World’s tallest female dog is a whopping 5ft 11in
Nova the Great Dane, aptly nicknamed ‘Super’ Nova, has finally been crowned the world’s tallest female dog after the previous record holder, Gibson, tragically passed away in 2009.
Nova stands at a sky scraping 5 foot 11 inches when on her hind legs, towering over her owner. She eats over two stone of food a week, and weighs over eleven stone.
The Great Dane lives in Illinois, US, with her owner Ann Suplee. Ann said: “Nova knows her own size, but with a simple ‘excuse me’ she will move out of the way, and is very careful around my three-year-old grandson who’s now at eye level with her tail.’
“We don’t know whether it was the good food we fed Nova when she was a puppy, or some throwback genes, but I think it’s all the love and affection we’ve given her through the years that made her so big,’ added Ann.
The giant pooch gets watermelon as a treat, and, despite her size, often gets scared by smaller dogs.
Nova now holds this claim to fame, and is officially recognised in the Guinness Book of Records.
Have you just purchased a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder? If so, make sure your puppy is registered for the 12 week FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection to make sure it is protected against any unforseen circumstances that puppies can get into. You can register by either visiting www.dog-breeds.co.uk or calling our Freephone number: 0800 181886.
Craziest insurance claims
Below are some of the contenders for some of the most ridiculous claims for pet insurance that have been received.
- Labrador Stella Artois got her lower jaw stuck inside a can of green beans. Owner Cathy Timmons took out pet insurance after her dog ate a rock at six months old – the insurance turned out to be a good investment! Mrs Timmons said: ‘I was worried that she wouldn’t be able to breathe. I tried to take the can off, but I was worried that the lid would dig into her skin, so we went to the vets.’
- Coco the Chihuahua was out walking with his owner one snowy morning when a Great Horned Owl swooped down and snatched Coco. Owner George Kalomiris kept a firm grip on the lead which encouraged the owl to drop Coco and spooked the bird away. Coco’s right foreleg was punctured by the owl’s talons, but he made a full recovery.
- Eddy the cat accidentally landed on a hot stove when chasing flies around the kitchen, and burnt all four of his paws at a blistering 260 degrees celcius. His paws were covered in blisters, and he had to be treated quickly at the vets, getting bandages on all of his paws.
- Harley the pug from Rhode Island, US, had to be taken in to the vet for x-rays after consuming over 100 rocks in less than 10 minutes.
- Gus the Labrador ate over five pounds of chocolate and cookies while his owners were away and had to be taken in to the vet and checked over, as chocolate is very poisonous to dogs.
- Moose the mastiff was kicked in the head by a mule when he got too close.
- Balboa the pug was nearly blinded after being sprayed with venom by an insect called the Southern Walking Stick when he walked into the undergrowth in Louisiana, US.
- Tobey the Labrador needed treatment after getting a little over excited by a water sprinkler and accidentally swallowing the sprinkler itself instead of just a gulp of water.
- Teuer the Jack Russell needed medical attention after he tried to run underneath a closing garage door, and ended up getting pinned to the ground by it.
- Sadie the Golden Retriever was bitten on the nose by a huge otter weighing nearly 1 ½ stone.
Have you just purchased a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder? If so, make sure your puppy is registered for the 12 week FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection to make sure it is protected against any unforseen circumstances that puppies can get into. You can register by either visiting www.dog-breeds.co.uk or calling our Freephone number: 0800 181886.
Protect your pets this Christmas
Make sure your precious pets are kept safe this Christmas with these few tips:
- Screw a hook into the ceiling above your tree to act as an anchor to make sure it isn’t pulled down.
- Use foil or sticky tape around the base of your tree, and also perhaps use lightweight or material ornaments for the bottom of the tree to help prevent them being pinched or attacked by your furry friends.
- If you have a real tree this year, make sure the water used at the base of the tree is covered and pets are discouraged from drinking this water, as it can contain very dangerous fertilizers and pesticides.
