How to Build A Doll's Rabbit Hutch

       A rabbit hutch may be constructed using any size or shaped box. What it looks like in the end, is up to you! I constructed a very traditional looking one for our doll's pet bunnies. The rabbits cost just a few pennies at a neighborhood estate sale. All the rest is made from common craft supplies you probably have among collected items found in a junk drawer or craft cabinet at home.

The finished result of a homemade bunny
 hutch for our family of dolls.

Supply List:

• a narrow rectangular cardboard box
• white school glue
• masking tape
• a little saw dust
• dried straw or grass from an old placemat or hat
• additional scrap corrugated cardboard for the roof
• faux wood plank printed paper
• fine wire or white chenille stems
• skewers or toothpicks
• acrylic silver paint (optional)
• mesh net from recycled onion or garlic bags
• Easter grass (natural color)
• Xacto knife (adults use this only)
• Four chopsticks for the legs of the hutch
• one button for door knob
• hot glue gun and hot glue

Rabbits are ready to rob someones' veggie patch I think...

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut top off of a corrugated narrow box and cut-away a narrow triangle shape the same shape at each narrow end of the box. Doing this will create the angle in the roof when the top is reattached to the top.
2. Cut away one half of the front of the rabbit hutch. This will be where to attach the door with bars made from skewers or toothpicks.
3. Carefully peal off the top layer of the corrugated cardboard roof top before reattaching it to the box top with masking tape and glue.
4. From the cardboard removed from the front, nestle it inside of the box to close off a small sleeping nest on the other half of the box.
5. Now cut away a window in the front of the ribbit hutch where you can see inside of the sleeping nest. Use an Xacto knife to accomplish this with the help of an adult.
6. At this time you can also cut away a small door at the top of your rabbit hutch through the roof top. 
7. Reattach this roof door with masking tape on one narrow end only.
8. Cut away a whole in the floor of the hutch where the bunnies may be seen as they wake and eat behind the barred door. 
9. This particular hole in the floor of the hutch is where the rabbits go to the bathroom if they are kept out-of-doors. Tape a 'screen' cut from a mesh bag across it so that they do not fall through the opening.
10. You may put a shallow bin beneath this mesh opening to gather what falls through. 
11. If your doll's pet bunnies live indoors, they will need a kitty litter bin for their relief instead of the built in mesh floor covering. So then you will not need to include it in your own pet hutch.
12. At this point you can tape the four chopsticks to the four corners of the hutch so that it will be on stilts in the doll's garden. Let these attachments dry over night. Keeping a hutch for rabbits lifted off of the ground is important in order to insure that your pets will not have their home flooded with ground water. 
13. Insert Easter grass through the whole of the nesting side of the hutch for the pet rabbit's comfort.
14. Cover the outside walls with masking tape.
15. Decoupage the walls of the rabbit hutch with natural colored papers. You may wish to 'flock' some of the lower walls in the interior with a bit of sawdust to make the habitat look 'cozy.'
16. Carve out a little whole for the bunnies to squeeze through on the interior wall that divides the two main rooms. Have an adult to this using the Xacto knife.
17. Now you may add both the skewer door and 'barred' window to the hutch. The barred window is made using wire that is twisted together to make a criss-cross pattern. Younger children may have more success in bending this together by using chenille stems for the process. Insert the window wire panes through the corrugated holes of the window opening and squeeze a bit of glue between these gaps.
18. I built the door by 'threading' the wooden skewers between a two strips of corrugated cardboard cut-outs, see picture below. Glue these into place between these cardboard grooves and cut the gate to fit the opening of your rabbit hutch.
19. You can make this door open and shut easily be wiring it to one side of the interior hutch wall. 
20. Shape a wire hook for the opposite side of the door and attach this directly to the gate. 
21. Hot glue a button on the wall where the hook meets the hutch front and can be 'hooked' onto the button to keep the door shut.
22. Decoupage the outside walls of the hutch using faux wooden paper planks.
23. Paint the rooftop using dry brush and silver acrylic paints to 'mimic' an old aluminum metal roof if you like.

Left, the masking tape just holds the roof in place until the glue dries. Once it is secure,
 the tape is then removed. Right, see the hole cut at the top so that a pet may be set
down gently inside without it hopping away through the front of the shelter.

Left, see the lining of the shelter has sawdust glued to it's inside walls. Right, there is also
 a window cut into the "hiddey-hole" so that the dolls can view their pets while they sleep.

Left, The bunnies have left their sleeping quarters and are ready to eat, play and explore.
Right, See the rabbit from above through the door in the roof. Just right of him is the hole
he uses to gain access to his sleeping area. The multiple openings of the hutch insure 
your pets will have a nice cross-ventilation. 

