The We’re All About Cats Standard – Rating Pawp Pet Insurance On What Matters

We’ve rated the brand on six key criteria for quality. Here’s how it rates in each of these six crucial areas.

In total, we give Pawp pet insurance a 42 out of 50 rating or 8.4 out of 10.

Pros Of Pawp Pet Insurance:

• Unlimited access to vets and pet professionals via text or video chat
• Simple, straightforward monthly fee covers up to 6 pets per household
• No pre-existing conditions or exclusions (other than non-emergencies)
• Emergency fund of $3,000 available to help cover unexpected vet bills
• Digital access to your pet’s health records and other important info

Cons Of Pawp Pet Insurance:

• Doesn’t cover preventive care, wellness visits, or scheduled surgeries
• Emergency fund can only be used once per household per year
• Care must be pre-authorized by a Pawp vet and sought within 4 hours

About Pawp Pet Insurance Alternative

Every pet parent dreads the thought of something serious happening to their pet. Aside from the heartache and pain of an accident or emergency, there are also the vet bills to worry about.

Traditional pet insurance plans reimburse pet owners for a percentage of covered services. While most pet insurance plans don’t cover wellness exams and preventive care, they provide peace of mind for pet owners in the event of a serious illness or accident. Reimbursement rates generally range from 70% to 90% with annual or per-incident deductibles running the gambit.

Pawp is an alternative to traditional pet insurance plans. They provide unlimited, on-demand access to virtual veterinary care along with a $3,000 safety net for emergencies.

Launched as an emergency fund based out of New York City in 2019, Pawp was created by Andrew Malek, Cody Simons, Marc Atiyeh, and Scott Sonneborn. It was created with the goal of ending financial euthanasia – the unfortunate but not uncommon choice pet parents sometimes find themselves in when a pet has to be put down due to lack of funds for treatment.

While the idea of an emergency fund sounds promising, it comes with a serious caveat: you have to get Pawp’s approvial prior to seeking care in order to use the funds.

In the event of a serious but not life-threatening emergency, this might not be a problem. But if your cat is in critical condition the last thing on your mind is calling your insurance company to ask for permission to seek emergency care.

That being said, Pawp does provide some protection against high veterinary bills along with unlimited access to licensed veterinarians and vet technicians 24/7 for just $24 per month. But is it a good choice for your cat?

Let’s dive deeper and find out.

Coverage And Pricing

Getting started with Pawp is fairly simple. You start by visiting the Pawp website and click Join Now to provide some basic information about yourself and your cat.

Pawp collects information about your pet’s name and the type of pet as well as your name, email address, and zip code. From there, you’ll be given a review of your pet’s monthly plan before being taken to the checkout page to complete signup.

Here’s a quick overview of what Pawp’s standard plan covers:

• 24/7 access to veterinarians and pet professionals
• Instant and unlimited video chats
• $3,000 emergency fund for vet bills
• Personalized vet & professional recommendations

Regardless your pet’s species, age, or current health status, all Pawp plans cost $24 per month. In fact, you can cover up to 6 pets in the same household, all for that $24 monthly fee.

Compared to traditional pet insurance plans, Pawp is very straightforward in terms of pricing. You don’t have to worry about any deductibles and you can use the $3,000 emergency fund once per year up to the full amount without having to repay it.

What About Exclusions And Waiting Periods?

Because Pawp isn’t a traditional pet insurance plan, there aren’t any concerns about pre-existing conditions. All pets in the household are covered in case of an emergency, even if it relates to a condition your pet already had or had been treating for.

While pre-existing conditions aren’t a concern, there are certain exclusions.

Pawp does not cover fees for scheduled surgeries, wellness exams, vaccinations and other preventive care, or pregnancy and pregnancy-related issues. Basically, Pawp is only for emergencies – not for any kind of planned or preventive care.

Here are a few examples of what Pawp can be used for:

• Severe intestinal blockage
• Toxic ingestion
• Foreign object consumption
• Severe injury

The important thing to keep in mind is that all emergencies are evaluated by Pawp vets on a case-by-case basis. You have to contact Pawp before seeking care and, once you’ve gotten approval, you have to initiate that care within 4 hours.

Waiting Periods

While many pet insurance plans have waiting periods for accidents and orthopedic injuries, Pawp only has one waiting period to worry about. You can access your plan immediately and speak with Pawp vets and pet professionals, but you have to complete a 14-day waiting period before using the emergency fund.

A Pawp vet can help you determine if a situation requires emergency care during that time, but you won’t be able to access the funds.

What Do Customers Think Of Pawp Pet Insurance?

Pawp is only a few years old, but it already seems to have a decent following. With nearly 450 customer reviews on TrustPilot, Pawp has a 4.5/5 average rating.

Customers seem to really appreciate the 24/7 access to veterinarians, even outside of emergencies. In numerous cases, being able to ask a licensed veterinarian a question prevented the pet owner from seeking emergency care in a situation where it wasn’t necessarily required.

