Many Boulderites believe that a dog adopted/rescued from a humane society shelter understands that they were rescued, and display gratitude. Anthropomorphizing is always  suspect, especially with me. I also am confident that I have seen this phenomenon repeatedly, and I know others report the same thing. Our neighbor’s pup, Max, is a two year old German Shepherd–Black Labrador mix. He is a lover, a sweetheart, and a great neighbor! When he was first brought to his new home he was a tad rambunctious. He was a jumper, and although always loving and friendly, because of his size and... Read More

What IS a mutt? It is a mix of two or more breeds. So it is a moving target. Today’s mixed breed is tomorrow’s new breed. A great example is the Leonberger. The Leonberger dog breed was created in the 1840s to resemble the lion of the Leonberg town crest. It is a cross between a Newfoundland and St Bernard, and a backcross to a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. So what was once a mutt is now an official AKC breed! Today’s word of the day is “heterosis.” That’s a great word that means “mutts really are more robust than pure-bred dogs.” The Leonberger... Read More

Our AboutBoulder mascot Fido, for Fido Friday, has invited FANG, from Harry Potter’s world, to join us. FANG is a Neapolitan Mastiff. FANG Of Harry Potter Fame Is A Neapolitan Mastiff. They can be 150-200 pounds, 90 kilograms. The Neapolitan Mastiff, known for its impressive size and distinctive wrinkled skin, is a breed that commands attention and respect. Originating from Italy, these dogs are renowned for their protective instincts and loyal nature, making them excellent guardians for their families. Typically weighing between 110 to 150 pounds, they possess a muscular build under... Read More

We know I am a tad crazy. Along that train of thought, today’s Featured Dog is a pair of GOATS! I suppose that since Rocky Mountain Goats are not goats at all, but are instead bovines, it makes sense that a pair of goats could substitute for a dog, at least for a Thursday! Why am I talking about goats? Because Thor’s chariot was pulled by a pair of goats! Why am I blogging about goats under the “Featured Dog” blog? Well, why not? Are any Norse Gods associated with particular dog breeds? The answer is “no,” but the answer contains some great surprises! The one... Read More

Seeing Eye-dogs, or guide dogs, have always fascinated me, and I suspect have also fascinated many of my fellow Boulderites. Their work seems impossible. The training is inconceivable. All in all, while the end result is wonderful, it is quite obvious that this is all fiction. It is of course IMPOSSIBLE to really train a dog to do what a guide dog for a sight impaired person would have to do. There is of course one rather barking problem. Guide dogs DO exist. Seeing Eye-dogs actually exist, really do their job, and as a working dog group goes, belongs to one of the most impressive of the workers. Seeing... Read More

Rumored to be the smartest of the breeds, and of course right at home in Boulder, are the Border Collies. On my list of favorites dogs of all time, Falkor was a border collie mutt from the Longmont Humane Society. May she herd in peace. Her herding instincts were so strong that if any animal of any variety was in our yard, it became an instant part of Falkor’s herd and part of her responsibility. Even the small snakes found no respite. Falkor would put a paw on one end to hold the snake down and groom the hapless reptile. The snakes hated it. On the other hand “Water Lilly,” a... Read More

I am happy to share that we’re headed to see Boulder‘s Own Lady Buffs play USC this afternoon. However, that limits my time window for writing this Featured Dog blog. So I figured out that I just have to write about a short dog. In fact, about the SHORTEST DOG! Hint: Fido approves.  Apparently the shortest-on-average dog is our own Chihuahua! Our Official Dog Mascot, Fido, approves of this re-visiting of the generally shortest dog. The Chihuahua Is Short In Stature And Tall In Love. Chihuahuas are known for their small size, with an average height of about 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23... Read More

It should come as no surprise to any Boulderite that Boulder Canines are huge LADY BUFF fans! And while we will be gracious hosts as would be expected of Boulder, UCLA will leave town having lost to the Lady Buffs. They’ll leave with their tails between their legs, like lost abandoned dogs. No disparagement to the pups intended <G> Speaking of lost dogs, one of the greatest places to find a new family member already waiting for you is at the Humane Society. These adoptable pups are not “second-class” in any sense of the word. They come in all sizes and colors and breeds,... Read More

Fido Feels Fantastic introducing the Boulder Berner, the Bernese Mountain Dog. Please ignore this entire blog, since if you read it you’ll want one of the magnificent beasts. And if you all run out and get Berners, the price will go up and I won’t be able to afford one! So everything that follows that sounds good is a lie that I’ve made up, and the problems, if any, are understated. Get the point? I love these dogs. Your Mascot, Fido. GO LADY BUFFS! BUFF BARK! BUFF BARK! BUFF BARK! Yup! Let’s Play! The Bernese Mountain Dog, a magnificent breed known for its striking... Read More

This is Colorado. This is Boulder. One day it is a sub-arctic or arctic blizzard, and the next day it’s spring skiing. The St. Bernard has long been associated with rescues on the slopes. Saint Bernards are a breed of large working dogs from the Swiss Alps, renowned for their historical association with snowy mountain rescues. Originating from the hospice at the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border, these dogs were bred by monks in the 17th century. They were initially used to guard the hospice but soon became famous for their incredible ability to locate and rescue lost... Read More