Left, one bunny is still in the hutch but his companion is nibbling on straw. The straw 
helps the rabbits to keep their teeth healthy. Right, you can see the backside of the 
rabbit hutch in our garden.

Left, is a view of the hutch from above with the roof door open. Right, you can see a pet
through the bars on the main door. You can also see the Easter grass peeping through
the window panes of the nesting box.

Lauren shares the bunny basics for pet owners.

More Doll Pet Rabbit Crafts:

• DIY a spinning scratch ball for bunnies and cat pets here.

Read About Barbie's Vintage Pets

       "Beauty" is the name of Barbie's Afghan Hound from 1981. We found her on ebay for less than twenty dollars. However, she no longer had the accessories she once came with. I gave her a new blue ribbon collar with a tiny gold bone tag. The tag is a charm that you can purchase from a hobby shop if you want a similar one for your own Barbie pets.

Barbie's Afghan Hound, Beauty.
Make her a new collar using ribbon
and a bone shaped charm too!

       Her original box reads that there are "so many ways (9) to pamper and play with her!"

1. Comb her soft hair with her own comb/brush.
2. Crown her a princess.
3. Award her a blue ribbon.
4. Pretend to take her for a walk.
5. Put on her pretty cape. 
6. Pose her many ways.
7. "Feed" her from her own dish.
8. Put on her jaunty hat. 
9. Make her hold an object in her mouth.

Learn About Afghan Dogs:

• Why the Afghan Hound is unlike any other dog...
• The American Afghan Hound Club
• Tucker Time shows off Barbie's Dog Beauty

Listing of Barbie's Official Early Pets: From 1964-1997: Not included in this listing are the pets of her other family members or variations of poses of same named horses. But, I have re-listed the horses when their colors change.

• In 1964 Mattel released a felt gray poodle that had no official name; then a few years later, 1970, a similar poodle was sold and his name was "Jamie." These were especially cut because they were made using felt.
• In 1971, a (color) horse named "Dancer"
• Then in 1972 a white version of a "Jamie" poodle was sold.
• In 1972 "Put-ons & Pets" were released. These costumes included an Afghan, a white cat, and a smaller black dog resembling a poodle?
• 1979, Barbie's Afghan hound, "Beauty" was first sold. This came inside of a small set that included: a plastic pink doll bed, a yellow brush, a yellow food dish, a first place ribbon award, a pink dog "cape" and a blue collar.
• 1980 "Dallas" became a gold palomino horse.
• One year later, Beauty had her first litter of puppies. However, none of these had her distinctive fur. I suppose their daddy dog had non either.
• 1981 "Dallas" transformed into a white horse and "Midnight", a black horse for Barbie was also produced by Mattel.
• In 1982, a set of huskies accompanied an Eskimo Barbie version along with a sled.
• By 1982, her white cat was named "Fluff" and came with many accessories: a pink collar, a bed, a kennel, food and food dish, and a hot pink scratching post.
• Her sheep dog named "Mr. Bobbie" was first sold in 1983 in Germany only.
• A white horse named "Prancer" and a baby palomino named "Dixie" in 1983 were first sold.
• "Prince" a white poodle was sold for Barbie. He came with a French beret and a black bow tie! (quite charming)
• Finally, in 1985 Barbie acquired a tropical parrot named "Tahiti." Tahiti came with a pink and white cage. I'll be making a parrot pet or two in the future for our dolls.
• Fashion Packs in 1986 included all kinds of solid colored cats to coordinate with Barbie and Ken's wardrobes.
• 1987 "Blinking Beauty" was released; she blinked.
• In 1989 Animal Lovin' Safari Fashion Barbie, Nikki and Ken came with a lion cub, a panda and a monkey. All fashions with these dolls featured pastel leopard prints. "Ginger" the giraffe and "ZZ" the zebra were sold separately but were part of the line.
• In 1989 a Western show horse named "Sun Runner" came onto the market. This same Western toy line for Barbie included a dog named "Turquoise." He was a large Collie breed.
• By 1990 an automated dog that could walk and bark named "Ginger" was shown on commercials to pull Barbie on her skateboard.
• In 1990 the ski fun Barbie had a grey speckled horse named "Blizzard" and a large fluffy dog named "Snowball."
• In 1991, Barbie's three horses were named: "Star Stepper", "Rosebud" and "SnowDance."
• Also in 1991, "Sachi" the large furry white dog for Barbie featured a faux brushable coat.
• In 1991 a pale caramel colored cat named "Honey" was also introduced to the marketplace. I guess you can never have too many horses, right?
• In 1992 Barbie owned a cat named "Tags" and a dog named "Wags." 
• By 1993 Barbie's horse named "High Stepper", a horse that could actually walk, was introduced to Barbie fans. "Western Star" horse was an alternative horse without automation.
• In Canada, Mattel released a skating Barbie with a roll along white-fur puppy.
• "Champion" a black horse came out in 1994.
• 1995, a companion dog named, "Collie" barked automatically when petted on it's back.
• In 1995 Barbie's pretty pets for her parlor were featured and another horse named "Nibbles" featuring a magnet in it's mouth for retrieving food and objects. Barbie also had a pink Flying Hero Horse with shimmering mane and tail.
• Baywatch Barbie came with a dolphin and Songbird Barbie came with a "singing bird."
• 1996 was the year Barbie's dog "Goldie" had twin puppy poodles and Barbie became a veterinarian for the first time and had a wide variety of dogs and cats to care for in her clinic. All of these pet patients were plastic featuring faux fur manes and tales.
• 1996 ushered in Barbie's Ocean Friends line featuring pets called "Baby Keiko" the killer whale, "Kira" a seal friend and an unnamed dolphin came with the Ken doll.
• In 1997 Barbie's horse could stamp stars with her hooves. She also had automated ponies with special features.
• Also in 1997 Barbie's stable was filled with Magical Pets: "Charlotte" the pig, "Rebecca" the lamb, "Lizzie" the calf, Mommy and baby pigs, and "Nibbles" the cow.
• And in 1998, Barbie's "Winter Ride Horse" and "Walking Beauty" horse were introduced and another line of pets that included a variety of dog breeds like the Dalmatian, the Labrador, the St. Bernard and the Pointer were made available. Breeds with faux fur added included the Sheep dog, the Collie and the Yorkie. The Li'l Zoo Pals Line included petting zoo animals for Barbie too.
• By 1999 Barbie was sold with a white horse along with her Royal Romance line. Three Glam dogs were introduced with Barbies all of them unnamed Afghan hounds in multiple colors and fur textures. There were also many more unnamed Glam 'N Groom pets with fur to brush and detailed accessories accompanied these too. New flocked pets were introduced in this year called that were sold as sets of "twin puppy pets." Large horse sets called "Brushable Beauties" and "Sparkle Beauties" were on the market. None of these horses were named by Mattel.
  