That being said, there are some customers who say they had to jump through hoops to access their emergency fund. We found some comments that suggested Pawp’s definition of “emergency” was too narrow.

Let’s take a look at what real Pawp customers have to say about their pet insurance alternative.

Positive Reviews

“My furry babies had an emergency situation twice and both times, the vets are so helpful and caring. They are very knowledgeable on how to assess your pets needs in times of an emergency. Everyone I spoke to at PAWP are extremely nice patience during the time of distressed with my cats. I will recommend PAWP for your pets emergency insurance coverage.” – Customer via TrustPilot

“My cat was showing signs of bloating or possible UTI issues. His stomach was distended and hard to the touch. After talking with the vet, and realizing his bathroom and eating habits were normal, it was not something to be concerned about. Amanda was great with all of my questions and with it being so late at night.” – Customer via TrustPilot

Negative Reviews

“You have to jump throw hoops to get anything. If it’s an emergency why make people do all the video and stuff by that time the animal could die. Why not just go to emergency room they should pay. God forbid the animals might have just an hour without intervention and they make you show the animal on video and everything else. It’s ridiculous.” – Leelou via TrustPilot

“I can’t give 1 star it’s cheap pet insurance you get what you pay for, the Doctor I spoke too was amazing! Very sweet and helpful thank you Dr. Gabby! But make sure you read the fine print, if your pet is dying, FaceTime them in the car on the way to the vet if you get to the vet first because of these issues they won’t cover costs, my dog ended up being parvo positive but I didn’t call them till he was in the vet and now I don’t get to use my insurance, parvo can be a life threatening emergency, but he was in the hospital I really wish this rule could change but that’s all I really have to complain about.” – Makayla Dreher via TrustPilot

Sample Pawp Pet Insurance Plan

Pawp isn’t a traditional pet insurance plan, so there aren’t too many details to go over in terms of coverage. It’s an emergency fund you can use for one covered pet per household once per year.

But how exactly do you go about using the emergency plan? That’s where the details come in.

After signing up for Pawp, you have to complete a 14-day waiting period before the emergency fund becomes available. This waiting period applies even if you cancel and reactivate your account.

In the event of an emergency, you must contact Pawp prior to seeking care. A live face-to-face video call or a video recording is required for Pawp vets to determine if it’s an emergency or not. If it is, Pawp will provide access to your emergency fund.

Your Pawp emergency fund provides up to $3,000 for initial emergency care in a single incident once per year. No matter how many pets you have covered, you can only use the fund once.

After receiving authorization from a Pawp vet, you have a maximum of 4 hours to take your pet to a vet clinic or emergency vet. If you wait too long, the funds won’t be released. The emergency fund is not transferrable and only covers cats and dogs.

The Pawp emergency fund doesn’t cover any kind of follow-up and cannot be applied to take-home treatments like bandages and medications.

Pros And Cons For Pawp Pet Insurance

Pawp is not a traditional pet insurance plan, so it’s important to understand that going in.

Unlike traditional pet insurance, Pawp doesn’t reimburse you for covered expenses – they pay the provider directly and only once per year up to $3,000. You can cover up to 6 pets per household for no additional charge but, again, you’ll only be able to use the emergency fund once.

Some pet insurance companies require you to go to certain vets within their network, but Pawp has no restrictions. As long as you’ve gotten approval via video chat with a Pawp vet, you can go anywhere.

Another significant benefit with Pawp is that there are no pre-existing conditions to worry about. Keep in mind that Pawp only covers emergencies, however, so you can’t use the fund for preventive care or scheduled surgeries.

Pawp has a 14-day waiting period which is pretty standard for pet insurance plans but there are no deductibles and the only annual limit you have to think about is the $3,000 emergency fund limit.

Overall, Is Pawp Pet Insurance Worth It?

Overall, Pawp isn’t going to be the best option for all cats but it’s worth considering if you’re already shopping around for pet insurance. The straightforward $24 monthly fee to cover up to 6 pets per household is a benefit but there are a few hoops to jump through to access the emergency fund.

In addition to providing you with peace of mind in the event of an emergency, Pawp gives you a virtual place to keep all your pet’s important information. You can easily gain access to your pet’s digital health records and share details with your vet for more personalized care.

While Pawp certainly has its limitations in direct comparison with traditional pet insurance, it might be a good option for healthy cats with no prior history of medical problems. If you just want the option of having a little help in the event of an emergency, Pawp might work.

Pawp may even be a good choice for pets who do have a history of medical problems. Most pet insurance plans don’t cover services related to pre-existing conditions and fuzzy definitions of what’s considered pre-existing can lead to denial of coverage.

If you’re having trouble getting coverage with traditional pet insurance, Pawp is an option. It can also be used to supplement an existing pet insurance plan.

