Friday, January 12, 2024

πŸ• Hairless breeds get some love

"A dog reflects the family life. Whoever saw a frisky dog in a gloomy family, or a sad dog in a happy one? Snarling people have snarling dogs."
- Arthur Conan Doyle

 
Happy Friday! Here's the scoop: 
Did You Know...?
Joke: Why don't dogs use phones?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
Unique Hairless Dog Breeds
Hairless dog breeds definitely stand out amongst the crowd when they are out and about at the dog park. They are popular with families that don't wish to deal with vacuuming up stray hairs or visiting the groomer constantly. It's also a good option for those who might be allergic to dog hair (although this is not a fix if the allergy is due to dander and saliva).

If you aren't very familiar with hairless breeds, this list covers the ones recognized by the American Kennel Club, along with some others that could be grouped into this category. Check out these breeds if you think a hairless pup is the right fit for your family.

Hairless Breeds Recognized by the AKC
  • American Hairless Terrier - These small, affectionate, curious pups weigh between 12 and 16 pounds. They are native to Louisiana and love hot, humid weather. 
  • Xoloitzcuintli - Xolos are an ancient breed dating back to the Aztec empire. They are calm and loyal dogs. You can find them in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. They are one of the most expensive breeds out there.
  • Peruvian Inca Orchid - This breed is from Peru and was kept as a companion dog because of their attachment and loyalty to their humans. They are very energetic and need a lot of exercise. 
  • Chinese Crested - This sweet pup weighs in at 5-12 pounds. They have hairless bodies but typically have tufts of hair on their heads, paws, and tails, giving them a very unique and specific look.
Other Hairless Breeds
  • Hairless Chihuahua - These dogs are the same breed as regular Chihuahuas, but are missing hair due to a genetic mutation.
  • Abyssinian Sand Terrier - With a high activity level and a fearless attitude, these dogs are great for active families. They have big bat-like ears and tufts of hair on their heads and tails. It's believed these dogs used to roam Africa.
  • Argentine Pila Dog - These are descendants of either the Xolos or the Peruvian Inca Orchids. They make excellent watchdogs. 
  • Ecuadorian Hairless Dog - This is a rare breed, even in their home country of Ecuador. They need a lot of mental stimulation to keep happy and make excellent hunters.
  • Hairless Khala - This pup comes from Bolivia and can be found in two sizes, medio and grande. They are loyal and stubborn, but if they are trained early, they can be excellent family dogs.
  • Jonangi - This herding and hunting dog is from Eastern India and is nearly extinct. They are affectionate and active dogs, and come in a variety of colors. 
If one of these wonderful hairless breeds looks perfect for you, just make sure to read up on the maintenance for these pups. You'll have to find sensitive shampoo and apply dog-friendly sunscreen. They are missing the hair that protects their bodies, so you might need to help provide a little extra care. However, these unique and captivating pups are certainly worth the trouble! 
Image courtesy of PureWow
Willy Wonka-Inspired Dog Names
Wonka was released last month and instantly moved to the top of the movie charts. We know how much pop culture can influence dog names, especially when we're talking about Mr. Wonka, a magical creature filled with surprise and wonder. There are tons of great dog names influenced by this colorful universe. Here are a few options from the list:
  • Oompa
  • Augustus Gloop
  • Bucket
  • Charlie
  • Gobstopper
  • Veruca Salt
  • Slugworth
  • Snozzberry
Let us know if you have a pup named after a sugary snack or a Roald Dahl character!
Image courtesy of Unsplash
10 Ways Dogs Benefit Our Mental Health
Dogs are not just loyal companions; they also offer a myriad of mental health benefits, contributing to our overall well-being. Here are 10 ways in which these furry friends positively impact our mental health:
  1. Stress Reduction: The presence of a dog has been linked to lower stress levels. Their companionship and unconditional love create a calming effect, reducing cortisol, a stress hormone.

  2. Mood Enhancement: Interacting with dogs releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones. The joy and playfulness dogs bring elevate our mood and combat feelings of sadness or anxiety.

  3. Social Connection: Walking a dog or visiting dog parks fosters social interactions. Dogs serve as conversation starters, easing social anxiety and promoting a sense of community.

  4. Routine and Structure: Dogs thrive on routine, and this consistency can benefit owners as well. Establishing a daily routine with a dog can provide stability and a sense of purpose.