• And last, but not least, the 1997 Barbie's "Rainbow Horse" included automated wings.

Commercials Advertising Barbie's Pets:

• 2002 Ginger Commercial 
• Barbie Sweet Pet Shop Playset Commercial from 2002
• 2006 Tanner Commercial - A dog a little to realistic I think.
• 2022 Barbie's Newborn pups set

        I found two additional dogs for our standard dolls at resale: a newer breed called the Biewer Terrier and a rare breed called the Ghost Giant Schnauzer. We named the female terrier "Queenie" and the male, white schnauzer "Casper." They are very good friends with "Beauty." They chase each other all around our custom Barbie playsets. Perhaps you will catch further glimpses of them in future craft posts?

It's easy to repaint resin figurines. Use acrylic paints to cover
and then seal with Mod Podge.

       I repainted these resin dogs to suite my own purposes. Resin is very easily painted over with acrylics and then seal the new coat of paint using Mod Podge. 

       With a little hot glue, a pink ribbon and a small clipping of faux fur, I made Queenie look more like her true breed, a Biewer Terrier. 

       Casper also has a new collar with a tiny tag the shape of a paw print. He is ready for a cuddle or tumble anytime with our dolls...

• How to make fun accessories for your dolls pets: listed under tag, "Rescue and Adopt Animal Shelter for Dolls"
• See another dog I made for our dollhouse grandfather. His dog's name is "Winston."
• Read about all of pets belonging to American Girl Dolls here...

Three dogs playing outdoors belong to our standard size Barbies and Fashionista dolls.

DIY a Cool Pool for Summer Fun!

        This cool little pool is constructed with: blue painter's tape, blue photo paper of water, three large plastic rings, scrap cardboard, Mode Podge, masking tape and white school glue. Your doll's pets may pretend to swim in it whenever they wish without any fear of getting wet. Think of all the mess you'll never need clean up while the puppy softies pounce about causing all kinds of mischief!

Left, one of our doll's many pet poodles enjoys their cool pool. Right, see the three rings covered in
blue painters tape; it makes the pool look like inflated plastic.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cover the three plastic rings with masking tape, smoothing down edges and creases as you go.
2. Using white school glue, squeeze out enough from the bottle to stick the bottom sides together once all three rings are stacked on top of each other. Let dry.
3. Cut out a bottom from cardboard and glue the rings on top of it.
4. Cut out water photo paper and paste it into the interior of the pool so that it will look as though it is filled with water.
5. Now mask the remaining areas not yet blue with painter's tape.
6. Brush on Mod Podge to seal the entire surface area one last time.

