Archive for May 2012

The Komondor truly has a commanding presence. A unique looking, intelligent and fiercely loyal dog, Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight will take a look at what makes this strong-willed and strong-bodied dog tick. With origins in Asia and Eastern Europe, the Komondor is an interesting read!

History & Background: The name Komondor comes from phrase “Koman-dor” meaning “Dog of the Cumans” in the language of the Cumans, a migratory, light skinned and haired people. The Komondor has a common ancestry with Tibetan dogs. The Cuman people were pushed out of Asia around 900 during the Mongol conquest. The Cuman people finally found refuge and settled around 1200 in Hungary.

This large breed was used not as a livestock herder, but a livestock guard dog for large sheep and cattle. Their duty as guard dog to these animals came mostly without human prompting. Komondors were so revered in Cuman culture that their remains have been found in gravesites. These dogs are now a national Hungarian treasure and are being preserved so no sullying or modification happens to this breed. This breed began to spread around the world in the 1920s and started appearing in dog shows. This dog is still a favorite in the show ring and was recognized by the AKC in 1937. Today this dog is known as the “Hungarian Komondor” or “Hungarian Sheepdog.”

Height: Males: 27.5 inches minimum height, 31.5 inches average height; Females: 25.5 inches minimum height, 27.5 inches average height

Weight:  Males average 110–132 lbs, Females average 88–110 lbs Read more

Imagine this: A warm, fresh, pie that just come from the oven, cooling in a windowsill.  You can almost smell it and taste it, right?  Best Bully Sticks knows that it’s almost un-American to not like pie! We also think that Fido shouldn’t miss out! That’s why this week we’re riding on the coattails of Memorial Day once again and bringing your pups an All-American Treat! Fresh from our friend Doggy Dessert Chef, Best Bully Sticks gives you Blueberry Pie Dog Treats.

Ingredients

1 cup Blueberries
1 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Eggs
1/2 cup Milk
2 tablespoons Butter (room temperature)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

3. In a large bowl combine the butter with the milk, eggs and lemon juice until well blended.

4. In another bowl mix the whole-wheat flour and cinnamon then add to wet mix.

5. Once all ingredients are combined fold in blueberries until well mixed.

6. Drop the dough in 1 tablespoon mounds 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before serving and refrigerate.

Thanks Doggy Dessert Chef! Now we can share the blueberry pie goodness with our favorite pups! Check out all of BBS's Weekly Drool Recipes! 

Memorial Day is over, but Best Bully Sticks thinks honoring our soldiers shouldn’t be confined to just a few days a year. That’s why BBS is dedicating this post to a particular set of soldiers that are dear to our hearts: Military Working Dogs, or MWDs.

Jobs of Military Working Dogs
Dogs have been a part of military efforts in every society dating back to the Ancient Romans. However, the United States Military first formally trained dogs for service during WWII. Today many military bases include Canine Training Facilities that put dogs though a myriad of tasks to prepare them to fill certain rolls in military.  Some of these include roles as sentries, trackers, bomb and drug detection and dogs even go on rescue or reconnaissance missions. There are even dogs who jump out of planes!

Even the most high-ranking officials agree, the role MWD’s fill is irreplaceable. General David H. Petraeus said, “The capability they (Military Working Dogs) bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine. By all measures of performance their yield outperforms any asset we have in our inventory. Our Army (and military) would be remiss if we failed to invest more in this incredibly valuable resource.”

Breeds & Their Training
In 1942 when dogs first began training for military service, several breeds were trained and included Airedale Terriers, German Short Haired Pointers, Norwegian Elkhounds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Standard Poodles, Dalmatians, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, Bull Mastiffs, Collies and more!

In today’s military training, there are three preferred breeds: German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds and Belgium Malinois. These breeds are used because they have been seen as the most versatile over the years. Once the dogs are selected for service, they are taken to Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. When they pass Basic Training, they move on to their Advanced Training facilities in different parts of the country. Advanced Training continues in the vein the dogs are best suited for and becomes specific to the mission of the military.

