muttropolitan diary

We're Moving!

2011-05-16T16:31:00.003-04:00

The time has come, the walrus said.I'm moving this blog to Tumblr. Eventually I'll take the time to move the muttropolitandiary.com URL too, but for the meantime, this blog will be at muttropolitandiary.tumblr.comSee you there.xx

Black and white and furry all over

2011-05-02T16:15:00.002-04:00

This trim little Boston Terrier works at a boutique on Orchard Street, peddling trendy clothing and—during his downtime—snuffling up stray bits of loose concrete and patrolling the sidewalk.

Saucisson en visor

2011-05-02T16:04:00.004-04:00

It's technically spring, but it's been pretty chilly recently. It absolutely makes sense to pull on your rugged fur-trimmed parka and camouflage visor before heading out, especially if you're of a certain age.

some dogs like snow

2011-01-12T23:53:00.002-05:00

Buzz, who probably weighs about 160 pounds, really likes snow. Thanks to zealous shoveling there wasn't much left on the sidewalk. But a tree pit, filled with snow, was just the right size for his big, chunky self. Ooh, so refreshing!

Thank you for riding the MTA

2011-01-03T22:10:00.002-05:00

I love this fellow's hairstyle and the way he has so carefully coordinated his own palette with that of his owner's. Nice work, guys.

I'll just wait here

2011-01-03T22:08:00.002-05:00

animals with animals

2009-08-05T13:48:00.002-04:00

Cuter than babies pushing baby carriages containing babies is animals carrying stuffed animals. This senior citizen was not about to let go of her soiled, well-loved plush charge.

true love waits

2009-04-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Four month-old particolored Schnauzer Sophie has big shoes to fill, say her owners. Their much-beloved previous dog, also a Schnauzer, died this past February 13 at age 14. The next day, Valentine's Day, they passed by a pet store on Christopher Street and saw five Schnauzer puppies in the window. But it was too soon. Six weeks later, they went back to the pet store and only one puppy remained:

teeny tiny tyson

2009-04-13T13:05:00.002-04:00

"Put me down! Put me down! Put me down!" Brindle pitbull Tyson did not much like being scooped up as if he were a teensy Malteser and tried to wheedle his way back onto a dignified all-fours stance by kissing the faces of his owner Anthony (left) and Anthony's best friend Louis.

wallflowers of a feather

2009-04-09T22:29:00.003-04:00

Perhaps you have seen this fellow around. No? No, probably not. You probably just walked by him, busy txting. OK, how can I decribe him. So he likes stripes. I think he's got a beard, maybe a moustache. Dog looks a lot like him. Has a thing for accessories. Do you know the guy I mean? Fond of greenery, also flowers. Brights! He likes brights! Like, combinations of brights. And flowers, and

border terrier to go

2009-04-09T22:24:00.002-04:00

This is Chico, a frisky border terrier (is that redundant?) of six or seven years. His owner, Lourdes, says he's "a character. He sings when I sing. He loves to ride. When he gets tired of walking he just climbs right up on you." Freedom and security. The best of both worlds.

the song of the hairy whale

2008-12-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Not another bulldog named Bella -- please say it ain't so! Luckily, this Bella's full name is Beluga, like the whale, and from certain angles (as below) it must be said the resemblance to her namesake is uncanny.

dog used for laughs

2008-12-29T13:49:00.003-05:00

The owner of this PBGV -- an acronym denoting not an STD, sandwich, or sports association but the breed also known as Petit Basset Griffin Vendeen -- named her dog Chowder because she wanted "a name that would make people laugh". Chowder, outgoing and a bit hyped up, did not seem to give a hoot but then possibly only speaks French.

samson, shopping

2008-12-26T18:54:00.002-05:00

Twelve year-old chocolate lab Samson was spotted returning a pair of pants at Paragon sporting goods (or was that her owner? sometimes the Muttropolitan Diarist gets confused).

bonnie

2008-12-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

This ice blue-eyed Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog named Bonnie started off her life in New York being offered for sale out of a cardboard box on the sidewalk. Her now-owner's girlfriend saw her and swept her up; Bonnie occasionally encounters her brother, who is as mellow as she is high-energy, and lives in the West Village while she lives in the East Village.

gidget

2008-12-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

This stiff-legged yet spunky and social Pom (aptly) named Gidget sparked an argument about her age between her two owners: one (in black coat) claimed she was 12, which caused the other (in gray coat)to roll her eyes and exclaim "Twelve!? She's about to turn 14. Everytime someone asks you how old she is she gets younger and younger!". Gray coat then turned to the Muttropolitan Diarist to say "the

two jack russells

2008-12-12T12:48:00.003-05:00

young li

2008-12-11T17:56:00.002-05:00

Not really so young anymore (sorry, Li!) this feisty l'il Norwich terrier named Liberace is still known by his intimates as Young Li. Like his owners, he appreciates the power of a colorful wintry accessory (or two).

G.B.

2008-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Westie G.B. was kind enough to park himself by a splotch of orange paint that nearly matched his quilted winter coat (kitted out with a slimming self-belt). Thanks, G.B.!

Reba and Romy

2008-12-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

With heads that look as if they've been carved out of ebony, sisters Reba (left) and Romy are intense, gorgeous, aggressive creatures (they growled and lunged at the Muttropolitan Diarist, who was approaching them just as one of their owners said "they're not particularly friendly"). Pointy ears up, they were tracking a squirrel in a nearby tree as their owners explained they were adopted from a

World-renowned goldendoodle

2008-12-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

Like a Dr. Seuss character, Molly the goldendoodle (that's a golden retriever-poodle cross) is both cute and odd looking. Testimony to this fact: tourists from around the world have taken her pictures, says her owner, who was braving chilly temperatures to have a cuppa al fresco. Bonus fact: goldendoodles, because of their poodle-itude, don't shed. Ever.

