Tag: safe dog toys

A dog breed with a rich history and personality, the Akita is treasured by an entire nation and the families it’s a part of. Find out more about this Japanese dog breed on the BestBullySticks Breed Spotlight.

History & Background: Originating from the island of Honshu in the region of Akita in Japan, the Akita Inu has lived a relatively unchanged life from its ancestors. In fact, the Akita is one of seven dog breeds considered a “Natural Monument.” In Japan, the Akita (natively pronounced AH-ki-ta instead of the Western version of a-KEE-ta) has been used in various capacities including police, military and guard dogs. This breed is also known for being a great hunting dog because of its “soft” mouth and ability to hunt in inclement weather.

Akitas were first brought to the US by Helen Keller in 1937 when the Japanese government gave Keller an Akita as a gift. This dog’s name was Kamikaze-go but sadly died shortly after Keller brought the dog back to the states. The dog’s brother was given as a gift in the next year and was named Kenzan-go. After WWII, many US Soldiers brought Akitas back to the states. Today, the original Japanese Akita and the American Akita are thought to be two separate breeds.

Height: Males: 26 to 28 inches; Females: 24 to 26 inches

Weight: Males: 100 to 145 pounds; Females: 80 to 120 pounds Read more

A classy Lassie. Literally. The Collie is a first-class breed that is hardworking, beautiful and a wonderful family pet. If you don’t already know about this wonderful breed, BestBullySticks.com is excited to share this great dog with you! Read more about the Collie in the Breed Spotlight below!

History & Background: Though it’s history is fuzzy, the modern Collie is a descendant of the reliable herding dogs used by Scottish and North English shepherds. The name “Collie” doesn’t have a definitive history either, but it’s thought the original word was “coll,” an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “black”. This breed became interesting to fanciers after the Industrial Revolution and then into a fashionable breed after Queen Victoria owned a Collie. Though the need for the Collie as a working dog died out, there is a revival of using this breed as a working and performance dog in the United States and UK.

The Collie has enjoyed plenty of fame outside of the show ring on the silver screen. Undoubtedly the most famous Collie is Lassie, the star of many tv shows and movies. Multiple dogs played Lassie, the first of which was named Pal and were owned by Rudd Weatherwax.

Height: Males, 22 to 26 inches; Females, 21 to 26 inches

Weight: Males, 45 to 75 pounds; Females 35 to 65 pounds

Coat: The fur coat of this Collie is of particular importance as it helps differentiate from other similar breeds. Sometimes called the Rough Collie, the long, harsh outer coat and highly dense, soft undercoat distinguishes this dog from its closely related Smooth Collie. A Collie’s coat is abundant everywhere except the head and legs and feathering appears on the back of the legs and tail.

Color: There are four standard colors for the Collie including

• Sable & White: Fawn color varying from light gold to dark mahogany. White markings on chest, neck, legs, feet and tip of the tail.
• Tri-color: Mostly black with white markings like the Sable & White coloring. Tan shading on head and legs.
• Blue Merle: A marbled blue/grey coat with black and white markings and tan shading.
• White: Mostly white with sable, tri or blue merle markings. Read more

Did you miss any of BestBullySticks.com BARK-tastic blogs this week?  If you did miss any of the Happy Doggy/Safe Playing/Holiday Baking/GWP/Secret Santa fun, catch up before Monday with all of this week's great BBS Blogs!

So snuggle up to your favorite pooch (or pooches) and read the BBS Healthy Dog Blog! Happy Weekend Reading! Click the links below to find out more about:

Tip #192: How To Have a Happier Dog • December is Safe Toys & Gift Month • Holiday Thumbprint Cookies Recipe • Breed Spotlight on the German Wirehaired Pointer • Find Santa Paws 10 Hidden Presents & Win Free Bully Sticks For A Year!

Also in your free time this weekend, check out our fun Pinterest Page! We've got TONS of great dog videos, adorable dog photos, funny dog photos, DIY dog project and more!