"One of the great things about our training is, we never take the dog out of the dog. We train them to do what they want to do," Fort Bliss Kennel Master, SFC James Allred explained. "We want each dog to maintain his individuality. Handlers have to understand the dog. We manipulate the behavior of the dog. For detection, to get a dog to respond, we use toys as a training incentive. The dog will work because if he finds what he is supposed to find, he'll get rewarded. Then the dog gets what he wants."

Two Soldiers, One Bond
In training, a MWD and a solider are paired for service. The soldier and dog go through training, training evaluations and then are sent out into the field. When in a combat zone or any other mission, the two soldiers stay together. Even if a dog gets sick or hurt, both the handler and dog come home. They are never separated. Even when MWDs retire, a current or previous handler usually adopts them. It’s a crucial and powerful bond that can’t be broken. 

Honoring All Military Related Dogs
There are a number of organizations that support military dogs in all facets.

“Adopted” Stray Dogs From Combat Zones
Puppy Rescue Mission
Nowzad

Dog Foster Services for Deployed Soldiers
Military Pets Foster Project

Military Working Dogs Support & Adoptions
Support Military Working Dogs
Operation Military Care K-9
Military Working Dog Adoptions
Save-A-Vet
K-9 Pride

Dogs are truly amazing in all they can do and dog owners are thankful for the joy they bring into families and lives. However, we must remember we also owe them a debt of thanks and gratitude, because after all, some of these dogs are out in the field of combat.  

Break out the sprinklers, the grill and the checkered tablecloths! Best Bully Sticks wants to say, “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!” Families around the nation gather to remember those service men and women who gave their lives to maintain our national freedoms as well as enjoy the company of those who are closest to us. That tight-knit group includes your dog, too! While you enjoy your Memorial Day, as well as a good burger, don’t forget to let Fido join the fun! BBS will be taking you through some past editions of the Healthy Dog Blog’s safety tips to keep your favorite pup safe while enjoying your Memorial Day festivities!

1. Don’t Share Food! There are lots of human foods that aren’t good for you dog, and while you may want to treat your pup, that treat may not be good to him. Make sure you keep all food and alcoholic beverages out of Fido’s reach.

2. Keep Fresh Water Available! Fresh water is essential to keeping your dog’s internal temperature down on a potentially hot Memorial Day. No matter where you are having your Memorial Day fun, make sure fresh water is available for your dog. Best Bully Sticks makes this easy with the Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain, or if you’re on the go, the Handi-Drink Portable Bottle/Bowl is a great travel-friendly alternative.

3. Memorial Day Travel with Fido! If you have Memorial Day plans down the street, across town or half a country away and decide to take your dog, make sure you’re keeping your pup safe in the car. But most importantly, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR!  BBS wants to offer some great tips for keeping your dog safe on the road. Read our Road Trip Dog Care Safety post to learn more! Read more

Defining the perfect family dog is hard, but this week’s Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight might come close. A historical European breed, the Ibizan Hound has been a family hunting dog for ages. Find out more about this beautiful and affectionate breed below!

History & Background: The Ibizan Hound (pronounced I-bee-zan" or "I-beeth-an) originated from Eivissa, or Ibiza, approximately 80 miles off the coast of Spain. The first name for this unique looking dog was Podenco Ibicenco.  This hound was used for its speed in hunting rabbits for itself and the farming families of this small island. This hound is similar to the Pharaoh Hound, the Cirneco dell'Etna, the Portuguese Podengo, and the Podenco Canario, all of whom have ancient roots. Depictions of an Ibizan-type dog are seen on the walls of ancient tombs dating back to 3400 B.C. and it’s thought the Phoenicians brought these Egyptian dogs to Ibiza.

Height: 22-29 inches

Weight: 45-65 pounds

Coat: Ibizan’s have two coat variations: short and wire-haired. The short coat is more common and just that: short. This coat is shortest on the head and ears and then lengthens on the back of the thighs. A wire-haired Ibizan’s coat can range from 1 to 3 inches and can have a mustache as well. This coat variety finds more hair on the back, back of the thighs and tail. The texture of both varieties are hard in texture.  Read more