Every Christmas, much to the delight of the Capitol press corps, Barney and the Bush’s other terrier, Miss Beazley, release a video highlighting their escapades around the White House. This year’s version of BarneyCam features country superstar Alan Jackson and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair offering congratulations to Barney for becoming a junior park ranger. Americans spend over $41 billion annually on their dogs, with items as extravagant as private hotel rooms for boarding, organic dog food, and even fake testicles for dogs who have been neutered. Dogs in America get full wardrobes, braces for their teeth, indoor toilets, highly specialized medical procedures and even psychotherapy. One of the largest pet supply retailers, Pet Smart, has gone well beyond selling rubber balls and dry dog food and now fully caters to the lunacy of those who see nothing wrong with spending thousands of dollars on their pets. Also available is Doggy Day Camp, where owners can drop their dogs off for a day of exercise with other dogs screened for group play. read more

The beauceron, long considered a rare dog in the United States, was accepted into the American Kennel Club this year. Because of the efforts by Bass and other beauceron breeders, her dogs will trot across the same carpet as golden retrievers, dachshunds and other favorites at the Westminster Dog Show in February. Stack expresses concern that the kennel club has started admitting dogs at a greater rate since the creation of the Foundation Stock Service, as a way of keeping its revenue steady. A spokesperson for the American Kennel Club declined to comment on the accusations but said that the club is often criticized by breeders because it is “the rule-making organization for the sport. She now shows her small, hairless, hypoallergenic dogs with the North American Kennel Club and sells puppies for $1,500 to $2,000 each. As she prepares her dogs for the barrage of upcoming American Kennel Club shows leading up to Westminster, the debate over the value of the AKC is far from her mind. read more

Consider, for instance, the organic cotton play and chew toys from Harry Barker, maker of haute canine accessories. Nancy Sheets, owner of Tails of the City in Snider Plaza, stocks one-of-a-kind finds, including leashes that beg pet owners to get moving with their dogs. The PupLight, which Secret Service agents reportedly use for their dogs, snaps onto collars and includes a fur guard so Spot won’t feel the pinch. This first-aid kit ($22) for animals includes everything from eyewash to burn gel to help owners deal with a range of issues, including paw problems and cuts and scrapes. Tails will wag with glee at these all-natural toys (starting at $8) by Harry Barker made of organic cotton and hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill. The set includes a pair of bowls, one airtight container and lid, plus a carrying handle, making it ideal for toting kibble or treats and keeping everything neat and clean. read more

Nancy Sheets, owner of Tails of the City in Snider Plaza, stocks one-of-a-kind finds, including leashes that beg pet owners to get moving with their dogs. This first-aid kit ($22) for animals includes everything from eyewash to burn gel to help owners deal with a range of issues, including paw problems and cuts and scrapes. Tails will wag with glee at these all-natural toys (starting at $8) by Harry Barker made of organic cotton and hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill. The set includes a pair of bowls, one airtight container and lid, plus a carrying handle, making it ideal for toting kibble or treats and keeping everything neat and clean. read more