| | | | | "Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he's owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes."
- Gene Hill
| | Happy Tuesday! Here's the scoop: - How accurate are DNA tests for dogs?
- A few rare dog breeds you may not have heard of
- Is your dog in a happy mood?
- How to make a DIY no-sew dog bow
- How to save on dog grooming + credit card tips
| | Did You Know...?
True or False: There is a sheep-herding dog in Italy that has a secret bloodline.
(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!) | | | Are Doggy DNA Tests Accurate?
Over the last few years, it's become very popular to test your dog's DNA. Whether you've adopted a dog or you're curious about health stats for your pup, these tests say they can provide you with additional information with a quick swab in their mouth. In 2022, the market brought in about $235 million. So, how accurate are these tests, and what exactly do they tell you? Let's dive in.
The tests can be ordered online, or your vet can perform them. Once you have the kit, you just collect a quick sample of saliva using the materials provided. Ship the box back and wait for the results. The information usually includes the specific breeds and what percentage they make up for your dog, family tree information, and some insights into potential genetic health conditions.
Although it's impossible for the tests to be 100% accurate, most companies claim that they are more than 90% accurate. Two of the most popular are the Embark Dog DNA Test and the Wisdom Panel. When deciding, you should pick a company that uses many genetic markers. These top companies use thousands and partner with research universities. Those will be the most accurate in the results. | | Rare Dog Breeds You Probably Don't Know About
When you receive your dog's DNA results, you might find a few surprises in their breed makeup. There are some breeds that most people have never even heard of. Here are a few of the rarest breeds in the world: - Lagotto Romagnolo - This Italian breed is known for hunting truffles even though their name means "water dog" in Italian.
- Sloughi - Nicknamed the "Arabian greyhound," this is one of the fastest dog breeds in existence.
- Kai Ken - This Japanese breed has a beautiful brindle coat and is a national treasure of Japan.
- Australian kelpie - As one of the best sheep herding dogs, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation as family dogs.
- Bavarian mountain scent hound - These pups need an experienced owner, but they have a superior tracking ability.
- Estrela mountain dog - This is an extremely old breed from Portugal and makes a great family companion.
- Thai ridgeback - You'll rarely see this breed outside of Thailand, and they have a history of protecting families from cobras.
- Norwegian Lundehund - This is the only breed ever created to hunt puffins, which are now a protected species. Fun fact: these pups have six toes on each foot instead of four.
- Bergamasco sheepdog - This pup looks like it is wearing a mop. Their hair gets woven together into flat layers that cover their bodies. They love a little independence, but they are calm guardians.
- Pyrenean shepherd - This is one of the longest-living breeds. They love all sports and become easily attached to their families.
If you want more rare breeds, you can check out another dozen on this list. If one of these pops up on your dog's DNA results, you're in the minority and that's pretty incredible. | | 5 Ways To Tell Your Dog Is Happy -
Tail Wagging: A wagging tail is often a clear indicator of happiness in dogs. A loose and relaxed wag, where the tail wags from side to side or in a circular motion, usually signifies joy. However, the speed and intensity of the wag can vary depending on the dog's personality and breed. -
Playfulness: Happy dogs are often playful and energetic. They might engage in play bows, where they lower their front legs while keeping their rear end up, inviting you or other dogs to play. They may also bring toys, play tug-of-war, or initiate chase games with you. -
Relaxed Body Language: A content dog typically exhibits relaxed body language. They may have a loose posture with their weight evenly distributed on all four legs. Their ears may be in a neutral or slightly forward position, and their mouth may be slightly open with a relaxed expression. Additionally, they might exhibit a relaxed, open-mouthed pant. -
Eager Appetite: Happy dogs usually have a healthy appetite. They may eagerly approach their food bowl, wagging their tail or even doing a little dance. A dog that eagerly eats treats or food is often indicating their happiness and satisfaction. -
Affectionate Behavior: Dogs show affection in various ways when they're happy. They may lean against you, nuzzle your hand, or give you gentle licks. Some dogs may even roll over onto their backs, exposing their belly, which is a sign of trust and comfort. | | Boost Your Mood!
