DOGSPOTTING: YES WE CANINE

Like many Southern California residents, I am indifferent to the Chihuahua thanks to the overpopulation of the breed here. I read somewhere that they are not only the #1 breed in California, but also make up 30% of dogs in some shelters! These little fellas are EVERYWHERE and they start to lose their appeal after you see a hundred. But as I walked into my local 7-Eleven, this little dude caught my eye. Leashed up and waiting for his owner, this pint-sized pup gave the come-hither-(pet me)-look. I love the coloring and those over-sized ears. I think his stature is what makes him so cute; confident yet approachable. An ambassador Chihuahua, representing for his breed, giving speeches outside corner markets, and licking babies faces. Vote for Chihuahua 2012.

DOGSPOTTING: The Puggle World

PUGGLE IS THE BEST BREED NAME. That is just a fact. Say it: PUGGGLLEEEE. Probably the best portmanteau, which I am also a huge fan of. If I had a puggle I would probably name it Melissabeth or Richilliam. I haven't met a lot of Puggles, but I like what they got going on. I spotted this guy in Silverlake roaming around a street fair. I swear I saw him 6 times in 2 hours-- everywhere I went, he was there. He was super friendly and active. In a related note, have you google image search puggle puppies? The ones with really puggy faces make me want to carry one around in my purse everywhere I go and never let it out of my sight. Pugs are so ugly they're cute, but the Puggle is just straight up cute. Beagles are the all American Man's Best Friend of small dogs. So why not throw a little Pug Pizzaz into the mix? Hey, Puggle, I totally get you, and you're alright with me.

THIS JUST IN: My friend, Sean Hess, has confirmed that he not only friends with this Puggle, but that the dog's name is a portmanteau! JARETH THE PUGGLE. Ok, I haven't confirmed that the name is portmanteau, maybe it is an inside joke, but whatever, it COULD BE! JARETH, YOU'VE BEEN SPOTTED!

DOGSPOTTING: Boutique Bichon Style

Ooo-la-la! This Bichon Frise est très fabulous! This pup is as classic as a Chanel handbag: always in style, and goes with any outfit. Spotted in Santa Monica, walking the boardwalk like a runway. I just love that grown out, but kempt, natural Bichon coat. I am all for puppy cuts on most non-shedding dogs, but the Bichons' fluffy mane is just too unique to deny. During a recent mini-marathon of Animal Planet's Dogs 101, I totally fell involve with these playful, super-posi dogs. If I were throwing a puppy party, this would be the A-list, Page Six, party animal that I would invite first.