  5. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is crucial for mental health, and dogs naturally encourage physical activity through walks, play, and outdoor adventures.

  6. Reduced Loneliness: Dogs are constant companions, offering a source of companionship that alleviates feelings of loneliness. Their presence provides comfort, especially during solitary moments.

  7. Unconditional Love: Dogs love their owners unconditionally. This unwavering affection creates a strong emotional bond, fostering feelings of acceptance and love.

  8. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Spending time with a dog encourages mindfulness and living in the present moment. The simple act of petting a dog has a calming effect, promoting relaxation.

  9. Emotional Support: Dogs have an innate ability to sense their owner's emotions. They provide comfort and support during times of sadness, grief, or stress.

  10. Sense of Responsibility: Caring for a dog instills a sense of responsibility. This accountability promotes a structured lifestyle and can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with mental health challenges.

In essence, the profound connection between humans and dogs goes beyond companionship, positively influencing our mental health and enriching our lives in numerous ways.

Do More For Your Mental Health
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or something else, Talkspace is here to help.

Once you're matched with a Talkspace therapist your therapist will be available any time. Send your therapist a message whenever something is on your mind, or schedule a live virtual session to talk things through.

When you have a Talkspace therapist you can make mental health a part of your daily routine, no matter what's on your calendar, and easily and affordably fit mental health care in your lifestyle.

It's covered by major insurance plans—In fact, most insured members only pay a $25 copay or less—and affordable without insurance.

Get matched with your next therapist at Talkspace today.
Thanks to Talkspace for sponsoring The Daily Dig!
A Dog Sitter Exceeds All Expectations
All pet owners have struggled to find a dog sitter they trust and feel comfortable with. Skylar, a Whippet, seems to have struck gold with her dogsitter. When Skylar's parents went out of town, they received a video from James, the sitter, titled "Dog Story of a Man's Best Friend". This lovingly-crafted video truly makes all other dog sitters look like amateurs. How comforting it must be to receive this kind of update from the person you've left in charge of your canine child. 
Why You Should Start Your Day More Empowered
Starting your day empowered sets a positive tone for both you and your pup.

Establishing a morning routine that includes activities like morning walks or playtime not only benefits your physical health but also strengthens the bond with your furry friend.

The shared experience of an empowered morning fosters a sense of purpose and joy, boosting your mood and enhancing your pup's overall well-being.

This routine creates a harmonious environment, setting the stage for a day filled with positivity, productivity, and a deep connection between you and your canine companion.

For an extra boost of positivity to your daily routine, we recommend checking out The Newsette- a free daily newsletter that helps you start your day feeling empowered.

Their writers break down everything you need to know to start your day without the doom scrolling. Get your fix of beauty, financial wellness, trends, interview tips, relationship icks, and more.

Sign up for free here!
Thanks to The Newsette for sponsoring The Daily Dig. Sign up here!
❤️ Wags and Wisdom: Life Lessons from Our Dogs
We asked our Daily Dig readers to submit some of their favorite inspirational moments, brought to them courtesy of their pups. Check out this inspiring submission from Daily Dig reader Marie. 

🐾 Rescued Hearts: A Journey of Love and Loyalty
In Marie's family, every dog that has become a part of their lives has been a rescue. The immense love and comfort these dogs have provided have been a constant source of inspiration for Marie. These rescue dogs have served not only as pets, but as loyal companions and sources of solace in challenging times.

Motivated by the joy and devotion these dogs have brought, Marie and her family remain committed to rescuing and offering loving homes to more dogs in need, a testament to the profound impact of giving a rescue dog a loving family.

Thank you so much to Daily Dig reader, Marie, for this heartwarming story. For a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, reply to this email with your daily dose of dog inspiration.
 
Share Daily Dog Inspiration Here
A Little Treat:
  • ✅ Did You Know: Because they have their own "pup-to-pup" network.
  • 🐢 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs in the winter. This could be anything from your pup playing in the snow, to your pup cozily curled up inside. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
  • 🐱 A Famous Polish Street Cat Finds A Home: Poland's beloved feline celebrity, formerly known as Gacek (meaning long-eared bat in Polish), has embarked on a heartwarming journey of transformation. Once a resident of a box on Kaszubska Street in Szczecin, Gacek became...
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