If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That's why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye. Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a "joint within a gummy" that's extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body's endocannabinoid system. Although this system was discovered in the 1990's, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes! | | | Thank you to Mood for sponsoring The Daily Dig. | | Dress Up Your Pup for Any Occasion
Nothing dresses up an outfit like putting a bow on it. If you have a special occasion or want your dog to enjoy a special outfit for the season, this simple no-sew bow DIY project would be perfect to allow you to make something custom for your pup.
DIY No-Sew Bow Tie
You'll need: fabric scissors, any fabric of your choosing, thick ribbon, and velcro squares with adjective backing - Measure your dog's neck or collar size and trim the ribbon to match.
- Cut the fabric to a 4x9-inch size. If your dog is a very large breed, you might want to size up a bit.
- Fold in the top and bottom sides and overlap them slightly.
- Fold in the two sides. Choose how much you want to overlap based on the desired bow size.
- Cut a skinny strip of fabric to 2x5 inches. This needs to be long enough to tie.
- Pinch the center of the folded ribbon with your fingers to create the bow shape.
- Tie the skinny piece of fabric around that center and tie a secure knot. Trim any excess fabric.
- Add a velcro square to the left side of the ribbon and add another one to the back of the bow.
- Stick the bow to the center of the ribbon and attach the ends together.
Your pup is ready to party. Make sure to send us a photo of them dressed up in their finest bow tie. It's perfect for a wedding, a photo shoot, or a nice Sunday stroll around the block. Every pup deserves a fancy accessory in their wardrobe. | | How To Save On Dog Grooming -
Regular Brushing: Invest in a good quality brush suitable for your dog's coat type and establish a regular brushing routine. This helps prevent mats and reduces the need for professional grooming sessions. -
DIY Bathing: Instead of frequent trips to the groomer for baths, consider bathing your dog at home using dog-specific shampoos. Ensure you rinse thoroughly and dry them completely to avoid skin issues. -
Trimming Nails at Home: Learn how to trim your dog's nails safely at home. Invest in quality nail clippers designed for dogs and take your time to avoid cutting the quick. -
Basic Grooming Tools: Purchase basic grooming tools such as a slicker brush, comb, nail clippers, and ear cleaning solution. With proper tools and techniques, you can handle many grooming tasks at home. -
Pet Grooming Courses: Consider attending pet grooming courses or workshops to learn basic grooming techniques. This investment can save you money in the long run by reducing reliance on professional groomers. -
Maintain Dental Health: Regularly brush your dog's teeth using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by your vet. Good dental hygiene can prevent costly dental issues down the road. -
Shop Smart: Look for discounts, deals, and bulk-buy options when purchasing grooming supplies. You can also compare prices between different stores or consider buying online for better deals. -
Preventative Care: Keep up with preventative care such as flea and tick control and regular vet check-ups. Preventing health issues can save you money on potential grooming treatments for skin problems. By incorporating these tips into your dog grooming routine, you can effectively save money while still keeping your furry friend looking and feeling their best. | | Hands Down Some of the Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster?
Yes, it sounds crazy. But it's true. The secret: Find a card with a "0% intro APR" period for balance transfers. Then, transfer your debt balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period. No interest means you could pay off the debt faster.
Check out the full list of cards you can use to do this here. | | | Thank you to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring The Daily Dig. | | A Little Treat: - ✅ Did You Know: True! The shepherds in the Italian Alps were so secretive about the Bergamasco, a sheep-herding dog, that they kept its bloodlines a secret.
- 🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is paws in summer. Showcase your pup's favorite summertime activity, whether that be napping in the sun, playing in the pool, or hanging out with a buddy. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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