Frequently Asked Questions

A: There are dogs you can carry with you as a constant companion. They are perfect for cuddling on the couch, carried in your arms, or toted about in a purse or satchel. These pint-sized pups are easy to take with you at under ten pounds. Don’t worry, their small size doesn’t mean small personality. Pint Sized Dogs You Can Carry with You Yorkshire Terrier – Ranked number 13 on the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular Dogs List. Yorkies are true terriers in temperament although not more than 7 pounds. This hypo-allergenic breed became popular among the fashionable in the late 1880s. They are still the most popular of the terrier breeds and make wonderful family dogs as they are good with young children. Yorkshire Terrier Pomeranian – Ranked number 23. Mostly fur, Pomeranians weigh less than seven pounds and stand a mere six inches tall. They make wonderful companions and are easily trained. They make good family pets with older children and love to play. Pomeranian Chihuahua – Ranked number 34, Chihuahuas have either a long or a smooth coat. Both need to wear a coat or sweater in the colder months to stay warm. This is a small dog with a big dog personality and training is required to keep them in line. They do not do well with small children, but are good family and companion dogs. Long Haired Chihuahua Papillion – Ranked number 53, this breed is great for families with children. Although a small, ten-pound dog, they are robust and athletic. They are distinguishable by their wing-like ears they are named for. Papillion is French for butterfly. Papillion Japanese Chin – Ranked number 111, the Chin has a mane around its neck, a short muzzle, a tail gracefully arched over its back and fluffy tufts on its back legs. The breed was refined in the 17th and 18th centuries by Japanese nobles. They are loving family dogs and do well with older children. Japanese Chin Any of these breeds would make an adorable purse pet. These dogs you can carry with you are small in size and big on personality. Each has its own unique facets and traits. When considering a new pet, do your research and choose the right dog for your lifestyle and home. It will make your pet parenthood more successful and enjoyable in the end.

A: The Labrador Retriever is America’s most popular dog breed for over twenty-five years. This is easily understandable due to their friendly, sociable nature. Labradors are loving family dogs connecting with everyone in the family. They get along well with others in general, people and canines alike. Yellow Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever Traits Labrador Retrievers stand between 21 and 24 inches tall and weigh between fifty to seventy-five pounds. Although some males have weighed in over 100 pounds! Depending on their size, they are considered a medium to large dog. Their short, thick coat comes in black, yellow, and chocolate. This water-repellant double coat sheds so they should be brushed regularly and require only an occasional bath. Regular nail trimming and teeth brushing is necessary as well to maintain proper hygiene. The Labrador Retriever is high energy and strong. To instill good habits, socialize and train your dog from puppyhood. Labs require a good deal of exercise and playtime to remain physically and mentally fit. They need a lot of exercise every day and their favorites are swimming and retrieving. They are a good fit for canine sports like agility, tracking and obedience. While Labs are great companion animals they were originally bred as working dogs. This breed is regularly used in search and rescue, drug and bomb detection, and as service and assistance animals. They also make great hunting dogs. Three Black Labrador Retrievers on Dock While there is only one breed standard for the Labrador Retriever, there are two recognized types of Labrador Retrievers. There is the English Labrador, bred for show or conformation, and the American Labrador, bred for work and field trials. These differences are easy to see when placed next to each other. Compared to an American Labrador, the English Lab has a more substantial look about them. They are stockier, with barrel chests, a wider head, and a shorter muzzle. The neck is thicker to support the wider head and barrel chest. The tail is thicker, wider, and straighter than their American counterparts. Their legs are shorter and, hence, do not stand quite as tall. Bred for show, they are typically closer to the breed standards than the American Labs. In contrast, the American Labrador has a slimmer, more lithe and agile body frame. The face is narrower and their muzzle longer. They have a thinner coat and the tail tends to have a slight curl. They have longer legs and stand a little taller, up to 24 inches at the shoulder. These dogs are bred for their working ability and less to match the breed standards for show. There is also a difference in energy level, temperament, and overall disposition. The American Lab tends to be more high energy, needing constant activity to keep them occupied. This need to stay busy can lead to anxiety if not properly channeled. They tend to be more stubborn than their English brothers and more difficult to train. The American type makes a better working dog and the English Lab, with its mellower disposition, generally makes a better family dog. No matter the type of Lab, this breed is a favorite among dog owners for their good nature and love of human companionship. They are eager to please and make wonderful service dogs. Loyal and devoted to their humans, Labradors love to be part of a family. Depending on your dog’s size, you will need a large or possibly an extra-large PlexiDor Dog Door to allow your active companion access to the backyard on their terms. Our doors come with a 90-day money back guarantee and a 5 or 10-year warranty depending on style of door. Contact us or call 888-PET-DOOR for more information.

A: June is adopt a shelter cat month, and this is not a coincidence. During spring and summer, overwhelming numbers of homeless kitties arrive at shelters, and they all need homes. The Watauga Humane Society has done some calculations, and one un-spayed female cat together with one un-neutered male cat can - together with their offspring - produce 420,000 kittens in just seven years. There are many cats needing home, and if you adopt one you don't only get great company for yourself; you save a life. So, what should you think about if you're planning to adopt a cat? Maybe you should take two? If you're considering adopting a cat, think about taking two. Cats are social, they need exercise, and they need mental stimulation. If you have two cats they'll entertain each other. This makes it easier on you, and you get twice the purring, cuddling, and other kit tie benefits. Consider the cat's personality Just like people, cats have different personalities, and it's important that you match. Do you want an easygoing kitty, or an active one? Shelters and rescue groups have all kinds of cats. Do you want a playful and energetic kitten or a senior who's happy to nap? Make a budget and stock up on supplies All pets cost money, and cats aren't an exception. When you adopt, the cat might already be vaccinated, microchipped, spayed, or neutered, and  this is a great saving. But you still have to think about vet visits, litter box, cat litter, food, toys, scratching posts, bed, grooming, food bowl, and water bowl. It's a great idea to have everything in place before kitty arrives, so he or she can feet welcome and at home. Plan and kitty-proof your home Cats are like children in many ways, and they get into stuff. It's difficult to predict what will look like a great toy. You might want to put expensive decorations away for a while, until you and kitty get used to each other and figure things out. Make sure you don't have loose things lying around the cat can accidentally swallow, keep food put away, and keep an eye on electrical cords. Kittens who don't know better might try to play with them or even chew them. Plan where you want to put the cat's food and water bowls, and where to put the litter box. Many put it in a bathroom, closet, or laundry room, but that means that the door needs to be open all the time so the cat can get in and out. This isn't always a feasible option, and we've seen some creative cat owners who put a PlexiDor cat door in the door to the laundry room or similar to allow kitty access while being able to close the human size door. Take it slow It will take your new furry friend a while to relax and settle in. Give him or her some time to get used to the new surroundings and new people.

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