- Coatings such as Bitter Apple or citrus fruit scents on your electrical cables can help prevent unwanted chewing. Try to bundle up cables or use a cord cover where possible.
- Avoid tinsel at all costs, as the ingestion of this by your pet can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
- Again, if you have opted for a real tree, make sure if you have cats that your tree is not pine, as the ingestion of these needles is toxic and can be fatal. Other needles from different types of tree are less toxic but can also be very dangerous is eaten by a cat or a dog, as they can puncture the intestines of animals. Keep needles up from the floor as much as possible and clean them up regularly.
If you suspect your pet has ingested anything dangerous or is showing symptoms of such, contact your vet immediately.
If you just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder, then make sure you activate your 12 weeks FREE insurance by calling 0800 181886 or visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk.
Jack Russell survives being stuck down a rabbit hole for 16 days
Aptly named Jack the Jack Russell fell into a rabbit hole whilst out for a walk with his owners in the Pennines, and miraculously managed to survive down there for 16 days without food or water.
Jack was chasing a rabbit when he fell down the hole, and owners Erika and Carl Toutenhoofd began to get worried after a few minutes when he did not return. They had searched high and low for Jack to no avail, and after two weeks gave up hope of ever finding him, even after asking their local pub customers to keep a look out for him.
16 days later, friend Louise Bedford was out walking when she heard a whimpering in a patch of brambles, and managed to dig Jack out of the rabbit hole.
Owner Erika said: ‘I thought I was never going to see him again, it was awful. When I got downstairs and she was standing there with Jack wrapped in her jumper I just burst into tears.’
‘I can’t believe he was alive after 16 days,’ she said. ‘I can’t believe a dog could survive underground for that long without food or water.’
Jack was taken to a vet straight away and given glucose for severe dehydration. He may also lose an eye from the ulcers he developed whilst being underground, but Jack is now recovering very well.
Mrs Toutenhoofd has said that she will never let him off the lead again. ‘He’s put the weight back on that he’d lost and has perked up a lot. We will definitely keep him on a lead from now on.’
After purchasing a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered dog breeder, make sure you activate your 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. To regsiter for the FREE insurance visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181886.
David Walliams saves dog during his Thames swim
The Little Britain star has done a few sporting challenges in past years, but after swimming the Channel in 2006, this year David Walliams decided to swim 140 miles - the length of the London River Thames for Sport Relief. He has not only completed this amazing challenge in eight days, but had to endure cold and windy conditions and also contracted a tummy bug and suffered from exhaustion during his effort. He has, however, found time during his swim to save a struggling Labrador. Vinny, the one-year-old Labrador suffers from hip dysplasia and jumped in for a swim, but then started to struggle when it came to getting out of the water. David Walliams noticed the dog’s struggle and did not hesitate to help by helping to lift to dog out onto dry land and into the safe hands of its owner. The owner of the dog was very grateful and said: ‘He stopped, swam over and helped me get him out, which when you think what he’s going through with the swim is totally amazing. What a man.’
After purchasing a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered dog breeder, make sure you activate your 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. To regsiter for the FREE insurance visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181886.
The pug that eats rocks
An insurance company in the US has nominated a pug that had eaten a 100 small stones, for an award. This award is given to a pet with the most unusual pet insurance claim. The owner of Harley noticed that he had eaten small stones, but did not realise just how many! When Harley was X-rayed, they discovered about a 100 small stones in his stomach and these were passed without the little pug ever requiring surgery.
Let’s hope he will win this special insurance award - although he has competition as a Chihuahua is also nominated for being picked up by a great horned owl, but luckily survived and avoided being the owl’s meal!
If you have purchased a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder then make sure you register your puppy for the 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. Visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181886.
New prehistoric costumes for fancy dress pups!
New doggy costumes have been released from the Animal Planet outfit range which transforms pets into a raptor, stegosaurus or triceratops.
The range also includes costumes of less extinct animals such as bats, elephants, sharks, zebras and walruses, to mention a few.