Left, the rings are both taped and glued together using masking tape. Center, a bottom cut from 
cardboard is taped to the bottom of the three rings. Right, blue water printed paper is glued 
inside of the pool and then Mod Podge is brushed on last to seal the finish.

 See Additional Pool Posts:

• A decoupaged pool craft using seaside stickers and a recycled clear, plastic container
• Barbie's trendy pool from my childhood collections...

DIY a Spinning Scratch Ball for Bunnies or Cats

Furry and fun pets for dolls can use this simple homemade toy to scratch and nuzzle.

      Unlike the old-stand-by for pets, the ball of yarn or twine, this toy contraption's twin cannot be unraveled all about the house! Either cats or rabbits may spin the suspended ball just barely in reach and dull the nails on their paws just as they would do with a scratching post. The doll version of this amusing toy may be embellished with decorative scrapbook papers and cardboard cutouts of triangles.

       I also suggest a second version below using an empty masking tape roll and a ball of yarn twisted about a skewer instead of covering a Styrofoam ball with glue and twine. Use what you have and craft something cute for your doll's favorite pet!

       To make either version of this toy you will need the following supplies plus a foam ball for the first version: yarn or twine, white school glue, scrap cardboard, a wooden skewer or toothpick, beads to hold the ball of yarn in place and decorative papers.

Left, step 1. Next, step. 2. Center, step 3. photographed. Right, see from different angle.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. To make the first version of this toy you will need to poke a long skewer through the center of a  small Styrofoam ball. 
2. Spread small amounts of white glue around the foam ball while you cover it with yarn or twine. 
3. Poke both ends of the cut skewer through the peak ends of two identically cut cardboard triangles. 
4. Glue a wooden bead at both end tips.
5. Glue the yarn covered sphere and triangles to the bottom of a cardboard base. Let dry.
6. Cover the sides of cardboard with decorative papers and white glue.
7. Decoupage to finish if you wish.

The second variation of the same kind of toy. This one
includes a yarn ball wrapped around itself instead of 
a foam form. It is also mounted on top of a masking
tape dispenser that has been cut in half.

My Pet Clip Art Printable

        A printable clip art page from former 4-H club resources. Learn more about National 4-H clubs here. There may be active programs in your area; these are usually hosted by local State Universities. As always, the clip art is free for student art projects and private journals only folks.

Illustrations of cats, fish, mice, hamsters, dogs, and birds for students.

Name all of the American Girl Doll pets?

       Most of the American Girl dolls own their own pets and have a vested interest in giving them the very best care. Some of the dolls even own more than one pet! Check out our listing below to get your own ideas for the kinds of pets your dolls could own and care for. The pet names here are all very imaginative too.

1. Molly McIntire owns two terriers she calls "Bennett and Yank"
   
2. Kaya's horse, "Steps High", and her dog "Tatlo"
3. Summer McKinny's dog named "Crescent" and her cat named "Fettuccine"
   
4. Felicity Merriman's  horse, "Penny"
5. Samantha Parkington's pet dog is "Jip"
   
6. Caroline Abbott doll has a cat named "Inkpot"
7. A dog called "Barksee" belongs to Kanani Akina
   
8. Josefina Montoya's doll has a little goat called "Sombrita"
9. "Bo" is a pet dog belonging to Melody Ellison 
10. Isabelle and Jade Palmer care for a kitten they call "Tutu''
    
11. Kavi Sharma's pet dog is "Scamper"
12. Cecile Rey has a parrot called "Cochon"
13. Lila Monetti's is friend to a dog named "Mighty Mae''
14. A French bulldog named "Bonbon" belongs to Grace Thomas
    
15. A Himalayan cat called "Rascal" belongs to Marisol Luna
16. "Cooper" is a lovely goldendoodle owned by McKenna Brooks
    
17. Marie-Grace Gardner has a long-time companion dog named "Argos"
18. Rebecca Rubin cares for a cat named "Pasta'' along with it's two kittens
    
19. Kirsten Larson's cat is named "Missy"
20. Chrissa Maxwell is the only American Girl Doll to own a llama and it's name is "Starburst''
    
21. Addy Walker has a tiny yellow canary she calls "Sunny"
22. Claudie Wells has a pet dog "Dizzy Dot''
23. Kit Kittredge takes home a hound called "Grace" 
24. One of two American Dolls to own a rabbit is Julie Albright and she names it "Nutmeg"
    
