Posts tagged "animal planet"

In the News: Mike Tyson's Gone to the Birds, Ellen and Portia's Good Deeds and More

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts): Mar 18th 2010 12:01PM Filed Under: Pets News

portia de rossi ellen degeneres Alberto E. Rodriguez, WireImage.com

Mike Tyson is entering the realm of reality TV. This doesn't surprise us one iota. Nor does it surprise us that there has been some controversy. What does surprise us is that the show will be on Animal Planet and is based on pigeons. Yes, really.

Not every dog lays around all day, waiting for you to come home. Take Rosie the Newfie, for example. When her neighbor became seriously ill, she found a way to lend a paw and give a dying woman a reason to smile by leaping a fence to visit the sick neighbor every single day. And her owners had no idea.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are really doing their part to make tails wag across the country. Ellen has teamed up with the USPS and her dog food company, Halo, to raise awareness and feed homeless pets a million meals -- all you have to do to help is buy some stamps! Portia, on the other hand, is focusing on the feral cat population by working with Alley Cat Allies to tell people why the trap-neuter-return is the best policy.

If you're seriously hurt, you get yourself to the emergency room, right? Sure -- because you're human. Well, an injured German shepherd did just that after wandering away from home. Fortunately, the ER staff took pity on the pup and he's since been treated by the local animal shelter and returned to his owners.

The illegal trade of endangered animals is common in the Middle East, but the UN is taking measures to eliminate the practice. Delegates at a conference to discuss endangered species are looking at everything from animal abuse on a small scale to the sale of highly specialized species. It's going to be a hard (and heartbreaking) battle, but we're glad to see the UN addressing the issue.

Animal Planet Airing AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Feb 5th 2010 3:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News

Lisa Croft-Elliot/(c) Animal Planet

For two days in December, nearly 4,000 dogs from across the nation and around the world gathered in Long Beach, Calif. to compete in the American Kennel Club (AKC)/Eukanuba National Championship. The event has the distinction of being the only dog show in the United States that is organized and held solely by the AKC, the country's oldest and only not-for-profit purebred dog registry.

With $225,000 in prize money available, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the largest prize-money dog show in the world, according to Animal Planet, which will air highlights from the event on Feb. 6.

Elite dogs competed in several separate events, including Best in Show and AKC invitationals in agility and obedience. In addition, the Eukanuba World Challenge -- presided over this year by Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson -- featured dogs from 41 countries. The event brings together "some of the world's most beautiful and diverse dogs," promises Animal Planet. (Be sure to watch for Sadie, a black Scottish terrier, pictured left, who was ranked the number-one dog going into the competition.)

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship premieres on Animal Planet and also on the Discovery Channel on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 8-11 PM (ET/PT).

What To Expect At Puppy Bowl VI

by Emily Richmond (Subscribe to Emily Richmond's posts): Feb 5th 2010 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News

Animal Planet

The "ruff," tough and utterly adorable players take the field Sunday for Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl VI, and referee Andrew Schechter will be back to keep the canine chaos in check. The Brooklyn native (and associate producer) of Puppy Bowl talks with Paw Nation about the big game for pet fans, including some exiting new additions for this year's match-up.

What will be familiar to viewers on Sunday?
The famous kitten halftime show is back again, as well as what we like to call the most innovative camera shot in sports: The water-bowl shot.

What are some of the new features for Puppy Bowl VI?
We're going to have hamsters piloting a miniature blimp above the field, which will give viewers a bird's eye view of the action. And for the first time ever we're going to have bunny-rabbit cheerleaders on the sidelines.

Was it hard to get the bunnies into the outfits?
Actually, none of the animals on Puppy Bowl wear clothes.

It sounds like that's a deliberate decision.
Absolutely. We like to keep them as natural as possible in a comfortable environment. That's what people tune in to see: Puppies being puppies.

Where do the players come from?
The filming takes place near Silver Spring, Md., just outside of D.C. Most of the puppies come from area shelters. We also have shelter dogs from Louisiana, Georgia, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Puppy Bowl Earns 'No Animals Were Harmed'® Disclaimer

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts): Feb 4th 2010 5:00PM Filed Under: Dogs

puppy bowl VI Animal Planet

Forget about the Colts and Saints. This Sunday, we're cheering for the puppies!

For the sixth consecutive year, the "Puppy Bowl" on Animal Planet will provide a fluffy and adorable alternative to the Super Bowl. Viewers will watch 43 puppies play on a scaled-down gridiron. And don't worry; a referee will be there to watch out for "unnecessary ruffness." The halftime entertainment will consist of 20 kittens, while bunny cheerleaders will grace the sidelines throughout the game and a blimp will be flown by some very talented hamsters.

In case that doesn't give you enough of the warm fuzzies, chew on this: All of the puppies, kittens, bunnies and hamsters came from shelters and rescue groups that can be found on PetFinder.com, and almost all of the animals are of mixed breed. Plus, "Puppy Bowl VI" has earned the American Humane Association's "No Animals Were Harmed"® end-credit disclaimer!

Itching to get in on the action? "Puppy Bowl VI" will run on Animal Planet this Sunday, Feb 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. (EST/PST), and you can bone up on the starting lineup before the opening kickoff. (We think Coco looks like she's got real chops, but we have a feeling Jersey Boy might have some serious moves.) If you can't get the rest of your Super Bowl party to change channels, you're still covered. Animal Planet has five consecutive repeats scheduled.

