Most Smoochable Pooch

Pucker up, Pup!

The Mutt Mobile is combing the country searching for America's Most Smoochable Pooch. The contest began four months ago and has taken driver, David Evans through 30 states in hopes of finding the best canine kisser. Evans has seen it all from big dogs to small and when asked who makes the better kisser responds, "little dogs are more cuddly, but the big dogs have more energy and seem more affectionate.”

The Most Smoochable Pooch contest is sponsored by Kibbles 'N Bits promoting a new doggy breath freshener. All dog lovers are encouraged to participate, even if the Mutt Mobile has already made its way through your town. Smoochers can submit their kissy pics online for a chance to win cash and prizes, so pop a breath mint and pucker up, pup!

To join visit www.smoochablepooch.com

Photo thanks to the Belleair Bee

A Rover by Any Other Name

Statistics from a dog eat dog city
"Max" takes the cake for most popular dog name in New York for another year in a row with 1,228 city dwelling canines claiming it as their name sake. "Lucky" got lucky with second place and "Princess" pulled in 3rd. The 4th and 5th most popular pooch collars read Rocky and Buddy, making the top five names unchanged since 2004.

Purebreds are also proving less popular with mutts making a name for themselves in NYC. This year 7,374 mixed breeds acquired new dog licenses in the big apple. So, if your furry friend is a mutt named Max, chances are he is in good company.

The recent findings beg the question, "What's in a name?" Signafur wants to know, what inspired you to choose your pup's tag?

Photo thanks to Yahoo News

Christmas with the Canines

Asian Style

Canine culture continues to flourish internationally with public displays of puppy love. December 23, 2006 this elf sized pooch was spotted sporting Santa Claus attire and nuzzling into his owners coat in Shanghai, China. Despite recent ordinances restricting canine culture, Chinese dog enthusiasts proudly express their devotion to their furry friends.

Puppy love is popping up throughout the region; Christmas Day brought about numerous pooch parties in Singapore. Four legged guests were treated to gourmet human style dog chow, costume attire and festivities. This season proved rather profitable for the dog industry in Asia, with sales on the rise for novelty items such as reindeer suits, doggy antlers and aroma therapy products for puppy.

How did Fido fit into your holiday celebrations? Drop us a line and tell us about it!

Photo thanks to the Associated Press

British Pooch Sheds Major Pounds

Once a porky pooch, Pongo is now trim and active after loosing 20 lbs and winning the Pet Fit Club slimming award. This British Bowzer lost the 20 lbs over the course of a 100 day competition between 9 chubby canines (think The Biggest Loser with quadrupeds). Before joining the weight loss challenge, Pongo weighed in at a hefty 88 lbs.

Owner Roy Goodall commented, “All I wanted was for him to have a happier and healthier lifestyle and I hope that our success story will inspire anyone else with overweight pets to help them slim down."

The holidays tend to be a time for indulgence. This coming week be conscious of the quantity and type of food you provide your canine. Resist the temptation to offer tasty morsels of “people food” and remember to preserve your pup’s regular exercise routine.

From the whole Signafur crew, have a great weekend and a very happy holiday!

Photo thanks to BBC.com

Fur Type Connected to Canine Behavior

Your dog’s coat may predict temperament

A recent study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science examined English cocker spaniels, drawing connections between the color of their fur and their level of aggressiveness. Other studies have been conducted in the past suggesting that Retrievers can be categorized by their fur type. The current research, headed by Joaquin Perez-Guisado of the University of Cordova, points to the possibility that fur type and color may be an indicator of personality in several breeds.

The research concludes that golden/red English cocker spaniels exhibit the most aggressive and dominant behavior among their peers. Black canines of the same breed were found to be the second most aggressive while parti-colored breeds were found to be the most mild tempered based on a 51 dog study conducted by the Spanish researcher’s team.

Pérez-Guisado commented on the findings, "Maybe the link (to coat color) is due to the fact that the ectoderm (one of the three primary germ cell layers) is where the skin and central nervous system originate in the embryo." He adds that the behavior-fur connection is a process related to genetic coding that takes place early in the dog’s life.