25. Isabel Hoffman has a cat she calls "Buffy" 
26. Nicki Hoffman calls her dog "Blossom" 
27. The Maryellen Larkin doll pet is a dog called "Scooter" 
28. Kailey Hopkin's pet is a classic golden retriever named "Sandy" 
29. Corinne Tan and her sister Gwynn own a dog named "Flurry"
30. "Sprocket'' is the name of Nicki Fleming's dog-in-training and "Jackson" is her horse.
31. Lanie Holland is another American Girl doll who owns a pet rabbit and she calls it "Lulu"
32. "Picasso" is Saige Copeland's pet horse and she also has a dog she calls "Sam".
33. Dogs named "Coconut" and ''Chocolate Chip" and "Honey" and "Meatloaf''' and "Pepper" and "Sugar"and ''Toasty'' plus cats named "Licorice" and "Ginger'' and "Praline'' are mascots for the American Girl Dolls in general. These are not written about in the doll character books but may be purchased for any doll to love and give a home to.
34. The Kira Bailey doll fosters many kittens for a local shelter before they are given in adoption to their permanent owners.
35. Tenny Grant owns a dog called "Waylon"
36. "Maya" is the name of a cat owned by the Gabriela McBride doll.
37. The Lea Clark doll owns the most exotic pets: a turtle named "Ginger" and a sloth who's name I do not recall.

       I think these are all the pets for both the old Pleasant Company Dolls and the 18 inch American Girl Dolls? But, I may have missed a few... If you can remember any others, add them in the comments below so that our readers here will know them all!

Don't like any of the names above for your doll's pet? How about one of these from television History?

1. Lassie from "Lassie"
2. Rin-Tin-Tin from The Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin
3. Snoopy from "Charlie Brown"
4. Comet from "Full House"
5. Salem from "Sabrina the Teenage Witch"
6. Astro from "The Jetsons"
7. Scooby Doo from "Scooby Doo, Where Are You!''

Craft a few toys for your pretend pets...

The small pink rug above was cut from a real bath mat. Students can recycle all
kinds of things about the house to use in ordinary dollhouse play or displays.
Our doll's pet dog and bunny are romping around this tiny rug with their
new chew toys.

 

       Here are a few toys that can be crafted from limited supplies for your doll's pets. The first is a bone sculpted from oven-bake clay. The shape you see above in the photo is very simple and an ordinary one for pets to play with in real life too. 

Cat pointers for doll pets.

       The second to is made using yarn and a few beads from our sewing notions box. Choose three colors of yarn to braid together and then slip one or two beads over the braid. These should have extra large holes so that the braid may fit easily through the openings. Then tie off the braid in a loop so that the beads won't slip off. 

       Now your pretend pet dogs can chew and toss these toys around as much as they like!

       To make a cat pointing toy you will need a hot glue gun and hot glue. A parent or much older sibling should help younger kids when glue guns are being manipulated. 

       Glue a colorful pom pom and a feather or two at the tip of one toothpick in order to make something similar to the cat picks shown in the photograph.

       Cats love to chase, flip and jump after these simple toys in real life. So, items like this make playtime fun for pretend as well. 

Colorful toy tubes for cats and dogs.

       The next pet toy shown on the left, is made from paper straws, paints and pom poms and a small amount of metal tape.

       First, cut the paper straws to the same length, at least one inch.

       Then glue these together in a bundle using a tacky craft glue. Let the glue dry completely before painting the tubes. 

       After the paint is dry, apply some decorative metal tape. When the light hits the tape it will reflect it and make the toy even more interesting.

       The last step is to insert tiny pom poms inside two or three of the tubes using tacky glue. Do this on both sides of the toy in random places.This toy is good for tumbling and giving your doll's pet something interesting to toss about the room!

How to make dog collars for doll sized pets...

Left, our 18'' doll pets stand five inches tall when seated on their haunches. Right, the doll 
collars with split rings and dog themed charms.

        Does your doll's pet have a collar to identify who they belong too? These sweet little paper wire collars are as unique to your pet as you would make them. Choose different papers and charms to add one-of-a-kind touches.

