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Hello, Rural Dog friends! After a nice Christmas and New Years break we are back and better than ever! After exploring the hardworking German Shepherd and the ever-hungry Labrador, it’s time to talk about a breed that is very near and dear to my heart. If you’ve been following along, you already know the star of my household: Harley ! Harley is a Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix, and today I want to shine the spotlight on the Shih Tzu  (pronounced Sheed-zoo ) side of her family

Hello, Rural Dog friends! Last time we kicked off our breed deep dive by examining the sharp, demanding German Shepherd. This month, we're pivoting to arguably the most popular family dog in the world—a breed known for its easy-going nature, love of water, and insatiable appetite: the Labrador Retriever! And yes, I have a special affinity for this breed because I have a wonderful, slightly chaotic Chocolate Lab named Cocoa ! She's the perfect example of everything that makes

Hello, Rural Dog friends! In my first post, you met Harley, my wonderful Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix. She's living proof that sometimes, the most amazing dogs are a mix of surprises! But one of the things I love to do is delve into the world of pure breeds—not just to know their history, but to understand what they were bred to do. If you're thinking about adding a new dog to your family, knowing a bit about breeds is crucial. It’s like reading a user manual! Why Understand

We’re back! This month I want to look at the basics of how to train a dog, and maybe I'll even introduce you to another of my friends...

Hello! Welcome to The Rural Dog. My goal with this blog is to share personal stories about my own dog, offer training and grooming tips,...