lost dogs globally, helping countless pets reunite with their families.


2. FCI – Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Organization)

  • Founded: 1911, Belgium

  • Breed Count: 360+ (the most of any registry)

  • Signature Event: World Dog Show, hosted annually in a rotating member country

  • Key Attribute: The FCI acts as the “United Nations of dogs,” with nearly 100 member countries. Each breed is “owned” by its country of origin, which sets the official standard.

  • Interesting Fact: For example, the German Shepherd’s official standard is maintained by Germany, not the FCI itself, showing how the system honors a breed’s homeland.


 

3. The Kennel Club (KC) (United Kingdom)

  • Founded: 1873

  • Breed Count: ~220 recognized breeds

  • Signature Event: Crufts, founded in 1891, the world’s largest dog show

  • Key Attribute: The KC is the world’s oldest kennel club, and it invented the modern concept of written breed standards and organized dog shows.

  • Interesting Fact: Crufts is so massive it holds a Guinness World Record, it’s more like a dog festival than a simple conformation event.


4. CKC – Canadian Kennel Club (Canada)

  • Founded: 1888

  • Breed Count: 187 recognized breeds

  • Signature Event: CKC-sanctioned conformation shows and trials across Canada

  • Key Attribute: The CKC highlights Canada’s sporting and working traditions. It officially recognizes four uniquely Canadian breeds: the Newfoundland, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and Canadian Inuit Dog.

  • Interesting Fact: The Tahltan Bear Dog, once briefly recognized, is now considered extinct, its recognition was rescinded in the 1970s due to lack of registrations. It remains a fascinating piece of Canada’s canine history.


 white and brown corgi besides brown dog

5. UKC – United Kennel Club (United States)

  • Founded: 1898

  • Breed Count: ~300 recognized breeds

  • Signature Event: UKC Premier Nationals and a wide range of performance-based trials

  • Key Attribute: The UKC emphasizes function over form, rewarding dogs that excel in both appearance and ability under its “Total Dog” philosophy.

  • Interesting Fact: The UKC was the first major kennel club to formally celebrate dogs that can both win in the show ring and perform in the field.


6. ANKC – Australian National Kennel Council (Australia)

  • Founded: 1958

  • Breed Count: Follows FCI standards

  • Signature Event: National Dog Show in Australia

  • Key Attribute: The ANKC preserves and promotes Australia’s working and native breeds.

  • Interesting Fact: The ANKC helped safeguard the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, one of the world’s rare naturally bob-tailed breeds and a cousin to the Australian Cattle Dog.


7. NZKC – New Zealand Kennel Club (Dogs NZ) (New Zealand)

  • Founded: 1886

  • Breed Count: Follows FCI standards

  • Signature Event: National Dog Show in New Zealand

  • Key Attribute: Dogs NZ works to preserve New Zealand’s rural and working dog heritage.

  • Interesting Fact: The Huntaway, a dog developed in New Zealand, is famous for using its booming bark to drive sheep instead of herding by nipping.


 two dogs sitting on maroon area rug

8. JKC – Japan Kennel Club (Japan)

  • Founded: 1949

  • Breed Count: Recognized by FCI, includes native Japanese breeds

  • Signature Event: JKC-hosted national conformation and agility events

  • Key Attribute: The JKC is the guardian of Japan’s native breeds like the Shiba Inu, Akita, and Kishu.

  • Interesting Fact: The Shiba Inu nearly went extinct during World War II, but preservation efforts led by the JKC helped save the breed. Today, it’s one of the most beloved companion dogs worldwide.


Why Do These Organizations Matter?

These clubs don’t just hand out ribbons, they shape the very definition of what a “Beagle” or “Akita” is. They set standards, promote responsible breeding, and organize events that bring dog lovers together. They also play an important role in canine health research and public education, ensuring our four-legged friends are happy, healthy, and thriving.

The Bottom Line

  • AKC, FCI, and KC are the “big three” powerhouses.

  • CKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, and JKC are also major players in their regions.

  • Together, they form a global network that celebrates dogs in all their diversity.

So, next time you watch Crufts, the Westminster Dog Show, or an agility competition, you’ll know the organizations working behind the scenes to keep the dog world spinning.


And in this corner!!!

She’s mad from r/funnyvideos

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Dogs & Tech: Monitoring Your Pup in the Smart Age


Opening: A Day in the Life of a Smart Pup

Ever wondered what your dog really does when you’re gone? Does Rover spend the day napping, doing zoomies, or surveying the yard like a furry detective? Thanks to the surge in pet tech, we can now track, monitor, and even interpret our pups’ behaviors with gadgets that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie… but are wagging their tails at us IRL!



1. Real-Time GPS Collars: Never Lose Rover Again

GPS-enabled collars are a dog parent’s superhero, they let you track your pup’s location live, define safe “pet zones,” and get escape alerts.

  • Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar: Offers live GPS tracking, activity and sleep monitoring, and up to a 3-month battery life. The collar’s rugged, waterproof (IP68) design plus built-in LED makes evening walks safer. The Verge

  • Fi Mini GPS Tracker: A recent addition, barely larger than an AirTag, clip-on, real-time alerts, LTE-M support, and up to 3 weeks battery life or 3 months with optional base. The Verge

These let you know instantly if your pup lounges too long in the backyard… or decides to explore beyond the fence.


2. Health Monitoring & Behavior Alerts

Tech doesn’t just find your dog, it also helps keep them healthy.

  • Tractive Trackers now include heart rate and resting respiratory rate monitoring, helping spot early signs of stress or illness. Tractive

  • Felcana is another wearable that tracks vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, and activity, sends alerts when something looks off. Alpine Animal Hospital

  • Pet tech startups are exploring feeding systems with cameras, AI behavior insights, and health data dashboards for proactive care. Plug and Play Tech Center

Soon, your dog's collar may tell you more about their health than your morning coffee does for you!


3. Pet Cameras & Interactive Treat Tools

Missing your pup while you're out? Don't worry, here come the cameras and treat launchers.

  • Petcube Bites 2 Lite: A smart camera + treat dispenser combo allowing 2-way talk, remote treat tossing, motion alerts, and live streaming. Pups with FOMO: officially helpless. Petcube

  • INSTACHEW Purrsight 360 HD Camera: Paired with night vision, motion tracking, and 2-way audio, it swings 355° and tilts 110° so you can track Fido’s every move. Instachew

With these, you can say "Who's a good boy?" in real time, and throw a treat when they wag (or chew) in the right spot.


4. Activity Trackers: Health Meets Fun

For pups who want to fetch data and sticks.

  • FitBark 2 Activity Monitor: Tracks sleep, activity, calories, and distance. Waterproof, lasts up to 6 months, and syncs with Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, etc. Fitbark

  • Sure Petcare Animo: Logs behavior patterns, gives transferable insights, and runs on a coin cell battery for about 6 months. Sure Petcare

These help you see patterns, like if your pup is sleeping more, sniffing less, or needs more walks.


5. Off-Grid and Specialty Trackers

For rural pups and adventure dogs.

  • Dogtra PATHFINDER2 Mini: A satellite-enabled tracker that updates every ~2 seconds, works without cellular service, and has offline maps matched with Google Maps. Tailored for rugged terrains. Dogtra

  • SpecFive Trace GPS Tracker: A LoRa-based “off-grid” option (via Etsy) that does not rely on cellular service, great for camping, rural tracks, or no-subscription fans. Spec5