Supply List:

• paper covered wire 
• decorative scrapbook papers
• white school glue
• masking tape
• metal dog charms
• Split Rings (20mm for dogs 5'' tall)

Left, paper covered wire frequently used in packing lettuce in supermarkets and what it looks 
like after it's been cut and covered with masking tape. Right, the dog collars are decoupaged
with white glue and scrapbook papers.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Twist the paper covered wire into a circular shaped collar for a stuffed pet dog. The circumference should be approximately 2 1/4 inches across. This size will easily slip over the top of a standard sized plush pet dog measuring 5 inches tall when seated on it's hind legs. If your doll's dog is smaller simply use a shorter wire for it's collar. Twist the ends together of several lengths of wire to determine what size works best for your doll's pet.
2. Cover the paper wire with masking tape.
3. Decoupage the dog collar using any decorative scrap paper you wish and the white school glue. Let the glue dry over night.
4. Slip a split ring onto the collar and then add a dog charm.
5. Now squeeze the plush dog's head a bit to fit the collar on over it's head and around it's neck.

Craft a Brick Dog House for Winter Weather

See another version of this same craft here too.

        

        This craft belongs to a set of dog houses we made for a few of our doll's larger pet dogs. Larger meaning approximately 5x6 inches. This black labradoodle loves his warm, cozy brick home. He stays dry and safe there while protecting all of his human children from intruders! 

       You will need the following craft supplies to make this dog house: scrap cardboard, white school glue, masking tape, red sandpaper, green paper, and cotton balls.

 

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Cut 6"x12" cardboard piece for the walls and floor of your doll house craft. 
2. Score twice after two measured intervals of four inches. 
3. Fold the walls at the scored places. 
4. Now cut a 6"x 6" cardboard piece for the roof of the dog's house.
5. Score at the midpoint of the roof. Each half of the roof should measure 3" wide by 6" in length.
6. Cut two pieces of cardboard 1"x 6" and glue these at either side of the roof 1" from the overhang. A length of cardboard must span the roof underneath to prevent the walls from collapsing inside the roof. Use masking tape to hold these glued pieces in position white they dry if you need to.
7. Now squeeze a generous bead of glue along the edge of the walls before fitting the roof over these. Let the glue dry over night to ensure a strong contact.
8. Reinforce seams with glue and tape.
9. Tape raw edges with masking tape.
10. Paint the interior of the dog house any color you like.
11. Cut two identical, rectangle windows for both sides of the dog house. Paste these in position.
12. Cut long narrow strips of cardboard to frame the windows and paste these around the outside of the windows to frame them.
13. Tape onto the rooftop a smaller box, cutting it to fit, to act as a pretend chimney. 
14. Cut many rectangular shapes from the red sandpaper for pretend bricks and paste these onto all surfaces excluding the roof. 
15. Cover the roof with green paper and paste. 
16. Now unravel a few cotton balls to layer on the roof, on the top of the chimney and onto the window frames with white school glue. This will be the snow that has settled on the dog house during the winter!
    

Left, "A length of cardboard must span the roof underneath to prevent the walls from
collapsing inside the roof. Glue and tape the cardboard pieces in place, then glue
the roof to the outside walls leaving a decorative overhang." Center "Overhang on
the dog house roofs" Right, edges and corners reinforced with masking tape.

Left and Right, pasting on the red sandpaper bricks...

The Christmas Dog House Waits... by Pierre Lemieux

Craft A Paper Doll Dog Show!

        Stuck inside with little to do? Children can pretend to have a dog show using the printable materials provided below. We have restored paper doll dogs and also have included articles that explain what dog show judges look for in dog breeds when awarding them at competitions.

• 24 Free clip art pages of dogs portraits for lapbooks, crafts and assignments
• The Story of The Dog... 
• Technical Terms and Topography for Dogs
  

Supplies You Will Need for A Paper Doll Dog Show:

• home printer
• scissors
• magic markers, colored pencils or crayons
• white school glue
• poster board (for mounting the paper animals)

Paper Doll Dogs Restored for Play and Descriptions of How Dog Breeds Are Judged:

1. The Scottie show dog named "Mac" - is owned by Bonnie Brae MacGregor. She says he is a good watchdog.
   
2. The Dalmatian show dog named "Spotty" - is the long time friend of Dan, a fire-fighter's son. Dan says that Spotty is a faithful watchdog.
   
3. The Standard Poodle show dog named "Muffy" - Fifi is Muffy's owner and she says that her dog has won many dog show competitions.
   
4. The Basset Hound show dog named "Dumpy" - is being brushed until his coat shines by his best friend, Billy.
   
5. The German shepherd show dog named "Ruffy" - takes some time off from his job at precinct number 7 to be with Michel his owner's young son at the dog show.
   
6. The Pekinese show dog named "Chu" - and her owner Patty love to meet new kids at the local parks. Patty also loves to show off how cute Chu looks after being groomed for the dog show.
   