The outfits are sold from upwards of £20, are made from foam and are lightweight for maximum comfort.
The dinosaur outfits have been made to be as realistic as possible, with long tails, front ‘hands’, teeth and eyes, with the dogs’ face showing through the dinosauric mouth.
The designers of the new Pet Planet outfit range, Party City, say that their costumes are 'especially designed for pampered pooches' and 'can make your inter-species dreams come true.'
If you have just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder then make sure you register your puppy for the 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. You can do this by visiting www.dog-breeds.co.uk,alternatively, call 0800 181886.
Dog wash station opens in Germany
A dog washing station has opened in Leipzig, Germany, as a quick cheap way to clean your dog without getting your own house and bathroom messy.
The dog wash station is called ‘Dog an der Koe’. The self service machine uses warm water, shampoo and a hair dryer and is self contained. It currently costs 4 Euros for 5 minutes, or 8 Euros for a 15 minute pamper session. The dogs are also provided a luxury bathrobe after their treatment to keep warm and dry, just as any spa.
The business idea is travelling all over the world, with Australia taking up on the idea last month with their ‘Four Paws Pet Spa’, which adopts the same 
idea. Australian pet owner Dolly Sparkes said she get the idea from a drive-through station she saw in Quebec, Canada, and thought ‘I’m doing it’.
If you have just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder then make sure you register your puppy for the 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. You can do this by visiting www.dog-breeds.co.uk,alternatively, call 0800 181886
Fun things to do with your dog
Dogs always love to undertake agility trials, as it builds confidence, releases energy and increases focus.
Hide treats or a toy in old clothing and put it somewhere concealed, so your dog faces the sniff challenge!
If your dog loves to fetch and chase, try flyball, where your pet has to jump over hurdles, catch a ball and race back, letting off energy and making great fun.
Teaching your dog tricks not only improves obedience but improves your relationship with your pet.
Simply play with your pet and a new toy for a fun way for your dog to get some exercise.
Take your dog out for a day trip either to a friends/families house, out somewhere for the day or even for a walking trip.
Dog parks are very popular in a lot of city areas, providing a secure area for your dog to play.
For those who enjoy hill walking or hiking, take your dog along – don’t forget lots of water!
Showing your pet in shows can be very fun for your pet, teaching obedience and giving your pet a lot of attention.
Dogs love being groomed – do it at home instead of at a groomers to encourage a great bond between you and your dog and saving money!
Anima Assisted Activities (AAA) offer socialisation for your pet such as a visit to a local hospital or nursing home. Such a dog has to be good natured, and he will love the attention and change of scenery!
If you have just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder then make sure you register your puppy for the 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. You can do this by visiting www.dog-breeds.co.uk,alternatively, call 0800 181886.
Guinness World Record dog for biggest ears
Harbour the coonhound has been named in the Guinness World Records as the dog with the longest ears on the planet.
Harbour’s left ear measures 12 ¼ inches and his right ear measures even longer at 13 ½ inches. The coonhound breed was developed to hunt raccoons with the ears helping to sweep the scent towards the nose.
Jennifer Wert, owner of Harbour from Boulder, Colorado, said: ‘Cars will literally stop in the street to take a closer look and a picture. Most days I forget how oddly long his ears are. He’s a phenomenon in the world and he creates a smile wherever he goes.’
Things weren’t always the same, as when Harbour was a puppy he would frequently trip over his long ears and roll down the stairs.
The previous owner of the title, a bloodhound called Tigger from Illinois sadly passed away of old age two years ago, with his ears measuring 13 ½ inches.
Harbour’s ear span is greater than the height of the world’s shortest man, 23 ½ inch tall Junrey Balawing. The world’s smallest dog, 6 inch long Brandy the Chiahuahua, could fit on each of Harbour’s ears twice over.
If you have just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder then make sure you register your puppy for the 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. You can do this by visiting www.dog-breeds.co.uk,alternatively, call 0800 181886.