JustFoodForDogs is a seriously healthy dog and cat food. The recipes have been carefully formulated and tested over a long period of time to ensure maximum health benefits and taste. JustFoodForDogs has a full lineup of dog food as well as a cat food option. You can also get supplements, treats, and hands-on, personalized advice from veterinarians and clinical nutritionists.

JustFoodForDogs at a Glance

JustFoodForDogs offers a flat rate shipping fee on all standard (non-autoship) orders at $10 or alternatively customers can enjoy free pickup from their various locations across the country. It has a vast range of options for dogs such as Fresh Frozen, PantryFresh, DIY Homemade Kits

and supplements amongst others. Their is one meal and one treat option for cats.

All of JustFoodForDogs recipes are of premium quality and made with human-grade ingredients. Their recipes are focused on promoting proper immune system health. As a special offer, new customers get 35% of their first offer and 5% off recurring orders.

Pros

• Meals are science and research-backed
• Lots of dog food flavors
• DIY mixes, fresh, pantry, kibble, treats, supplements

Cons

• Only one option for cats
• No free shipping, only free pickup option

How Does JustFoodForDogs Work?

JustFoodForDogs makes it easy to order and get your pet food. You can order online and have the food delivered to your door. Or you can get curbside pickup. Here’s how it works:

Choose the food you like

Add other products like supplements or treats

Check out and choose if you want delivery or self-pickup

You can also schedule a private consultation with one of the board-certified specialists and veterinarians if you prefer a personalized diet plan for your pet.

What’s on Offer?

JustFoodForDogs has several options, including:

Freshly frozen wet dog food

Pantry fresh food

DIY homemade kits

Custom diets

Cat foods

Treats

Supplements

In terms of freshly frozen meals, JustFoodForDogs has six different meal options for wet dog food. One thing I really like about the variety is that it meets a lot of different dietary requirements. For example, if your dog is sensitive to chicken, there’s venison. If they don’t like fish, there’s beef. And if brown rice makes them gassy, there’s white rice. A ton of variety that’s sensitive to your dog’s needs. Recipes include:

Chicken and white rice

Beef and russet potato

Turkey and whole wheat macaroni

Fish and sweet potato

Lamb and brown rice

Venison and squash

JustFoodForDogs also has four different pantry-friendly meal options. These dog foods are still fresh, but they can be kept in the pantry for up to two years. So it’s good value if you want to buy in bulk and always have it on hand. Pantry favorites include chicken and white rice, turkey and whole wheat macaroni, beef and russet potato, and lamb and brown rice.

JustFoodForDogs even has a DIY option if you like the idea of making your dog’s food by yourself. You’ll get down and dirty with this one, as JustFoodForDogs just provides you with a blend of the right nutrients, a tried-and-true recipe, and a shopping list for the ingredients you’ll need to make the magic. This is a cool option if you have the time and like hands-on pet care.

Best of all, though, JustFoodForDogs has vet-prescribed foods in case your dog has current health issues or you’d like to avoid developing them. Some of these health-conscious options include:

Renal support

Hepatic support (low-fat FYI)

Metabolic support

Balanced remedy

Joint and skin support

Derm support

Critical care support

You can also get some of these in the pantry fresh variety. These meals have been formulated by veterinarians and according to JustFoodForDogs, they’re recommended by thousands of vets across the country.

Dog treats are also available in seven flavors. And JustFoodForDogs offers vitamins and supplements to give your dog a health boost as well. Lastly, JustFoodForDogs will customize your dog or cat’s food for you if you prefer a unique blend that matches your pet’s specific dietary requirements.

One downside is that JustFoodForDogs only has a single option for cats. There are also cat treats. But just one meal.

Food Variety and Quality

JustFoodForDogs is definitely the highest quality pet food you’re going to find. To begin with, all meals are made with fresh, real, whole foods that are human-grade. What’s more, JustFoodForDogs uses real, whole foods. The ingredients are nutritious, unprocessed, and USDA-approved for people. Proteins are all inspected too. Basically, this food is made from ingredients that you’d pick up for yourself at the supermarket. JustFoodForDogs food also has no preservatives or other junk added.

JustFoodForDogs meals are also nutritionally balanced by nutritionists to ensure that your pet gets the necessary daily requirements of important nutrients. Meals have whole foods, including healthy carbs, premium-quality proteins, and nutritious vegetables. JustFoodForDogs also has grain-free and gluten-free meals in case your pet has a tummy that’s sensitive to these ingredients.

Additionally, JustFoodForDogs has run clinical tests above and beyond the industry standards or requirements. Like no exaggeration. For example, the AAFCO requires testing over a six-month period on six dogs with four blood parameters. JustFoodForDogs tested for a year, used a complete blood count, and tested on 30 dogs. So you can see the qualitative difference.

The research itself was also conducted in a professional manner, reviewed by the University of Illinois research team and published in Translational Animal Science. And JustFoodForDogs didn’t stop there. The research is ongoing to ensure that its pet food continuously provides the proper nutrition according to the latest science and findings. Bottom line, JustFoodForDogs is the real deal when it comes to premium quality healthy pet food.

