What I want for Christmas...

is the Chilly Dogs Great White North coat. I covet this coat. It comes in a pawesome turquoise fleece that contrasts my fur quite nicely!

Puuuhhhllleeeeezzzze Santa Paws!! I've been a good pup all year!! (well, mostly....but good enough!!!)




[photo credit]

Manchester Terrier vs. Doberman vs. Min Pin

My buddies, Wiley and Fivel, left a comment that I hear a lot. They thought I was a Doberman, or some kind of off shoot (I'm also always confused with being a Min Pin). So for them, and you, a little "edumaction"!

I am a Standard Manchester Terrier (not a miniature Doberman - they do not exist!). I'm about 17" tall, 24lbs, terrier through and through, I love to jump, track, RUN and eat!!

Appearing in the form we know today in the late 1800s the longevity of this breed should be recognized. Writings referring to an earlier version of the breed (the English Black and Tan Terrier) date back almost 400 years, making the Manchester one of the oldest breeds of terrier currently recognized. [source]

It is believed that some Manchester Terrier genes were used among many other breeds to create the Doberman we know today (hence the similarities in look). [source]

Miniature Pinschers even pre-date the Doberman. They too are a cross breed of the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. [source]

Originally we were bred as ratters, and even participated in various sports pitting us against rats in a fight. Once that was outlawed, some fanciers decided to refine the breed. By using a Whippet cross they were able to transform the breed from the rough coated, rugged terrier of the ratters to the sleek, elegant, gentleman's companion we now know.

Another factor is colour. Where Doberman's and Min Pin's come in either Black & Tan, Chocolate or Stag Red, the Manchester Terrier is only found to be Black & Tan in colour.

The Manchester now appears as two varieties in North America, distinguished primarily by weight: Toys up to, but not exceeding 12 lb., and Standards 12-22 lb.

If you want an awesome site that breaks it down...check out Ebet Toy Manchester website. Here are some pics from their site.

Toy Manchester Terrier, Standard Manchester Terrier, German Pinscher, Doberman Pinscher

Here's a little video of me playing at the park with my Doberman buddy, Vegas. He is about 8 or 9 months old...so he will still get bigger. I, on the other hand, am full grown. Enjoy!

2 Plus = Too Much FUN!!

My human and I were at her sisters yesterday baby/puppy sitting her niece, nephew and my 7 month old fur-cousin, Daisy.

WHAT FUN!!! We completely drove my human NUTS, cause it was NON-STOP action! She left thinking 2 dogs is too much...but I say you can never have too much fun!! BOL!

Daisy is a 60lb Golden-doodle. She is so cute and cuddly...but she knows who the boss is! I made sure to establish that early!

Here are some camera-phone pics and video of us playing. It was like this from 3:30pm - 11:00pm!!! My human was exhausted!

BOL! you can see the size difference between me and Daisy!

Snow Video

Whoops...forgot to add the video from our snow day!

Sadly...we had mild temps on Sunday, and it rained today. All the snow has been washed away....for now.

Snow Much Fun!!

I met up with Denali and Starr this morning at the off leash, and we played in the snow! (btw: check out my "sick" camo coat!)

Here are the photos of our play date.

Sniffing the welcome rocks! Checking out who's dropped by the park

Further inspection...

Yes, the snow is cold on my toes!

Checking out the action!

It SNOWED!!!

OMD!! It snowed today!!

Silly humans didn't take pictures...I'll try to remind them tomorrow! I loved it! It's a bit cold at first, but once I got to run around in it...whoooooo! So much fun!

Just Rude!

My human mom went to a "Dog Sense" seminar tonight...quite informative apparently, she learned stuff about my behaviour, and she says there are going to be some changes. Hrmpf! What's up with that?

Anyway, she told me something funny that happened after the seminar. A woman in the audience was looking for a new dog, and after hearing about me, asked my human at the end of the night about me. It went like this:

"So, what kind of dog is it you have?"

"A Manchester Terrier."

"Oh. I've never heard of that..."

"Um, well most people think it is a miniature Doberman"

dead silence...

"OH" (said with disgust) "I have to go!" And she stormed out of the building like my human just told her I was going to eat her children!

WTF??? (excuse my language). One thing my human and I for that matter can't stand...ignorance! It's just RUDE!


I mean, how could you deny this face!!

'Tis the season to be shopping!

With the holiday season upon us, I'd like to make your shopping experience a bit better! What's on your list for pawesome gifts this year?

Well for whatever Fifi and Fido are asking for, you don't have to go far to find it! Online stores specializing in dog apparel, treats, toys and more can easily be found with the click of your mouse!

Some of my favourites include: Pampered Puppy, Johann the Dog and Just Barks.

Now of course, shopping online means the use of credit cards. Just like the online stores available out there, finding the right credit card for you can be a daunting experience. Card companies like Mint try to make it easy for you.

As well as an attractive introductory offer the Mint credit card comes with many benefits and features like: 24 hour online shopping security, 0% interest on purchases until June 2008, online fraud protection and no annual fee, the Mint MasterCard is a great option to look into.

On top of that, you can personalize the card! Imagine...your cute fuzzy face on your humans credit card!

If you are finding it hard to get that pawfect gift for your pooch pals? Mint even offers Visa gift cards. Starting at denominations as low as $10, you can send your pal a pre-paid Visa gift card, so they can shop online or in store for their pawfect gift!

Happy shopping everypup!

*this is a sponsored post*

Vick starts serving time!

Pool photograph by Haraz N. Ghanbari

Michael Vick surrendered to US Marshals today to wait out his sentencing from jail. We should all be learning his fate December 10, when his sentencing will take place.