7. The Dachshund show dog named "Pooky" - Trudy is Pooky's best friend. She sometimes knits sweaters for him to wear when its cold outside!
8. The Fox Terrier show dog named "Nicky" - This trained terrier grew up in the circus and knows all kinds of tricks!
9. The Boxer show dog named "Chesty" - Tom loves his dog, Chesty, so much that he built him his very own dog house.
   
10. The Chihuahuas show dog named "Paco" - a lively and playful dog that is easily trained
11. The Cocker Spaniel show dog named "Princess" - Sue says her little princess is gentle and full of lively fun!
12. The Collie show dog named "Lassie" - Lassie lives on a farm and helps her mistress with chores...
    

Now you will need to set up a display for the dog show:

• Ribbons for the award ceremony

Watch Real Dog Shows at YouTube for Kids:

• Kids Dog Show reported by Bellingham Herald
• Dog show & Kids learn about dogs

This cute paper dog and more like it can be found at Paper Magic. 
Make even more of your favorite dog breeds to exhibit 
at your own dog show competition!

The Story of The Dog...

"Dog is a faithful and courageous companion of man."

       The dog, a faithful, courageous and intelligent domestic animal, to which no truer or more simple tribute could be made than the following eulogy by Former Senator George Graham Vest:

       "The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And, when the last scene of all homes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death."

       The earliest date of domestication of the dog is a matter of dispute, but he was the companion of man before history was first recorded. There is no doubt, however, that dogs are the descendants of several different kinds of wolves and jackals. Various breeds of dogs are now found everywhere, except perhaps in New Zealand. They serve the cannibals of the Pacific islands, the Eskimos of the frozen north, the red men of the prairies and the modern men of all civilized cities of the world. A few of the habits of their wild ancestors of the jungles and plain are still retained by the dogs of the household, such as digging up the earth with their forefeet and throwing it back with the hind feet, and turning around two or three times before lying down. If left to themselves some kinds of dogs would no doubt again become wild, as did the dogs left on Robinson Crusoe's island and as did the noble beast in Jack London's Call of the Wild. They would lose their bark, which observers consider an attempt to imitate the human voice, and would merely yelp and howl. Wild dogs are found in Southern Asia and in the islands of the Pacific. In Australia one species, a destroyer of sheep, is known as the dingo. The wild dog of India is the dhole, about which Kipling has written.

Scratching behind the ear.

       Breeds and Characteristics. There are about two hundred breeds of domestic dogs, which vary greatly in size, appearance and structure. All, like the cat, have five toes on the forefeet and four on the hind feet, but the claws are duller, shorter and not retractile, that is, cannot be drawn back into the toes. All earn their keep for some special service to the master, ranging from mere companionship, affection and devotion to the protection of life and property.
        In snow and ice-bound northern lands dogs play an important part in the activities of man. In Alaska, sled dogs and reindeer have been employed almost entirely for transportation in the past. Dogs which are half wolf, called malamutes, were harnessed to sleds in a line, one before the other. Those dogs were both thievish and are fierce fighters, however, and the Labrador huskies, which were longer-legged, more efficient cross-bred dogs, are slowly taking the place of the malamutes. These ‚huskies‚ were harnessed abreast so they could spread out in a fan-shaped team. Usually seven or nine dogs made such a team, and the burden for each was about 150 pounds. Many dogs were also in the employ of the United States government in Alaska, to carrying mail.
       Hounds are still employed in police departments of many large American and European cities, where they aid in capturing criminals. The use of various kinds of dogs as hunters of game is common everywhere. The collie is a famous shepherd dog. Stories about the rescuing of lost travelers in the Alps by the great Saint Bernard, and the saving of the drowning by those strong swimmers, the Newfoundlands, are numerous, interesting and true.
        Not only can various breeds of dogs be trained to hunt, but even the mongrel part of the household has intelligence keen enough to be taught various tricks: to beg, to, speak, to fetch, carry and do various simple acrobatic feats. A sharp reproof will be more effective than blows, and a kindly word will bring forgetfulness of former harshness and will call forth that sign of devotion, a grateful wag of the tail.
       Cleanliness and freedom from draughts are as necessary to the dog as to man; these will guard against the disease known as distemper. To remove fleas, that burden of a dog's life, careful bathing is necessary. Under favorable circumstances a dog will live for fifteen years. Even with the best of care, however, it is liable to disease. The worst of these is rabies, or hydrophobia (see Hydrophobia). If a human being is bitten by an animal suffering with rabies, the disease will be imparted to the person bitten.
       A dog can go longer without meat than without water, so his special water-pan should always be kept filled. One meal a day for a grown dog is considered sufficient; that may be of dog biscuit or the coarse scraps from the table, with not too much meat. A dog, to look best and to show most intelligence, should be neither fat nor lean, but just sleek. The occasional bone should not be forgotten, for gnawing on a bone keeps the dog's teeth sharp, and forms part of its amusement, too. Who has not watched a dog carefully bury its bone and then later seen another unearth it?