Additional Products Available

In addition to the regular pet food, JustFoodForDogs sells supplements, treats, and specialty diets for specific health issues.

Pricing

JustFoodForDogs’ prices range depending on which type of food you’re ordering and the ordering frequency. You can get meals from $6.95 to $11.95, and you’ll receive a 5% discount if you opt for recurring orders. You’ll pay a flat rate of $10 for shipping on non-autoship orders..

JustFoodForDogs also has a clean plate guarantee. If you are not completely happy with your purchase, JustFoodForDogs will give you a full refund. The guarantee holds true for all JustFoodForDogs products, regardless of the reason you are unhappy. That’s a solid offer. Shipping and delivery fees are not refundable, though.

Help & Support

Best of all, though, JustFoodForDogs has nutrition and veterinary consultants available to customers who have questions about their pets and nutrition in general. You can schedule a private consultation to ask any questions you might have, or to help you create a personalized diet for your pet.

And you can even visit JustFoodForDogs’ kitchens. They’re open to the public in several cities like New York, Washington, and California.

Phone support:

(866) 726-9509 or (949) 722-3647

Monday – Friday 7:00am-6:00pm Pacific

Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm Pacific

Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm Pacific

What Pet Parents Have to Say About JustFoodForDogs

“Appreciate the variety offered I have been feeding my 2 dogs JFFD for nearly 3 years now at the recommendation of a vet. In addition to the quality ingredients and care put into the food, I appreciate that nonstandard proteins are offered, such as this lamb recipe. I like to vary their diet, and JFFD makes it easier by offering a range of meats.The improvement in my dogs’ skin, coats, and bloodwork since they have been eating JFFD is a testament to the quality of this food.” – Maria F.

“Better than 5 stars!5 stars is not enough to describe how life changing Just Food for Dogs is for my fur baby and me. Ralph Pickles would go days without eating because his food was making his tummy hurt and sometimes he was very picky. Since we switched to JFFD he hasn’t missed a meal and we’re both thrilled! So glad we found Just Food for Dogs!!!”- Cindy F.

“Our dog goes crazy for the chicken breast treat. It’s her favorite. I’m happy because I know it is safe for her to eat and healthy.”-James M.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for pet food that will fill your pet’s specific dietary needs, JustFoodForDogs definitely fits the bill. The food itself is human-grade, top-quality, unprocessed, and USDA-approved. All meals have also been nutritionally balanced by veterinary nutritionists to have all the necessary daily nutrients. What’s more, JustFoodForDogs offers specialty diets for pups with health problems, supplements, and treats to give that little bit of extra love.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfhound, or TWH for short, is an imposing, beautiful dog that resembles a cross between a wolf and a German Shepherd. He is strong, intelligent, handsome and lovable, however, when it comes to dog training, he is not always easy. If you want to buy a Czechoslovakian Wolfhound, you should have experience in dog keeping.

A Czechoslovakian Wolfhound is not a difficult dog from this point of view, but it is often stubborn, which is also due to its high intelligence. The robust and hardy TWH therefore needs an experienced, consistent and loving upbringing, without coercion or even violence. Who wants to buy a Czechoslovakian Wolfhound, should be clear in any case in advance that the education of the beautiful four-legged friend is nothing for on the side, but in any case very worthwhile.

Czechoslovakian Wolfhound needs a lot of space and nature

As already mentioned, as a dog owner you should have a certain experience before buying a TWH. In addition, aspects concerning the environment of his new home are also important. The up to 45 kilograms heavy fur nose needs space and preferably its own territory in the fresh air. An apartment is not a species-appropriate environment for the fresh air-loving dog. Czechoslovakian Wolfhounds often react very sensitively and fearfully to disturbances in human society, such as large gatherings of people or city traffic – it is better to have a natural living center and plenty of exercise and exercise.

Physical and mental exercise important

A Czechoslovakian Wolfhound can perform impressive physical feats, such as running many miles at a time at a walking pace and recovering from it quickly. Accordingly, a simple walk on the leash does not exhaust the athletic four-legged dog. The TWH is very intelligent and eager to learn, which is why mental occupation is important in addition to physical exercise. The dog breed loves to have tasks and to please the pack leader, i.e. the mistress or master. With simple retrieving it is usually not done – the Wolfhound usually has a natural aversion to repetitive exercises.

Schedule time and activity for TWH

A Czechoslovakian Wolfhound builds an intense bond with his caregiver(s) and should be left alone as infrequently as possible. A home where people work eight hours during the day and leave him alone is not suitable for the social cold-blooded dog. He would become lonely as well as suffer from massive lack of exercise. Therefore, devote a lot of time and love to your TWH – he will thank you with deep friendship, joy and loyalty. Inform yourself extensively about the dog breed at a reputable dog breeder. You can find out more about choosing a breeder in the guide: “How to recognize a good dog breeder”.