Your dog has lots of fun gifts and goodies headed his way this Holiday Season! BestBullySticks.com knows this gifting season is another great excuse to spoil your dog with awesome toys. But, do you know if these toys are really good for your dog? December is Safe Toy & Gifts Month and BBS wants to help raise awareness of what makes a truly good dog toy because we know what your four-legged friend means to you. Here are a few tips to remember to ensure the toys you buy you dog this Holiday are safe.

Quick Tips for A Safe Dogs Toy

Parts & Pieces – If a dog toy has small parts or construction that isn’t sturdy, these can quickly become choking hazards for your dog. Less is more—toys devoid of frills and decoration are likely to have fewer parts. Make sure your dog’s toy is durable and can withstand many hours of play.

Squeakers & Filling – Dogs can destruct a toy in a matter of minutes if it isn’t durable or they have a strong desire to play. Squeakers in toys can really get dogs going, but if left unsupervised, these can become dangerous. Filling in stuffed toys, whether beads or fluffy stuffing, can block your dog’s respiratory passages.

Size Matters – A large mouth and a small toy don’t mix. Your dog could inadvertently swallow a toy too small for their size. Match your dog’s size with their “prey,” such as a Labrador Retriever with a duck.

For Dogs Only – Giving your dog a toy that designed for them is important. Most toy makers realize the needs of your dog and the power of their jaws. Children’s toys can potentially be given to dogs if they are safe for children 3-years and older.

At BestBullySticks.com, we think that safe and fun can be one in the same, which is why we carry the safest and most fun dog toys around! Check out our entire dog toy line or go with a sure bet like a Planet Dog Ball, A Cheerful Pet Soft Dog Toys or a West Paw Dog Toy are sure to keep your dog entertained for years to come. 

What’s a dog’s favorite thing to do other than eating and sleeping? (And maybe belly rubs?...) PLAYING! Your dog’s energy level and tenacity while playing can be quite amazing. Best Bully Sticks knows nothing gets between your dog and his toys, but sometimes that means destruction. Dog playtime can get a little messy and sometimes dangerous with stuffing and bits of plastic.

Best Bully Sticks has a ton of great environmentally friendly dog toys to share with dogs everywhere. We don’t just carry any willy-nilly toy on our site and our most recent addition to the toy line is definitely Grade A! Check out Ruff Dawg Rubber Dog Toys! Whether you have a sheltie or a shepherd, a boxer or a bichon-frise, Ruff Dawg has the right toy for your dog. These 100% superior-grade, rubber-retrieving toys are made in the USA and are great for any size pooch. Founded in 1999 by dog enthusiasts, Ruff Dawg is your source for premium dog toys.

BBS carries a Ruff Dawg becaue we know you want to give your dog a great playtime, while still being economical and environmentally friendly. We take all the guess work out finding that perfect toy by offering Ruff Dawg.

Ruff Dawg’s Fetch Ball comes in vibrant colors and we offer two sizes for dogs above and below 60 pounds. The regular Fetch Ball measure 2.5” in diameter and the XL Fetch Ball measures 3.5” in diamter.  Both of these great balls float in water, are near indestructible and might just become your dog’s favorite ball!

Ruff Dawg Toy Bones come in three sizes to fit your dog—Mini (3”), Regular (5”) and XL (9”). These bone-shaped rubber toys are great fetch and pull toys that are truly tough! However, these bones are a play toy, not a chew toy.

Flying Fish and Minnows are great water retrieval toys for your dog! The brightly colored, fish-shaped toys are floatable and fun! The Flying Fish is the large version for a bigger pup and the minnow is the small variety. These fish even include a hole to attach a rope for easier retrieval for you!

For the ultimate way to “catch some air” try out Ruff Dawgs line of K-9 Flyers! These flying discs are flexible rubber that come in vivid color combinations and really soar. If your dog is a Frisbee lover, then this toy will easily become his favorite and longest lasting disc ever! K-9 Flyers come in standard sizes as well as a Junior size for smaller pups.

Just to prove how tough these toys are, especially the K-9 Flyer, check out this amazing video! Three dogs taking on 1 K-9 flyer? Does this Ruff Dawg toy have what it takes?

Check out the rest of the Ruff Dawg line including Rocks, Supertugs, Fetch Sticks, Fetch Twigs and more at Best Bully Sticks.com! We even have a complete line of Frisbees for Dogs!