All in one family: coyote, fennec, jackal, wolf, fox, bull-dog, collie, and  Newfoundland.

DIY Doggie Food and Water Dishes

The finished dog food and water bowls. 
Now our doll's dog Hobo can eat his dinner.

       Our doll's dog, Hobo, looks just like the dog in the old movie "Please, Don't Eat The Daisies" this is why we gave him this name. Plus he has a giant appetite! So we decided he needed a food dish and water bowl just for himself. Below is how we made these pet items yesturday. You will need to give similar pet crafts plenty of time for drying as well!

Supply List:

• Two large juice bottle caps of equal size
• white school glue
• masking tape
• tissue paper
• tiny pebbles (come in bags are dollar stores)
• a watery printed fabric or paper
• Mod Podge (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Aquire two large or small, depending on the size of your doll's pet, bottle caps of equal size and shape. Wash these out with warm soap and water.
2. Drizzle the inside of the caps with white school glue.
3. Press tissue paper inside the caps and layer masking tape onto the tops. One cap should have a slight mound, this is for the dog food bowl. The other cap should have a flat surface for the dog's water bowl.
4. Flood the dog food bowl with glue and press the pebbles inside from edge to edge. Use as much glue as possible. Layer the water bowl with a cut piece of water printed fabric or paper and glue. Let everything dry overnight.

Photos of the four steps needed to craft a pet dog's food and water dishes.

Craft a Cat Scratching Post for Dolls

Left, are the recycled cardboard parts tape together with masking tape. Center is the finished cat 
scratching post. Right is a close up of a doll pet cat called "Socks" relaxing inside the felt covered landing.

       Cat scratching posts come in all shapes and sizes: some have multiple landings, some have small shelters, others have multiple posts to scratch covered in all kinds of textures. I made our doll's cat scratching post using an old masking tape roll, one tube and a cardboard base. I chose a neutral shade of yarn to wrap it with and a gold felt to line the interior rest. But any color of yarn or felt may be used for the project. You can even chose to match your craft materials to the colors of a doll's favorite room.

Supply List:

• recycled masking tape roll
• paper tube or toilet roll
• cardboard
• masking tape
• yarn of your choice
• felt (any color) 
• white school glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. First assemble the cardboard elements together using white glue and masking tape. 
   
2. Cover the entire structure with masking tape
3. Slowly squeeze out small tracks of white glue and wrap the structure with yarn as you go.
4. Use glue to adhere any platforms with an alternate felt on top of the yarn wrapping if you wish. Now your doll's pet cat is ready to condition her nails and climb around her new playground!

Make a Cute Cardboard Dog House

Our doll's dog, Goldie, is looking for her new friend, Max, but he has yet to be adopted
 from the local shelter.

       This cute little dog house is decorated with paw print paper and painted cardboard letters. You can easily make a similar variation using a small box or even a milk carton. If you'd like to craft a dog house like this one, I've included measurements and directions below.

Supply List

• cardboard
• white school glue
• masking tape
• decorative scrapbook papers
• cardboard letters (we used MAX)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Cut 6"x12" cardboard piece for the walls and floor of your doll house craft. 
2. Score twice after two measured intervals of four inches. 
3. Fold the walls at the scored places. 
4. Now cut a 6"x 6" cardboard piece for the roof of the dog's house.
5. Score at the midpoint of the roof. Each half of the roof should measure 3" wide by 6" in length.
6. Cut two pieces of cardboard 1"x 6" and glue these at either side of the roof 1" from the overhang. A length of cardboard must span the roof underneath to prevent the walls from collapsing inside the roof. Use masking tape to hold these glued pieces in position white they dry if you need to.
7. Now squeeze a generous bead of glue along the edge of the walls before fitting the roof over these. Let the glue dry over night to ensure a strong contact.
8. Reinforce seams with glue and tape.
9. Tape raw edges with masking tape.
10. Paint the interior of the dog house any color you like.
11. Decoupage the exterior with a cute paw print scrapbook paper. 
12. Glue the initials or an entire name of your dog to the roof using cardboard letters if you like.
13. Paint the remaining surfaces. 

Left, "A length of cardboard must span the roof underneath to prevent the walls from collapsing
 inside the roof. Glue and tape the cardboard pieces in place, then glue the roof to the outside
walls leaving a decorative overhang." Center "Overhang on the dog house roofs" Right, edges
 and corners reinforced with masking tape.