It is a real dilemma for some allergy sufferers: they want a dog so much, but as soon as a four-legged friend comes near them, the body reacts: the eyes itch, the nose runs or other complaints appear. Fortunately, there are some dog breeds that pet hair allergy sufferers tolerate better than others.

Allergy sufferers do not have to mope around despite dog allergies, because there are dog breeds that cause fewer reactions in them. However, there is still a misconception that dogs with short fur shed less hair and are therefore more suitable. In fact, they lose even more hair than their fluffy fellows. Today it is assumed that not the dog hair itself, but certain animal proteins in the saliva, skin and urine of the quadruped trigger the allergy symptoms. Some breeds have fewer of these allergens and are therefore more suitable for allergy sufferers. However, as is often the case, there are always exceptions, which is why the following dog breeds are no guarantee that their owners will not experience allergic reactions.

Water dogs for allergy sufferers

Water dogs, for example, are among those dog breeds with which allergy sufferers usually have fewer health problems. Among them are the Spanish and Portuguese water dogs. One of their advantages: They do not go through a coat change before or after winter and shed comparatively little during the rest of the year. This also applies to the Poodle. However, due to their curly coat, these dog breeds need to be combed regularly, which of course should not be done by the allergy sufferer.

Goldendoodle or Labradoodle?

Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are still among the most popular dog breeds. However, since they are very hairy, they are not for allergy sufferers – actually. Because in the meantime there are hybrid breeds, in which the above-mentioned are crossed with a poodle. The result: family-friendly, easy-care and hardly hairy Golden or Labradoodle. They do not have a coat change, but must be clipped about every two months and brushed once a week. This should not be done by allergy sufferers.

Small dog breeds: Bichons

Bichons, i.e. very small dog breeds, are also quite suitable for allergy sufferers. Among them are for example Maltese, Havanese, Bolognese or the Bichon Frisé. They also belong to the dog breeds with very little hair.

Other dog breeds that are possible for allergy sufferers are Yorkshire or Bedlington Terriers, Schnauzers, Peruvian or Mexican Naked Dogs as well as Samoyeds and Shih Tzus.

Trust is good, control is better

To be absolutely sure whether allergy sufferers can cope with one of the dog breeds mentioned, the affected person should talk to a good dog breeder and have a few hairs of the parent animals for a test. If after several days there are no reactions, nothing stands in the way of an animal family member.

She is very big, quite heavy and at the same time incredibly adorable: the Great Dane. She is the perfect family dog – however, you should consider some important things before buying.

Although the Great Dane can seem quite scary with a height of around 80 centimeters at the withers, her character is the complete opposite. It is one of the most sociable dog breeds there is, thanks to its gentle, sensitive and affectionate nature. Nevertheless, these majestic animals are not to be underestimated, which is why you should keep some facts in mind before deciding to buy such a four-legged friend.

Keep in mind when buying: Think big!

Fact 1: The Great Dane will be huge! While males reach a shoulder height of at least 80 centimeters, females average 72 centimeters. However, there are always individual cases that grow much taller. The once largest Great Dane Giant George measured a withers height of 109 centimeters! However, the big four-legged friends don’t always realize this: they sometimes seem to think that they are really a Chihuahua – an endearing phenomenon that occurs in many large dog breeds. So don’t be surprised if a Great Dane tries to claim your lap as its favorite spot.

Fact 2: Due to its size, the Great Dane needs a lot of space. It is not easy to find a suitable basket for this dog, yet he likes to be comfortable. So before buying, make sure that the planned sleeping space for the four-legged friend is large enough. An oversized pillow would be ideal or else a child’s mattress. This will easily fill the Great Dane when fully grown. By the way, keeping the four-legged friend outdoors is out of the question: since his coat does not have an undercoat, these dogs are dependent on living indoors with their owner.

Close relationship with the owner

Fact 3: Speaking of owners, Great Danes don’t like to be separated from their masters. Wherever you go, your four-legged friend will follow you wherever you go, even if you’re just getting a cup of coffee. So think about it before you buy the animal: would the dog often be alone? Or can you possibly take the animal to work with you? If the Great Dane is left on its own for too long, it may not only start getting into mischief and tearing up your home – it also tends to get depressed.

Fact 4: Great Danes drool – and they do it a lot! Whether she’s sleeping, eating, walking the dog, or just hanging out, nothing is safe from her. If a dachshund drools, it is wiped off without further ado, if, on the other hand, the Great Dane drools, you can change completely.

The Great Dane is very expensive

Fact 5: The quadrupeds eat extremely much! While a food bag of 20 kilograms lasts at least six weeks for some dog breeds, it is used up within three weeks for a Great Dane. That goes of course into the money. If you want to barf your dog, it will be even more expensive.

Fact 6: Their life expectancy is not as high as other dog breeds. As a rule, they live between six and eight years, although there have been congeners that have lived to be ten years old. The reason for the comparatively short life expectancy is the rapid growth of the animals, which can result in health restrictions such as joint problems, bone pain or stomach bloating. Unfortunately, this can also lead to high veterinary costs in extreme cases.

Impetuous and comfortable at the same time

Fact 7: Great Danes love walks, but they love lounging around on your sofa at least as much. So don’t get the idea of taking her jogging – you’ll probably have to do it alone. But longer car rides are no problem for this breed. Give her a comfortable place in the spacious trunk – and the Great Dane is completely satisfied.

Fact 8: Last but not least, the animal – especially in the first year or two – has difficulty controlling its massive body. A full-grown Great Dane weighs up to 90 kilograms. However, if the animal is still young, it can not yet properly assess this and likes to rush to greet you – so be careful!

Want to add a four-legged friend to your household, but don’t know if you’re ready for a dog? The following five prerequisites will pave the way for a dog to feel at home with you. In any case, you should be aware that a dog comes with a lot of responsibility and should only move in with you if you can and want to offer it a species-appropriate and happy home.

A dog is a decision for life. Many things change when a pet comes along. Playing, walking, cuddling and so on are one side of the coin, the other are vet visits, food costs, taxes and so on. But the effort to give a pet a loving and responsible home is always worth it. The decision should be well thought out in any case.

1. you have enough time for your dog

Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time, especially not a full work day. Can another family member be there for the pelt-nose during work or can you take your dog with you to work, for example to the office? A dog that is only available for cuddling in the evenings, but is not kept busy enough itself, does not lead a happy life. However, if you can offer your animal partner sufficient occupation, fun and love, this is one of the most important conditions for your own dog! Sufficiently much run and movement, veterinarian visits, walking even in bad weather – all this should be a matter of course for dog owners.

2. you can afford a dog

Food costs, vet bills, taxes, insurance – the accruing and regular costs for a pet should not be underestimated in addition to acquisition costs. Calculate all the expenses before buying a dog so that you are not slain by them afterwards. If you can afford a dog, an important hurdle is taken. Tip: A dog from a shelter is cheaper than a dog from a breeder. If you give an animal from the shelter a new home, you also do something good.

3. you have enough space for Wuff

Your apartment is big enough for another family member or you have your own house with a garden or a place to run free? Great, your dog appreciates space. If the apartment is too small, a dog will not feel comfortable. How big the apartment has to be depends on the size and the requirements of the dog – in case of doubt, ask your vet about the minimum size. In general, you should inform yourself about the requirements and demands of the respective dog breed in detail before you buy a dog. Only in this way can you keep him species- and breed-appropriate.

4. everyone is looking forward to the dog

When you buy a dog, not only you should be ready for him, but all the people living in the household. Everyone is looking forward to woof and ready to take responsibility? Also, no one has an allergy to animal hair? Great, then the dog will also be happy.

5. you are patient and consistent

Life with pets occasionally requires a lot of patience and a certain consistency, as well as the will to properly train dogs. So for example with the education of puppies – dogs must become house-trained for example first of all – or with the bearing of occasional chaos situations – dogs do not always pay attention like humans whether their feet and/or paws are clean. With a dog, a little lovable chaos always moves in. At best, you don’t have a cleanliness fanatic in the household, and you yourself aren’t too quickly overwhelmed by some of the mess that a pet can make. In order for everything to run to your satisfaction, your four-legged friend must be well behaved. This requires the practical knowledge of dog training as well as the consistent implementation of training measures.

The Retro Pug – like its cousin, the “classic” Pug – is a lovable, happy and somewhat stubborn little dog that quickly takes its favorite people to its heart. The two types of Pugs differ mainly in their physical appearance; Retro Pugs are bred with a longer muzzle, so they can breathe better and are somewhat more athletic than their congeners.

Some animal rights activists believe that “classic” pug breeding borders on torture breeding. Pugs have problems breathing due to their flat, depressed snouts, are not particularly agile due to their short little legs and tend to become overweight quickly. Therefore, there is a kind of counter-movement that wants to breed the breed back to its original state: the Retro Pug.

What is a retro pug?

In every dog breed, there are certain desirable characteristics that are considered typical of the breed and are often visual in nature. However, some of these visual criteria come at the expense of dog health and increase the risk of certain diseases. For example, the Pug often experiences shortness of breath and shortness of breath because of his short muzzle and flat face. In addition, his somewhat stocky stature makes him prone to weight problems, and his large, bulging googly eyes can easily become inflamed. However, this was not always the case: at the beginning of pug breeding, the small dog still had a longer muzzle, was somewhat slimmer and more agile, and his eyes did not protrude as much (“exophthalmos”, which is the technical term for “googly eyes”).

The retro-pug is in principle nothing more than a pug mongrel – in retro-pug breeding, very specific breeds are deliberately crossed in to achieve his original stature and freer airways. The animals are then about three quarters Pug and one quarter Pinscher or Terrier. In this, the Retro Pug differs from the Old German Pug, which is purebred. In the Old German Pug, only Pugs with longer muzzles, longer legs, no “googly eyes” and a more athletic build are specifically mated.