'Pit Boss' Shorty Rossi is Animal Planet's Newest Star

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Jan 28th 2010 4:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Celebrity Pets

Stephanie Diani/Animal Planet

Shorty Rossi, the star of the new reality series, "Pit Boss," may be one of Animal Planet's most colorful characters. He runs Shortywood Productions, a talent management company in Los Angeles, Calif. representing actors who are, like Rossi, little people. He readily admits to having served time in prison for gang-related felonies, but that's all in the past. For the past nine years, Rossi has been rescuing pit bulls, a breed with which he fell in love while growing up in the housing projects of South Central Los Angeles.

Recently, Rossi spoke with Paw Nation about his new show, why he loves pit bulls, and what you should know about little people.

How did the show "Pit Boss" come about?
The producers always saw that I had a compassion for dogs. This is something that hasn't been done before and Animal Planet took the chance. It's been one of the most amazing things because it's about my two passions: rescuing dogs, and my entertainment company.

What is your real name?
My real name is Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi. That's what's on my passport. I changed it years ago while in the entertainment business. When I check into hotels or go on the airplane, my ticket is under Shorty Rossi.

'Groomer Has It' Lets You 'Pimp Your Pooch' Online

by Eliot Glazer (Subscribe to Eliot Glazer's posts): Oct 27th 2009 3:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Animal Sites We Love

Atticus with the Leno. Animal Planet

"Groomer Has It" put down its shears in June, but just because the cameras no longer are rolling on pet 'dos (and don'ts) doesn't mean you have to find another obsession. The marketing wizards behind the Animal Planet show decided to take to the Internets with a silly (albeit ridiculously satisfying) idea that lets you custom-design a stylish new look for your canine.

Upload a photo of your pooch's visage -- or choose from the dozen provided -- and let out your inner fashionista (or, y'know, groomer) by placing on your pooch a brand-spankin'-new 'do inspired by (among others) Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump, or Jennifer Aniston.

Doesn't Paw Nation's own in-house ~~guinea pig~~ dog, Atticus, look ready for prime time with "The Jay?"

Animal Planet's 'Dogs 101' Back for Second Season

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Oct 3rd 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Health

Fireman Richard Yorkey holding a Dalmatian. Photo: Animal Planet

Are Dalmatians really born without spots? What is a Xoloitzcuintli dog and how the heck do you pronounce it? Why does the Puli look like it has dreadlocks? A bevy of experts, trainers, veterinarians and dog enthusiasts answer those questions and more on the second season of Animal Planet's popular series, "Dogs 101".

Each episode focuses on a few breeds to showcase, imparting tons of information about a particular breed's history, personality and physique, but in a fun and entertaining fashion. "This series is a wink and a nod to what every pet owner knows -- that their dog ... is definitely the best, or the handsomest, or the funniest, or simply the most unusual," Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media, says in a statement.

This season, get ready to learn about some 37 different dog breeds. "Each person thinks their dog is the most special and unique, but a great majority of the breeds this season are ones that people probably never heard of," dog trainer and pet expert, Andrea Arden, tells Paw Nation. There's even an entire episode dedicated to "ugly dogs."

Joining the "Dogs 101" cast this season is Zak George (who has his own new show, "SuperFetch"), a dog trainer who believes anybody can teach their dog to perform any trick. "I talk about the dogs from a training perspective," George tells Paw Nation. "'Dogs 101' talks about the generalities of a breed, but is very responsible about not stereotyping dogs. All dogs have different qualities."

"I get a ton of emails after each show," says Arden. "Viewers really take the shows to heart."

"Dogs 101" premieres Saturday, October 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Animal Planet.

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"Groomer Has It" Returns

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Apr 17th 2009 2:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Grooming

The cattiest dog show on television is back! Animal Planet's "Groomer Has It" returns for its second season with a new cast of contestants, a new plush pad, and a scathing new elimination line: "You've been clipped!" (Last season had a gentler send off: "Every dog has its day and today is not yours.")

What makes this show so entertaining? The 12 professional groomers, whose claws come out as they are forced to live with each other while competing to be named "Groomer of the Year" and win $50,000 cash, a mobile grooming van, and -- new this year -- a Subaru Forester.

The prizes have gotten bigger and so have the personalities. One groomer claims to communicate with animals telepathically, another chatters so much she's already annoying her house mates, and another jokes (that is, we hope he's joking) that he was a Beagle till he was 11 years old.

And then there are the dogs who appear in each episode and the bits of information we learn about how to properly groom them. For their first challenge, host Jai Rodriguez and his Yorkshire Terrier Nemo tell the groomers to split up into teams. They must run door-to-door in a Los Angeles neighborhood, asking to borrow household utensils to groom hulking St. Bernard dogs.

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Miniature Dogs

Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.

David McKelvey/http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgmckelvey/3748491903/

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Daschund, only 11 pounds or under, is not a separate classification of the Daschund -- it's just a smaller version of the Standard. The miniature dog, with its long bodies and strong sense of smell, are both hunters and lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German descent and was originally bred to be a small farm dog. The most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a attentive, lively and a favorite among celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore and Bill Cosby. The strongly built miniature dog is between 12 to 14 inches, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Bull Terrier
Just like the playful Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, who originated in England, has a similar personality. Don't let its size fool you – the Miniature Bull Terrier is strong, energetic and audacious. Miniature Bull Terriers are between 10 to 15 inches and can be solid white or colored, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is one of three separate categories of the American Eskimo Dog. Between 12 to 15 inches, the bright white dog is loving, protecting and sociable. Now a great companion dog, the miniature dog was once a circus dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Pinscher
Also known as the "Min Pin," the Miniature Pinscher is a German Breed whose ancestry includes the Daschund, Italian Greyhound and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The quick, curious dog is the perfect apartment dog. Despite its small size, the compact pooch makes a wonderful watchdog. The spirited miniature dog, about 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches, can be red, black, or chocolate with tan, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs