Chocolate Dogs Chocolate Don't

Use this search box to find the info you're looking for!

Find a buddy, save a life and reap health benefits! Chocolate dogs need your help (not your chocolate).  Help them help you.

Lots of them are waiting in dog rescue shelters for a loving pet parent like you!

Photo courtesy of madaise

Please don't keep them waiting.

But before you adopt, stop. Do research and select a companion that you can live with.

Choose a chocolate chum, a bittersweet buddy.  You'll save a life (as long as you don't let her eat this!) and enhance your won!

Ready? Let's pick a pet...

Kid Friendly Dog Breeds That Come in Chocolate

Why do so many dogs end up in shelters? Dogs do their thing. Too many owners don't do their thing! But not you.  You'll do it right.

Chocolate breeds come in all temperaments. Before you adopt consider your lifestyle. Select a dog that fits. You don't want any unpleasant surprises.

Kid friendly chocolate breeds...

• Chocolate Labrador-intelligent
• Cockapoo-intelligent
• Labradoodle-good for people with allergies
• Havanese-gregarious
• Saint Bernard-mellow, good with kids but not playful
• Bullmastif-not playful but good with kids

But which breed is the best choice for families with kids? The Lab according to petpeoplesplace.com because it's both fun and safe.

Don't forget cute and loyal!

Petmedsonline.org rated it the 7th most intelligent breed. No wonder it's an internationally popular dog!

Chocolate Dog Breeds With Needs

These breeds are a little trickier.  They can make good pets, if you're prepared...

• Chihuahuas-strong bond with one person
• German Longhaired Pointer-intelligent, excellent house pet according to www.germanlonghairs.org
• Dachshunds-may nip unfamiliar kids
• Icelandic Sheepdog-usually good with kids
• Irish Water Spaniel-very active
• Miniature Pinscher-tireless
• Rhodesian Ridgeback-fearless
• English Cocker Spaniel-faithful family dog, active
• Sussex Spaniel-can be a barker
• Tibetan Mastiff-faithful but not good with strangers
• Patterdale Terrier-headstrong
• American Water Spaniel-good pet, but rare
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever-best for active outdoor family
• Boxer-requires an energetic family
• Shar Pei-family guardian
• Kelpie-very energetic

Choose carefully.  Take their special qualities into account!

Ready to adopt? Go to petfinder.com/dog-breeds and use their breed guide to learn more. Plus they have dogs available for adoption.

Can't adopt? Consider a donation to a dog rescue facility. Maybe you have time to volunteer?

Maybe you're a little stressed and need the...

Health Benefits of Pet Dogs

Adopt a dog and you save it's life. But what do you get out of it? Health benefits.

The Centers for Disease Control web site states...

Pets can decrease your:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Triglyceride levels
• Feelings of loneliness

Pets can increase your:

• Opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
• Opportunities for socialization

Benefits you can use, right?

Remember guys, ladies love chocolate. Show up at your local dog park with one of the above chocolate beasts and the ladies will be all over you. It could happen!

Ladies, nothing breaks the ice like pet talk!  Get that gorgeous guy's attention with your interesting chocolate pup.

Your pooch is protecting your health.  Time to return the favor...

Dogs Don't Need Chocolate

Resist those big puppy dog eyes. You can do it. Don't let your dog guilt you into sharing your chocolate.

Why? Dark chocolate theobromine and caffeine.

Dogs are sensitive to these stimulants. They can't metabolize them quickly like us.

In large amounts they can cause your dog to...

• quiver
• convulse
• throw up
• urinate more
• suffer from diarrhea
• have a rapid heart beat
• or worse

Fortunately, death by dark chocolate appears to be a rare occurrence for dogs.

But dogs have a nose for chocolate which can lead to serious trouble.

Which type of chocolate is the most dangerous for your best friend? Baking.

Why baking chocolate? Because its theobromine content is much higher than other types of chocolate. Just one ounce or less may be toxic.

So please protect your pooch from the potential poison.

Cocoa Mulch: Puppy Peril

It's not just the chocolate that can be harmful.  Watch out for the by-products.

Those husks of roasted cocoa beans make great mulch. But some dogs will munch on them.

So be careful where you use it. It can be as dangerous as chocolate for the same reasons (theobromine and caffeine).

You might want to test your dog before you spread it around the yard.

See if she's a mulch muncher.  Put a little down and be ready to pounce.  If she shows too much interest use the mulch where she can't reach it.

Or maybe make it a gift to your friend without a dog.

Safe Alternative to Chocolate

Just can't stand to eat dark chocolate without giving your pooch a treat? Offer a carob dog snack.

It's a safe chocolate substitute for dogs. None of those nasty stimulants to cause problems.

And your pooch will be snack happy.

Chocolate dogs are depending on you.  A canine companion will change your life. Why not get one today?  You both will benefit!

Return to Chocolate Facts

Want more info on Chocolate Animals?

Return to Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Home Page