Buying Retro Pugs: Here’s what you should look for

However, a retro Pug is not automatically better or healthier than other Pugs. He is usually less prone to respiratory problems, eye diseases and obesity, but even among retro pug breeders there can be black sheep. Conversely, there are reputable pug breeders who take care to ensure that their dogs are not overbred and can live long, healthy, happy lives. Take a look at the dog breeder of your choice and his animals in person during a visit, so you can get an idea. Do the dogs have enough space, places to retreat, and are they integrated into the household in a way that allows them to get used to all sorts of everyday noises? Is their home clean and well-maintained? These are already good signs. Healthy Pugs – whether Retro Pug, Old German Pug or “classic” Pug – don’t pant at the slightest exertion, are playful, curious and happy. Moreover, if you listen to your gut feeling before buying a Retro Pug, nothing can go wrong.

If guard dogs are in need, they have a harder time than other dog breeds to find a suitable new home. The breeds, called “HSH” for short, are characterized by independence, territorial behavior and a pronounced protective instinct and absolutely belong in experienced hands. Unfortunately, not all animal welfare organizations, which usually want to rescue the four-legged friends from the streets abroad, know what it is about these special dogs. However, good intentions alone are not enough when it comes to keeping and raising them. What you need to pay attention to if you really want to help guard dogs, you can learn here.

From abroad, well-meaning but inexperienced animal welfare activists sometimes pick up guard dogs in need and place them in Germany with equally unsuspecting dog owners. If it then turns out that the new owners cannot handle the dog’s pronounced territorial behavior and protective instinct, an odyssey can begin for the poor animals, in which they are passed on from family to family, from shelter to shelter. You can help prevent this from happening with the following tips.

Help for guard dogs in need: breed characteristics

Herding protection dogs are usually abbreviated HSH; this stands for herding dogs with primarily protection and secondarily herding use dog qualities. This means that the protective function is primary in these dog breeds. They are not shepherd dogs, as their name might suggest. Sheepdogs – also called herding dogs – are meant to keep the flock together and work with the shepherd. HSH are bred to protect the flock from predators, thieves and other attackers even in the absence of the shepherd. Thus, it is genetically ingrained in their nature to remain calm but alert, and to react with lightning speed with defense in the face of danger. In doing so, they work largely independently, deciding on their own what does and does not pose a threat to their herd and territory.

Now, guard dogs cannot simply discard this thinking and behavior if they are suddenly kept as a pet and family dog. When they don’t have to guard a herd, they watch out for their caregivers and for their self-established territory. This can lead to problems, because a HSH considers everything he can overlook as his territory, so also the paths and the surroundings when walking, not only his own garden. He may already consider it a danger when a passer-by or another dog approaches – then he switches to defense mode. If the threats do not help, it can come to the worst case to the attack. A HSH that is not challenged enough and is not exercised can also develop a pronounced hunting instinct.

Herd protection dogs in distress: Beware of misunderstood animal protection

There are many different animal welfare organizations that pick up street dogs and other four-legged friends in need abroad, nurse them back to health and try to place them in Germany. This is an honorable activity and it is a great luck for the animals that there are such kind people. Unfortunately, some animal protectors go to work with a little too much naivety and too little expertise, other organizations are unserious and want to make a profit from the poor dogs.

The consequence of this can be that there are guard dogs in need or mixed breeds among the cold-blooded dogs, which are actually not at all suitable as family dogs or pets and cuddly animals. However, since most people are looking for a dog as a family member, these particular breeds are described by inexperienced animal brokers as being fond of children, people-oriented, sociable and friendly – thus raising false expectations. If the new owners realize that they are not up to the herding dog and have to give him away again, this is terrible for the animal. In this case, it might have been better off on the street.

When a guard dog is suitable for you.

You can find a selection with HSH breeds on the right side of this article. Don’t act too hastily and don’t let a cute HSH puppy “wrap you around its finger” if you want to help a dog in need. If you have no experience with guard dogs, another breed of dog is most likely a better fit for you. However, if you are familiar with the needs of these four-legged friends, that’s a good start. In addition, HSH are better off in the countryside in a sparsely populated area than in the city. Great is a very large garden with a dog fence that your guard dog can guard. It is ideal if you keep farm animals yourself that he can watch over. During walks, your HSH should always be on a leash, and the caregiver should ideally be strong and tall enough to hold the four-legged friend if his hunting or protective instincts overshoot the mark.

The Shiba Inu, like the Kishu, the Kai or Shikoku, is a typical Japanese dog breed. The nature of the Shiba Inu is temperamental, self-confident and lively, which is why it is not suitable for all dog owners. You can learn more about the nature and behavior of this great four-legged dog here.

