My Dogs at Play
So many of you ask about my pets - my dogs, cats, canaries, horses, donkeys, pony, chickens, geese, pigeons, and the peafowl. I love giving you updates on all of them.
Sharing a home with any pet is a huge responsibility - one I never take lightly. It requires time, knowledge, and commitment to ensure every pet gets the best possible care. My dogs have been enjoying all the increased company during this stay-at-home time. My Chow Chows Empress Qin and Emperor Han, and my French Bulldogs Creme Brûlée and Bete Noire, love joining me when I tour the farm to visit the other animals and check on all the gardens. Among their favorite stops is the enclosed pool area, where they can run and play to their hearts' content.
Enjoy these photos.
-
- This is Creme Brulee. She is a fawn French Bulldog. This breed is known for its wrinkly, smushed face and bat-like ears.
-
- The Chow Chow is an ancient breed of northern Chinese origin. As an all-purpose dog of China, it was used for hunting, herding, pulling, and protection. Here is Emperor Han. He is the grandson of my dear late G.K. Can you see any resemblance?
-
- This is Empress Qin (pronounced chin). She is Han’s half-sister. Qin looks ready to play.
-
- And this is Bete Noire. Her “color” coat is called brindle. Brindling mixes black hairs with brown or fawn. Brindle-colored dogs look a bit like canine tigers.
-
- This expansive pool area is surrounded by lots of grass where the dogs can run and run and run.
-
- The French Bulldog is a small, active, and muscular dog with heavy bone and smooth coat. Creme Brulee and Bete Noire love playing and wrestling.
-
- Frenchies, as they are affectionately called, are very playful. In fact, they have been referred to as “clown dogs” for their fun-loving and vivacious personalities. They also have calm, gentle natures.
-
- Here is my beautiful Empress Qin watching over all the activity. The Chow has a lovely thick mane, with small rounded ears, giving it the appearance of a lion.
-
- Frenchies are the result of a 19th century cross between English bulldog ancestors and ratters from France. The breed is now categorized in the American Kennel Club’s Non-Sporting Group.
-
- According to the standard, the Frenchie should have soft, loose skin, especially around the head and shoulders. The head should be large, square, and with the distinctive groove between their eyes.
-
- I wonder what these Chows are contemplating. Chows should be sturdy and squarely built. Its body should be compact, and heavy boned. Empress Qin is already a Champion show dog – she is a beautiful Chow. I know Han will also do very well in the show ring.
-
- These two also decided to wrestle. It is so important to provide dogs with ample exercise to keep them physically and mentally fit. I make sure my dogs get good long walks, and lots of time to play with each other outdoors.
-
- Generally, a French Bulldog is about 11 to 12 inches tall. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, while females 16 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Here, one can see Bete Noire’s pretty brindle markings.
-
- Chows can weigh anywhere from 45 to 60 pounds. Their coats can be rough or smooth and come in red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream. Both Qin and Han are red rough-coated Chow Chows.
-
- While the Chows wrestle in the foreground, Creme Brulee exhibits a “play bow” in the distance. Look closely and her front legs are out in front with her chest low to the ground, and her rear end up. It’s a dog’s way of inviting friendly play.
-
- They all play together very nicely. Han is much bigger than the Frenchies but very calm around them.
-
- I think Qin is hoping for a treat.
-
- Perhaps one of these girls called a “time out.”
-
- Many dogs like to lie down with their back legs stretched out behind them like frogs – the cool grass must feel refreshing on Creme Brulee’s belly. Does your dog do this?
-
- What is most unique and distinctive of a true Chow Chow is its blue-black tongue. The Chow should have a large head with a broad, flat skull, a short, deep muzzle, and very expressive eyes.
-
- It’s hard to resist a Chow’s face.
-
- Are you getting tired, Bete Noire? The bright, affectionate Frenchie is a very charming breed. They don’t bark much, but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs and great companions.
-
- Chows are known to be serious-minded, dignified, and very bright. Here is Han waiting for the next activity – a walk around the farm.
-
- Are you ready to go for a stroll, Creme Brulee? Very little grooming is needed for a Frenchie, but mine are brushed daily, their feet are washed, and their coats are inspected for ticks after every walk.
-
- Here is a view of the pool and the five staddle stones on the opposite side. Staddle stones were originally used in the 17th and 18th centuries as support bases for granaries, hayricks, and game larders. They typically looked like giant stone mushrooms, but mine are square – a more rare and unique version. We’ll be back again tomorrow, my doggies. I hope you are all enjoying the extra time with your pets.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