Photo thanks to the Discovery Channel

Britney in the Dog House

A recent pop culture poll crowned Britney Spears with the title of "worst celebrity dog owner" as voted by the readers of New York Dog and Hollywood Dog magazines. The editors commented saying, "Britney was the overwhelming choice... She once had three Chihuahuas and never left home without at least one of them on her arm. As soon as she met K-Fed and had kids, they disappeared."

Last years worst dog owner winner, Paris Hilton finished in second place this year for treating Tinkerbell like an accessory. In contrast, the people elected 5 time pooch parent Oprah Winfrey as the "best dog owner" of 2006.

Let's give Brit the benefit of the doubt, it's just too hard to stay upset at America's pop princess.

Photo thanks to Yahoo! News

Seeing Triple???

Korea Birthplace of First Female Clone

Fact, sometimes stranger than fiction. Pictured in the upper left hand corner is scientist Lee Byeong-chun and his research team with Bona, Bona and Bona, an Afghan hound. Believe it or not, the three pups pictured are genetically identical confirmed clones.

Bona #1 was born on June 18, 2006 with the other two clones following shortly after. Lee states that, "This was a process that must be done to see if a cloned dog has reproduction capabilities." The result of that research is yet to be determined.

Earlier this year, Lee was involved in a scandal which accused his old research team of falsifying data and embezzling research funds. Lee still stands on trial and may face jail time and loose his research position if convicted.

Photo thanks to the Associated Press

Canine Wedding Called Off

Jaipur, India

The 18 dog Hindu canine wedding set to commence later this month in Jaipur, India has been called off after religious officials deemed the ceremony disrespectful and cruel to the canines. The wedding would have been the biggest of it's kind and a catalyst to instigate interest in canine culture in India.

The organizers expressed their apologies for the cancelled ceremony but promised a single dog beauty pageant in exchange.

Americans spend $38.4 million annually pampering their pooches, and according to the Calcutta Telegraph, Mumbaikars are not that far behind. Canine interest is booming in India and expressed through recent fashion shows and doggy parties.

Photo found on Flickr

Fashion Just Got Festive

With so many things to decorate this time of year, don't forget about your doggy. The canine fashion industry certainly isn't, they are relishing in the new season inspired styles. Puppy's with antlers, red and green sweaters and jingle bell booties are common place items among this year's cheer filled wardrobe.

The winter season also means taking more precautions for your precious pooch; salt residue from ice melting chemicals can cause damage and corrosion to a pup's paws. Be conscious of the changing weather conditions and dress accordingly in protective foot wear such a stylish pair of Hound Hikers.

Fashion and function can go hand and hand this season. View the changing climate as an opportunity to expand your doggy attire wardrobe with fun and festive frocks.

Photo thanks to the Northwest Herald

Small Dog, Big Deal

Paulette Keller of Largo, Florida was in for a big surprise when she asked her local breeder for a "small" dog. The Florida breeder sent her home with the runt of a Chihuahua's litter. Amazed with Brandy's petite frame, Paula began researching the current title holder for worlds smallest dog and thought there was no competition. She sent Brandy's picture and stats (weighing in at 1 pound 6 ounces and measuring 6 inches long) to the Guinness Book of World Records. As it turns out, big things do come in small packages; Brandy has been named the Smallest Dog in the World according to Guinness. The Keller household has endured much commotion since the recognition of their four legged record breaker with camera crews and Japanese comedy shows all trying to get a look at the tiny Teacup. "I wasn't trying to get the smallest dog in the world," Paulette said. "I just wanted a little dog."

Photo thanks to the St. Petersburg Times

Holiday Hound Friendly Tips

The holidays can be a stressful time for even the happiest homemaker, and may prove extremely confusing for the hounds in our lives. With the introduction of new colorful items, plants and decorations into the home, your pooch may have the inclination to investigate. Think ahead of the canine mind and pet proof your party gear to avoid any broken paws or upset stomachs. Here are some tips from Butcher's Dog Food to keep the holidays fun and safe for all members of the family.

1. "If you have a real tree, make sure the needles are cleaned up regularly to prevent them getting stuck in paws and throats.