The Shiba was declared a Japanese natural monument in 1937. No wonder that the handsome Asian is one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan, next to the Akita Inu. In this country, the rather small dog with a strong and well-proportioned body is not yet so well represented.

Nature of the Shiba Inu: Courageous, lively and self-confident

The nature of the Shiba Inu is very special. He is a very self-confident and spirited dog with a strong will of his own and a strong personality. The lines between independent and stubborn can easily become blurred, which may sometimes overwhelm one or two dog owners who are not consistent enough in their training. The right education for the Shiba is a consistent-loving – with harshness you usually do not get far with the occasionally rebellious four-legged friend. The Shiba also learns quickly and is very playful – so he can cut a fine figure as a family dog.

Behavior: Shiba needs to be challenged physically and mentally

The Shiba can have quite a dominant character. He does not think much of blind obedience, preferring to rely on his strong instincts and likes to go his own way. This does not mean that he is not affectionate. Quite the contrary, the Japanese loves his heart people above all else and always shows good watchdog qualities. He wants to play often and a lot and discover new things, which is why you should challenge him daily. Both physical and mental activity are also a must due to his strong hunting instinct and curiosity.

The Shiba Inu usually shows great motivation to cooperate, so you can make him happy by giving him tasks and playing dog games with him that best challenge both body and mind. In dog play as well as in solving tasks, the Shiba is a real bundle of energy. Depending on their character, most pelt-noses enjoy agility, search games, nose work and are happy to play with intelligence toys and learn dog tricks. If a Shiba is challenged in a manner appropriate to its species, it is – especially at home in the apartment – a very balanced and then also calm dog.

If you want to buy a Shiba Inu, you should be aware of the responsibility that comes with this wonderful four-legged friend from Japan. Basically, raising a Shiba is not easy, because the dog breed is very self-confident and independent and likes to go its own way. In terms of attitude, it is important that he is both physically and mentally species-appropriate workload.

The Shiba Inu has been a natural monument of Japan since 1937 – and quite rightly so. The Shiba is an exceptional cold-blooded dog that is not only handsome and clever, but has a strong canine character. However, the many positive traits of this small, athletic four-legged friend make it quite challenging to keep – something you should know if you’re looking to buy a Shiba Inu.

Buy Shiba Inu: Inform well in advance about attitude and education

It is best to buy a Shiba Inu only if you have informed yourself in advance about the individual requirements of this lively dog breed. Also in matters of education, experience is necessary. The dog training should be both consistent and affectionate, with harshness you will not get far with the sometimes stubborn dog. Basically, the Shiba prefers its own decisions to blind obedience. However, with a little tact and respect for the Japanese’s urge for freedom, you can become a very good team and have a lot of fun together.

Attitude of the Shiba: Physically and mentally exhausting

The Shiba is a relatively flexible dog that can adapt well to your circumstances and his living environment. He is very loyal to his heart people, wants to play a lot and above all be challenged physically and mentally. You should only buy a Shiba Inu if you can offer him enough time, attention and activity. In addition to lots of exercise and dog play, the Shiba also needs mental exercise, which you can provide with dog training and opportunities such as agility, nose work, search games or dog sports. In addition to the basic equipment such as dog leash, food bowl and Co, you should also think about the necessary dog toys: Intelligence toys, food toys, stimulus fishing rod and other forms of play occupation are gratefully received by the Shiba.

Care of the Shiba is little costly

The Shiba is not very susceptible to disease and is generally uncomplicated when it comes to its health. It is especially nice that the Shiba is a very clean dog, making little dirt. Fur care is also uncomplicated. The smart Japanese comes twice a year in the coat change and then simply needs to be thoroughly and regularly brushed or combed.

As a true outdoorsman, the Shiba prefers wind and weather to warmth and heated air. Summer heat is more of a problem for him with his thick coat than cold, with which he has no problems at all. Basically, you should move a lot in the fresh air with your Shiba. Tip: If you are in “wild” area on the way, a drag line with chest harness is advisable, because the Shiba has quite a lot of hunting instinct in the blood.

Nutrition of the Shiba is uncomplicated

The Shiba Inu as a dog breed is quite “unadulterated”, which also has a positive effect on the possibilities of dog nutrition. You can barf the Shiba without any problems, but also dry food and canned food he usually accepts without problems. In any case, make sure to give only high-quality dog food to keep the Shiba healthy and lively for a long time. Important: Always keep an eye on the right amount of dog food – the little Japanese tends to be overweight. If you have any questions about nutrition, consult a reputable dog breeder or the vet.

Buying Shiba Inu: Consider Shiba in need

If you want to buy a Shiba Inu puppy, it is best to contact the Shiba Club Deutschland e.V. – there you will find an overview of breeders of Shiba Inus registered with the VDH. It is important that you deal exclusively with reputable dog breeders. If you do not necessarily want to buy a Shiba Inu puppy, but also adult Shibas, contact “Shiba in Not” and get information from animal shelters or organizations that deal with the placement of this great dog.