thrive » dogs

What happens in China should stay in China

Ryan — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:03:53 +0000

So I guess that there is this new trend in China of dying your pets in ridiculous colors. Check it out at Pawnation, and please don’t duplicate. It really doesn’t look very good.

Girls and their dogs

Ryan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:22:45 +0000

Sometimes women drive me crazy with some of the ridiculous stuff they decide to do. For example: Girls carrying tiny dogs around in their handbags. What’s up with that? Two things I hate: small dogs and handbags. Really, the only way I can cope with things like this is to hope deep down inside that the dog leaves a tiny surprise in the handbag.

I Heart Big, Wise Dogs

Ryan — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:22:22 +0000

Anyone who reads Thrive knows that I’m a huge fan of dogs. I love reading about their history and I love watching them learn skill and compete. For me, watching a skilled dog is like watching a well-prepared athlete compete. Anyway, lately I’ve been digging big dogs. I can’t stand toy dogs, and normally my heart is set on the mid weight dogs from 40-60 pounds. But lately, I’ve been really into the big, lumbering grandfatherly kind of dogs like the Borzoi breed and the Irish Woflhound. There’s something about these breeds that remind me of the character Gandalf from Lord of the Rings. Something wise and mysterious. And from a practical standpoint, they aren’t big barkers (another reason I hate the toy breeds, as they yip and yap like crazy).

Cane Corso

Ryan — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:26:14 +0000

One of my employees sent me an amazing book for Christmas called The Encyclopedia of the Dog. My wife and I have been looking through it as we thoroughly enjoy this time without a TV. One of the dogs that has really caught my attention is the Cane Corso (pictured above). According to this breeder Cane Corso’s were used during the Roman Empire as war dogs, so they have a long and prestigious history. They also have some of the best loyalty instincts among all dog breeds. Words that have been used to describe this breed: Noble. Regal. Protective. Extremely Loyal. Smart. Versatile.

What can I say. I’m not really into the cute, fluffy dog thing. I’m much more of a fan of the breeds that are strong and muscular yet noble and graceful.

Dog of the week time. I think the award …

Ryan — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:26:38 +0000

Dog of the week time. I think the award for the coolest looking dog might just go to the Puli. The thing literally looks like a big black mop flopping around. It’s hilarious to watch them run around. Besides it’s really cool looks, the Puli is actually quite skilled at herding and is a great outdoor companion for those of you who own lots of property (something I hope for!)

The Affen

Ryan — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:44:27 +0000

If you read this blog often you know that I’m a big fan of dogs. Not just in the cuddly cute way. I really appreciate dogs in the same way I appreciate athletes. With unique characteristics and unique skills. Here’s an odd way to think about it: sports video games have consistently gotten better as they have accurately differentiated the skills of specific players. In the same way, your appreciation for dogs gets much deeper the more you come to know the specific differences between each breed. Seeing that dogs have become something of a hobby for me, I’ve taken it upon myself to learn a little bit more about a different breed every couple weeks. This week I decided to read up on the Affenpinscher. The Affen is one of those dogs that was bred to be a farm dog and to eliminate the various vermin. As such it is a feisty and playful little guy with unlimited energy. Even though I’m not a big fan of small dogs, I do appreciate dogs of any size that are confident and sturdy. The Affen is both (unlike the Chihuhua which is my last favorite dog of all time!)

Obama Presidential Dog

Ryan — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:26:14 +0000

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about which dog the Obama’s should pick, and here are my conclusions. If they really want to stick it to the Bushies, then they should choose a Havanese – a dog that originates in Cuba and is hyopallergenic. All kidding aside, I think the two dogs I’m most interested in seeing the Obamas pick are the Bergamasco or my personal favorite the The Airedale Terrier. Either pick is a sure win.

Obama, Mutts and Hypoallergenic Dogs

Ryan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:13:34 +0000

In his first official press conference today since becoming President-Elect, Obama teased that he wouldn’t be picking up a mutt as the next Presidential dog. In saying this, he called himself a mutt, and some people have taken offense to that. Come on people. We’re all mutts in America.

The reason Obama isn’t going to get a mutt is that he needs to make sure that it’s a hypoallergenic dog.

Airedale Terrier

Ryan — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:27:57 +0000

I don’t know what it is about dogs. But there’s this thing with me. Some things in life make me stop and say “wow. that is an amazing specimen. a truly great thing in an otherwise boring universe.” I say that about great athletes. I say it about beautiful, grand buildings like European cathedrals. And, every once in a while I encounter a new dog breed that just makes me stand in awe. Such is the case with the Airedale Terrier. It’s a beautiful breed. Check out photos here: Airedale Terrier picture gallery.

The Coolest Dog Costume Ever

Ryan — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:54:07 +0000

Ok. Halloween is approaching and I’ve got to say that this is far and away the coolest dog costume I’ve ever seen.