2. Avoid having flashing lights on your tree, or your dog may go in for the attack or get frightened off!

3. Decorate with unbreakable baubles and keep any tinsel and ribbon high up on the tree. DON’T put white Angel hair on the tree - this is spun glass and can shred your dogs insides if digested.

4. When putting up decorative lights, make sure the electric cords are not dangling and if possible tack them down to stop them being chewed or tripped over by a curious dog.

5. Anchor the tree in place so no inquisitive pooches end up knocking it over when they are nosing around underneath it.

6. Alcohol may make you merry but if drunk your four legged friend will be as sick as a dog. After Xmas parties tip away dregs so your dog doesn’t help clear up and end up with a hangover himself

7. Make sure any burning candles are well out of the way - a wagging tail can knock things over or catch fire!

8. Festive blooms can be poisonous - don’t let your dog chew on any Poinsettias, Holly or Mistletoe or they could get a very uncomfortable stomach.

9. No-one expects Christmas to be a Silent Night, but all that festive cheer, balloons, poppers, crackers can drive your dog potty. Make sure they have a safe haven to escape to for an undisturbed relax.

10.Try not to over-indulge your dog with human food treats. Avoid giving them chocolate, which can potentially be poisonous or meat with bones as these can splinter and get lodged in small throats."

For more holiday doggy do's and don'ts click here
Photo found on Flickr

Sneaky Doggy Signafur Premier

You've heard of dark comedy, now meet dog comedy

Signafur is thrilled to announce the release of Sneaky Doggy, a short canine comedy by Jeycob Carlson. Dog enthusiasts give it two paws way up! Notice the juxtaposition of the devious doggy to the mouth watering cookies. Will he spoil his appetite? We won't spoil the ending...see it for yourself!
Signafur strives to provide pet owners with a selection as eclectic and versatile as a canine himself. The Signafur crew celebrates Sneaky Doggy and like minded artistic ventures for creating stronger bonds and encouraging interactions between pets and their people.

Technorati tags: sneaky doggy funny dog movie video

The Weekend Wrap Up

Doggy Dancing Strikes a Pose

Doggy Dancing continues to shake hips and wag tails in Great Britain and beyond. This weekend, a select few in Manchester witnessed a show of choreographed pup precision.

Click here to check out the hilarious video clips of Carrie Neri and her furry partner, Calloway, rocking out to their routine in front of a panel of World Canine Freestyle Association (WCFA) judges. The art of doggy dancing has roots in the 80's and is being slowly perfected. There are a few kinks yet to be worked out; some doggy dancers argue that participants should avoid wearing flashy attire as to take away from the integrity of the piece. Clearly, the WCFA has no qualms with a few costumes.

Similar movements are gaining popularity in the United States and Japan, promising more entertainment on the international canine scene.

Photo and video clip thanks to the Hartford Courant

Boston Braces for 3,000 Canines

Today in Boston, show dogs will primp and prune in preparation for this weekend's Bay Colony Cluster Dog Show taking place at the Bayside Exposition Center. Upwards of 3,000 canine participants and 30,000 human fans are expected to attend the spectacle and root for the Best in Show.

Pictured in the upper left, Deana, a hairless Chinese Crested and a hopeful competitor, patiently awaits a blow dry. The hairless Chinese Crested is a rare breed described by the AKC as, "fine-boned, elegant and graceful." The breed has an unusual pattern of hair growth; completely bald except for patches of long flowing hair on the head, tail and feet. As the story goes, the Chinese Crested originated in Africa and was found by Chinese trading ships and used as a ratter on board. The societal function of the Crested has changed significantly over time, but the unusual appearance and appeal has remained.

Signafur wishes all the Bay Colony Cluster participants much luck at this weekend's competition!

Photo thanks to the Boston Herald

Furry Fashionistas

Small Dogs and the Socialite Scene

A recent article in the New York Times highlights society's growing attraction to small dogs and marks them as the ultimate fashion statement. Pictured in the upper left is Muffin, a New York Yorkie, privy to her own custom wardrobe. Muffin, among many other lap dogs in the city presents an opportunity for pet parents to take their love of the lavish to the next level.

