Dog of the Day: Daisy the Bluetick Beagle

This gal’s an unusual shade: a bluetick beagle. Didn’t even know that was possible. Cute little bugger, huh?

Bluetick Beagle

For some reason I find this pose in dogs amazingly cute. Plus: is that a bonus raccoon with a tennis ball in the background?

Bluetick Beagle

Look at those markings. Very distinctive. I totally thought she was a mix of some kind.

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Administrative Stuff: Facebook Link

As some of you may have noticed, I’ve given in and linked up my blog to Facebook. Nothing dramatic: it just posts a status update whenever I post my dog of the day, and puts a little ‘like’ button on the bottom of each post. Curious to see whether anyone actually uses these things.

Feel free to leave a comment on this if you like.

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Dog of the Day: English Springer Spaniel

Today, class, we will be examining the English Springer Spaniel.

English Springer Spaniel

The English springer spaniel is truly a magnificent example of doghood.

English Springer Spaniel

Note the ridiculous ear floppage. This allows them to amuse everyone in viewing distance when they run.

English Springer Spaniel

Note the ridiculous spotty muzzle, and perpetual sad expression. The happier an English springer is, the sadder it looks. Well-known fact.

English Springer Spaniel

See? This dog is deliriously happy. Can't you tell? (Typical English.)

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Dog of the Day: Samoyed

An old friend, who I’m pretty sure has shown up on here before. Nevertheless, with this amount of foofliness and ridiculositude, I predict that this will not be the last time, either.

Also, what on earth is that thing? It’s like an oblong tennis ball!

Samoyed

One of those dogs that you just want to walk up, bury your face in the fur for 30 seconds, and then continue on your way. 'Fuzz Therapy', a la Calvin and Hobbes.

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Dog of the Day: Mr. White the Chinese Crested Dog

Every once in a while, I find a dog whose pictures speak for themselves. I’m going to try not to get in the way, except to say that before I met Mr. White, my ideas about Chinese crested dogs were formed largely by the ‘world’s ugliest dog’ competition. After I met Mr. White, for the rest of my life, my ideas about Chinese crested dogs will have been formed by Mr. White. Needless to say, that marks a huge improvement.

Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless Variety)

My 'dogs with clothes' attitude does not apply to these guys. We don't want ANY dogs freezing to death in San Francisco.

Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless Variety)

Aww... love the hairflop over the eye. Don't be sad, emo puppy! We love you.

Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless Variety)

I wonder how many dogs have cow spots like that, but you can't see them because they're under the fur?

Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless Variety)

What an expression.

Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless Variety)

The plouf on the end of the tail is really something.

Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless Variety)

Their fur is super-soft, too. And the skin, is, well, skin. Nothing exciting.

Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless Variety)

Another thing this guy made me wonder: do all black-nosed dogs have a splotch of black under the fur near the nose, and around that, pink skin? Weird!

Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless Variety)

Goodbye, Mr. White. I see a lot of dogs, but I'll remember you. And next time I see you, I'll have a treat for you.

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Quintuple Dog Day! Australian Shepherd and Four Australian Shepherd/Golden Retriever Mixes

Ran into these guys on lunch a couple of weeks ago, and then saw them again today, and was reminded just how awesome the pups were. The Aussie is the mom, and the other four are still growing. They look quite similar to flat-coat retrievers, and have a lot of the same energy and goofy nature, too.

Australian Shepherd and Four Australian Shepherd/Golden Retriever Mixes

This is about as close as they managed to get to 'family portrait'. Hey, more than half of them are facing the camera, and all o them are in the frame. That's not bad.

Australian Shepherd and Three Golden Retriever/Australian Shepherd Mixes

That's a better pic, but missing one. Such pretty dogs. The one on the right looks a little derpy though.

Australian Shepherd and Two Golden Retriever/Australian Shepherd Mixes

Mom has a bit more of an attention span than her pups, huh?

Two Golden Retriever/Australian Shepherd Mixes

TWO-HEADED DOG MONSTER! They noticed that I was holding my lunch in my non-camera hand and suddenly became a lot more attentive.

Australian Shepherd and Four Golden Retriever/Australian Shepherd Mixes

Okay, I lied, I did get one more family photo. I like to think the guy in the back is intentionally making a face at me.

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Dog of the Day: American Pit Bull Terrier Puppy

There really are a lot of pit bulls in San Francisco. And you know what? I don’t mind a bit.

Pit Bull Puppy

So cute. Gorgeous grey eyes. Goofy soft semi-floppy ears. Yay!

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Dog of the Day: Young Doberman Pinscher (and Betty)

Betty was shy around people, but liked dogs just fine. This is a young doberman she made friends with.

Doberman Pinscher and Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Mix

Doberman tails are so goofy!

Doberman Pinscher and Blue Heeler/German Shepherd Mix

No idea who the ball actually belonged to, but these two shared it surprisingly well.

Doberman Pinscher and Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Mix

You can tell they're moving fast by the ridiculous ear floppage.

Doberman Pinscher and Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Mix

Aww. Puppy hugs!

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Dog of the Day: Betty the Blue Heeler/German Shepherd

Another Australian cattle dog mix, this time with German shepherd. What an unexpectedly gorgeous combination.

Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Mix

Betty is a rescue dog, and pretty skittish around new people. Poor pup.

Blue Heeler/German Shepherd Mix

When I got within five feet, she didn't take her eyes off me. And eventually went and hid behind dad.

German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog Mix

On the other hand, she would obviously do anything for her dad.

Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Mix

See? Very attentive. Even moreso when food or a b-a-l-l is involved, I bet.

Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Mix

What a gorgeous dog. Someone ought to paint her.

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Dog of the Day: Hayden the Double Aussie Surprise!

(Pronounced ‘Hay Den’.) Half Australian Cattle Dog, half Australian Shepherd. So he likes sheep, cows, balls, his own tail, and everybody.

Australian Cattle Dog/Australian Shepherd Mix

The blue merle pattern on the fluffy coat? Gorgeous.

Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler Mix

The fur is super-soft, too. This guy would make a good dog to bring with you when winter camping.

Australian Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog Mix

The camera took a little collateral 'lick' damage here, always a hazard when photographing dogs.

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