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The Norwegian Lundehund has several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog, including six toes on each foot, ears that fold closed, forward, and backward at will, and the ability to tip their head backwards until it touches their back bone, said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. These physical traits all helped the breed perform its original job as a Puffin hunter. When the bird became a protected species in the 1800s, the breed numbers dwindled. They were saved from near-extinction after World War II in Norway, Peterson said, but their numbers today remain limited. Today, Peterson says their even temperament, small size and charming personality makes them a wonderful, easy-to-live-with pet.,Looking to expand your pet family with a rare breed of dog? We’ve asked an expert at the American Kennel Club to share ten lesser-known breeds with a bit of information on how they originated.

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It’s no secret that you love your pet, and why shouldn’t you? Love Your Pet Day is a whole day devoted to celebrating this unbreakable bond. “Pets provide their owners with unconditional love… and this can improve one’s quality of life in many ways,” notes Dr. Rachel Barrack of Animal Acupuncture. Pets work hard to make us laugh, play, relax and calm down when we’re stressed out. Some pets even have professional jobs doing this sort of stuff. And even if your dog isn’t in the service animal profession, surely your little furball is a multitasker who single-pawedly takes on a number of daily jobs just to make your life better. Door Greeter: You never know what the day might bring, but one thing you can count on is an enthusiastic greeting at the end of it. Whether it’s out-of-control tail wagging dog behavior, welcome home hops from your bunny, a happy chirp from your bird or fervent head butting in a show of cat love, there’s always someone who’s happy you’re home. Comedian: Pets are always willing to embarrass themselves and pull risky stunts just to get a smile out of us. How many times has your cat squished herself into a tiny box or ridden the Roomba just to get a chuckle? If you’re a chinchilla lover, you probably have more than one video of him flipping and spinning in his dust bath or bouncing off walls when he’s popcorning. And dogs? They’re comedians by nature. For Love Your Pet Day, you can show how much you love your pet jokesters by giving him something fun like Super Catnip Crazy Pants or the Silly Sandwich toy. Therapist: When you’re feeling blue, there’s nothing better than petting or talking to your pet. They might not know what you’re saying, but their sixth sense puts them in tune with your mood. Rosalind Sedacca, Divorce and Parenting Coach, author, and founder of the Child-Centered Divorce Network, explains that pets offer kids and adults “unconditional love, nurturing and comfort… as they move through tension, anxiety and grief.” They do what they can to lift your spirits, and they lend “an appreciative ear when you want to vent or shed tears.” Heart and Lap Warmer: Lap warmers bring a special kind of dog love or cat love by reminding you to take time to relax. “Interacting with pets has also been shown to reduce stress and even blood pressure levels,” says Dr. Barrack. Their calming powers help relieve anxiety and regulate your heart rate. When a pet’s curled up in your lap, it’s the perfect time for your daily meditation. Plus, you’ll save tons of money on throws, hot water bottles and Snuggies. If your pet is the one who’s a nervous Nellie, he might enjoy a Bug Eyes toy for Love Your Pet Day, and it’s sure to make you laugh, too. Social Life Manager: Having a pet means you’re instantly part of the pet parent club—a whole network of likeminded animal lovers. Dr. Barrack agrees that “pets can encourage owners to interact with more people,” whether it’s online or at the dog park, “because who doesn’t love meeting a cute dog or cat?!” Even if you’re a lone wolf, pets offer friendship with no strings attached. It’s like having a best buddy who always has time to spend with you and never gives you side-eye for a lapse in judgment. As a fun Love Your Pet Day activity, schedule a play date with a neighbor. Life Coach: Sure, you can teach your Parrot to dance or your dog to shake hands, but pets teach us so much more. These full-time life coaches help kids learn about responsibilities, which can build confidence. And adults and children alike can learn a thing or two about patience and commitment from caring for a pet. Pets can also help you navigate all sorts of life challenges by providing stability and love with no strings attached. Personal Trainer: Pets make the perfect exercise partners, and they give you a reason to get out of the house and get moving. As Dr. Barrack remarks, “owning a dog forces someone to be more active.” Most pets need regular physical activity for their pet health, and it’s up to you to take them for walks or runs and to make the most of playtime. For Love Your Pet Day, try out a new toy like a Jolly Ballhorse toy, Cat Charmer teaser toy or Ultra Ball fetch toy. Work Assistant: “Many companies allow pets in the workplace, as employers believe it helps reduce stress and encourage interactions between coworkers,” says Dr. Barrack. We’ve got tons of canine and feline help here in the Chewy office, so we definitely know the value of pets at work. They keep morale strong and help you stay calm so you can be a real problem solver. Plus they help rearrange all your important papers (even without you having to ask), keep meetings from getting boring and make excellent keyboard covers. High-Profile Models: As exclusive models for your social media accounts, your pets are always willing to strike a pose. Some of them don’t even have to try—they’re naturals! And of course, everyone needs to see that cute thing they just did, especially on Love Your Pet Day. Be sure to get the Polo Dog Shirt for your next photo shoot for an extra dose of cuteness. Well, it’s time to shower your best bud with love and appreciation for all of their hard work. Perhaps it calls for a special new toy or treat. But don’t just limit it to a day—find little ways to make every day Love Your Pet Day!

When puppies are born, the mother of the puppies usually keeps them clean by licking and grooming them. But once the puppies start moving around or away from their mom, they may need a little extra help staying clean. From poop to dirt, it’s pretty easy for a puppy to get dirty. Most times, all you need to do is sponge them off with a warm moist washcloth or use disposable wipes. But sometimes, only a bath will do.

At the risk of stating the obvious, grain-free dog food does not contain grain. If you look at the ingredient list printed on the pet food label, you should not see wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, or rye.  But grain-free is not the same as carbohydrate-free. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for dogs and are a necessary part of dry dog foods. (They help hold the kibble together.) In grain-free dog foods, ingredients like potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, beans, and lentils are included as sources of carbohydrates.  Another common misconception is that grain-free dog food is also high-protein dog food. This isn’t necessarily the case. Other ingredients (meat and meat meals, for example) play a bigger role in determining a dog food’s protein content. To compare dog food protein levels, look at the guaranteed analysis printed on the pet food label. ,Providing good nutrition is essential if a dog is going to be healthy and happy. But with so many dog food options to pick from, how do you know if you’re making good choices?   Let’s look at the pros and cons of an increasingly popular dog diet: grain-free dog food.    Speak with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.