On the whole, petite dog breeds have been booming in popularity over the past decade; registration of the Brussels griffon alone has skyrocketed a whopping 231 percent during the last ten years.

Owners are relishing in the opportunity to spoil themselves and their furry friends. And why not, with a slew of designers, restaurants and hotels jumping up to cater to both pet and parent. New York's trendy W Hotel offers a pooch-friendly Woof Program including doggy pillows and special treats placed on them at bedtime. In addition, these arm candy canines are increasingly welcome in the workplace, a survey polled by the pet products association reveals that upwards of 20% of employers welcome dogs in the office.

With all the incentive to be eccentric, why not indulge in a little canine couture?

Photo thanks to the New York Times

Talk with the Animals

Humans and canines may share a common method of communication according to a new Applied Animal Behavior Science study conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Budapest. The group studied how well people with varying amounts of dog experience could accurately describe the emotional content of a dog's bark. The barks represented five emotional states: fear, aggressiveness, despair, playfulness and happiness.

Peter Pongracz, the team's leader, discerned that even people with relatively no canine experience could accurately identify a dog's emotional state based on his barking patterns alone. Pongracz suggests that most mammals communicate on the same acoustic level and therefore have the ability to understand one another.

Emotions are expressed in varying degrees of pitch, tone and frequency; lower pitches denoting aggression and higher pitches denoting submission. Pongracz offers an explanation and states, "This relationship could have formed the basis of an evolutionary ritualization process whereby low pitched vocalizations tended to signal aggression because larger animals are more likely to win contests...and high pitched vocalizations became predictors of submission or friendly intent."

Photo thanks to Animal Planet

Santa Claws is Coming to Town

Time to Get the Wish List Ready

This year when you take your Schnauzer to sit on Santa's lap, what will he whisper into the big guys ear? While we still don't have a formula for translating puppy, we can help by offering up some insight on the holiday season with this year's hottest wish list selections.

American pet owners spend 38.4 Billion annually to pamper their furry friends, a figure constantly growing in light of new canine fashion trends. This year, more than half of pup parents will be including their pet in the gift giving tradition. We know it's hard to decide what to get for the dog who has everything so we've compiled a few seasonal samplings.

Signafur's suggested wish list includes: Scrumptious Puppy Perfume, a soft Red Quilted Coat, and of course a few toys. Try a set of Planet Dog Tennis Balls for hours of fun and to promote good dental health.

Photo thanks to the Orange County Register

Best in Show

Update on the 2006 AKC Agility Trials

This weekend dog enthusiasts around the globe took a moment to paws and tune in for the 2006 AKC National Dog Championships broadcast live from Long Beach, California. Incase you missed out; Signafur has the summarized scoop…

Nearly 2,500 canines, spanning 150 breeds and representing 16 countries competed this weekend for the prestigious title of "Best in Show" at the championships. Viewers were biting nails, had tails between legs as the contestants displayed their skills and gave their all for the national title and $225,000 in prizes, the largest amount in dog show history.

Who went home with the loot? James of Fairfax Station, a.k.a. "Diamond Jim," an English Springer Spaniel from Virginia. Diamond Jim pranced off with the blue ribbon and the top cash prize of $50,000.

Photo thanks to Animal Planet

"Fido Phone Home!"

Breakthroughs in Canine Communication

Our lives have gone mobile; you can reach almost anyone with the push of a button… but your pets? You can now thanks to a canine invention contest in Canada that inspired William Franzin to create a mobile communication device for Fido. The PetSafe Voice Trainer functions much like a walkie-talkie and allows parents to give commands to their furry friends by speaking into the mouthpiece. The message is delivered to a small voice box attached to the pooch's collar and signals Rover that it is time to come home.

The invention is in it's prototype stages, but additional features are being developed, such as an automatic voice warning that states, "this dog is lost" when the collar is taken too far away from it's target destination. The sound of knocking on a door as well as a food can opening may also be added to the system to entice the pup to return. The PetSafe Voice Trainer is expected to be on shelves by early 2008.

Photo found on Flickr