The order filed in U.S. District Court said: "Vick has indicated his desire to voluntarily enter custody prior to his sentencing hearing. It appearing appropriate to do so, the U.S. Marshal is ordered to take custody of the Defendant immediately upon his surrender."

Vick has been charged with two state felony counts — beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting.

Each felony can earn up to five years in prison.

This female pit pull was seized from Michael Vick's property, along with 51 others. A quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Vick received a federal indictment on dogfighting charges. (The Humane Society of the United States)

Here's hoping some justice can finally be done for the poor dogs whose lives he ruined.

[source] [photo credit]

Fluffball 3000

OMD! Came across this video on YouTube today...cutest puppy EVER!! Enjoy!

Sick Puppy

Well, last time i checked, I was healthy as a horse! (pardon the pun). But tonight, during my evening walk we encountered a bunch of teenagers on the street...one girl took a good look at me (looking pretty fly in my camo winter coat), and said to her friends "whoa that is one sick puppy!"

Hehehe...

It didn't feel right to correct the girl that I'm no longer a puppy...but I guess I am pretty sick! ;o)

No news is good news! (agility recap: class 2)

Sorry pups, my human mom (who types for me) has been super busy at her new job, and has ignored my repeated requests to blog this week. Grrrrrr.

But I'm back!

I realize I didn't give an agility class re-cap from last week...so I'll do that now.

Class was pawesome! We were introduced to jumps more in this class. Three in a row, which I took with exuberance!! Miss Brandi (my instructor) loved my toy drive! Human mom tosses it as I finish my jump and I go straight for it!

We did some more tunnel work, and I was much better this class too.

We started to learn target training with little plates (I now use a Pringles lid...YUM-Pringles...). That trick is going to take some time to learn!

We were also introduced to the teeter (laying flat on the ground...no actual teetering). We just have to get comfy walking on it and listening for our release word (OKAY!).

We don't have class this week, as Miss Brandi is at an agility competition with her two dogs, Soshi and Zona. Let's all wish her GOOD LUCK!

I got Blingee'd!

My girlfriend Denali, made this PAWESOME Blingee for me!!!


Make your own Glitter Graphics

Always Remember

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
---------
As a sidenote...my humans watched "Home of the Brave" (with Samuel L. Jackson) today...and said it was a great movie, and reminds them of the sacrifice soldiers make to keep us safe.

Superdogs!

So my human mom went to the Royal Winter Fair yesterday, which showcases the best in agriculture a great horse show...and the Superdogs!

If you haven't heard of them, it is a great show that travels the world! Dogs of all shapes and sizes perform cool tricks, and compete against each other in agility style races. Each side of the theatre cheers for "their" dog to win! The kids in the audience win cute little stuffed dog prizes!

My human mom LOVES this show! She actually dreams of me being in it! BOL! So I guess, with my start in agility...it's not impossible!

Here's a link to check out some great video from the Superdog site!

This, I found on YouTube:


Next year I just may be there...but only to watch! Mom found out yesterday that this was a dog friendly event!! She could have brough me! She met lots of really nice dogs checking out the fair with their humans! *sigh* ah well...next year will be hee before you know it!

Hibernation Time

Well, Daylight Savings passed this weekend, and we moved the clocks back one hour. NOW, it's totally dark by 6pm!!

I've been sleeping more too! My human mom has to repeatedly nudge me to get up in the morning! Do you pups feel this way too??

It's getting so cold now that I don't even want to walk outside at night!

Uggghh...please, just 5 more minutes

Why are you disturbing my beauty rest?

Agility Class: Day One Recap

Soooo...I love my instructor! (can't be because she gives me cookies!) Her name is Brandi Jacques, and she is a world class agility competitor! Check out her blog!

There are mostly small dogs in my class...a really cool French Bulldog, Mini Poodle, Brittany Spaniel and one big dog...a Standard Poodle!

I felt bad for him having to go through the tunnel....he barely fit!!

I was pawesome (of course!) on learning the tunnel and the teeter! (it was flat on the ground..so it wasn't scary at all) and we investigated the weaves a bit too!

Brandi said my focus on human mom was top notch! ;o)

I just need to settle down and wait my turn a bit better...I was a bit barky to some of the other dogs...and whined when I couldn't go in the tunnel. :o/

All in all , a great start! My homework is to practice my heeling, and to learn hand touch...which my human mom was already teaching me!! I'm ahead of the game!

Agility Countdown: ONE MORE DAY!!

OMD! I'm sooooo excited! I start agility class tomorrow!!! I will be starting a new feature keep you all up-to-date on my classes and progress! Stay tuned!

MISSING PUPS!

Pups, I write this with heavy paws. Two of my pal, Prissy and Hailey have been stolen! I'm hoping someone out there will read this and see them and contact me!

Here's the story. Their mom is unfortunately serving a small sentence in jail in Neillsville, Wisconsin. During this terrible time, her hubby has decided to pack it in...and did the unthinkable...GAVE AWAY HER DOGS!!!

He is a truck driver in Wisconsin..and claims to have given them away out of state..but won't say where. So they could be anywhere in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota or Illinois.

We are rallying to post info on Pet Finder, Craigs List, Pet Harbour...etc. We can contacted some shelters and have people putting up posters.

PLEASE!! If you know anyone in those states, CROSS POST THIS PLEASE!!!! Send a link to other dog blogs! We are trying to get her babies back! We all met on Dogster, and two wonderful pups are happy to take Prissy and Hailey until their human mom gets out.

Thanks pups.

Prissy - 2 year old Min Pin (black and tan)
Hailey - 3 year old Boxer (brindle tan)

Prissy: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/481632
Hailey: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/483635

We've even started a new group dedicated to finding them, and all the leads, ideas for finding them. It's called CROSSING PAWS: http://www.dogster.com/group/-11336