Nameless cheehooey

2008-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the Muttropolitan Diarist encounters people who will allow their dogs to be photographed but who clearly don't want to talk. Too bad. This stocky little fellow in the zip-up sweater might have had a good story.

silky golden

2008-12-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

There are either multiple Golden Retrievers named Blue in the West Village or "Blue" is the equivalent of "Molly" for Irish Setters (a breed not often seen in New York) or "Ruby" or "Lola" for Pugs. That is to say, a popular choice.

flying chihuahua

2008-11-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

Spotted on the AirTrain from JFK, Chico, returning from his first plane trip (to see his cousin, a toy schnauzer, down south in Virginia). He did quite well, thank you.

Vida the pug

2008-11-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

There are certain parents and masters who have no qualms about demeaning their charges right in front of them (the Muttropolitan Diarist's father, for instance, referred to his children as "the monsters") and Vida's master is one of them, referring to her bug-eyed charge as "a glorified piece of furniture" while others might say she looks, in her brand-new winter sweater, like an adorable pin

whippet pair

2008-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Before their shoot, Wally (right) licked the chin of Jessie, as if primping her. Jessie, no fool and the boss of the operation, squnched her hindquarters between her master's legs for warmth.

Napoleon

2008-11-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

Gallery-hopping on a very frigid day in Chelsea, wee Napoleon (is that redundant?) was a bit overwhelmed by the weather and all the hubbub—exactly what you'd expect of a mere five month-old Frenchie.

Sweet Pit

2008-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Very friendly and personable (dogable?) Bella is one of the many pitbulls that proves the breed is much maligned.

wee westie

2008-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

This three month-old West Highland Terrier was in a big rush and only had time to say a quick hello and introduce himself as Qpii (pronounced "kewpie", like the doll).

slow and low, as the Beastie Boys say

2008-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Breaking no records on a Sunday afternoon, Guinness (brown head) and Luggie (mostly white head) make their way through Central Park.

Not so little really

2008-11-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Named Marchito, or "little Marco", this dignified, handsome fellow of 10 years is a mix of English pointer and pitbull.

boston terrier, in parts

2008-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

one small chai, please.

2008-11-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Said by her owners to be part "pretzel dog" and part chihuahua, Chai is very chic indeed in her reversible khaki-to-polka dot Isaac Mizrahi jacket. (No, she did not pick it out herself.)

senior citizen springer spaniel

2008-11-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Eleven year old Moose is very snuggly and affectionate, with a dignified scattering of gray around the muzzle and eyebrows (nothing a little Just for Men dye couldn't take care of, if he chose to go for a more youthful look).

today's specials

2008-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Any kind of panini, $6.49; some sort of Wheaten terrier mix, not for sale.

...and we're back!

2008-11-10T21:07:00.000-05:00

The Muttropolitan Diarist apologizes to all and sundry for the long, long hiatus. There are reasons and explanations but they will have to wait. Because now we bring you dogs.

My master went shopping and all I got was this $#@% cup of water

2008-11-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

Unnamed pug, angry, growling, not happy tied up outside a SoHo boutique.

Kill shelter rescue

2008-11-10T20:55:00.002-05:00

This lad scooped up his darling beagle-pointer mix named Menkes from a kill shelter. Nice work.And here is Menkes teething on a stranger's hand. Tasty.

Rico

2008-11-10T20:46:00.003-05:00

How long has it been since the Muttropolitan Diarist posted? Since this charming lady and her equally charming brother were in shortsleeves, enjoying the Indian summer heat with two year-old boxer Rico, who wins the Fall '08 giant tongue award.

grooming al fresco

2008-09-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

A dog being brushed on the sidewalk, great puffs of hair blowing along the sidewalk: it's a classic New York scene. This version stars Jake (the bigger, beefier fellow) and his companion Emma.

tied up in the west village

2008-09-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

This handsome fellow goes by the name of Sullivan. Initially I thought he was doing something balletic with his right rear leg but it turns out to be a bit of a special sort of a limb.

teeny toiny puggle puppy

2008-09-03T16:42:00.003-04:00

Napping amidst the bustle of Union Square.

trio

2008-09-01T13:33:00.002-04:00

Three little arfs. From left: Leviathan, Piggy, and Will.

Tony! Tony! Tony!

2008-08-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Border terrier Tony (here, hot and bothered, and not too willingly being posed by his promoter-owner) has his own website www.tonysez.com and blog and career, apparently, but is not, just to avoid confusion, a member of the naff New Jack Swing group of the 80s known as Tony! Toni! Toné. Just FYI.

Rocky

2008-08-29T18:32:00.003-04:00

Certain dog owners are very concerned that you correctly identify their pet's sex. The Muttropolitan Diarist's mother is one of these people. Once upon a time said mother owned two English bulldogs, both female. Perhaps because of their blocky, butch aspect these dogs were often identified by strangers as male. This perturbed the Diarist's mother enough that she went out and bought two bright

Binky

2008-08-27T18:36:00.003-04:00

a.k.a. Binks, is a very sweet-tempered lady of a certain age. Part maybe Beagle, possibly Golden? Her equally charming owner Phillip plugged his friend's site, Urbanhound.com which is full of practical information for dog owners. The Muttropolitan Diarist does not know from practical information; the Muttropolitan Diarist supplies only canine eye candy, all of it for free.

Alexia

2008-08-27T18:30:00.003-04:00

ooh fuzzy wuzzy three month old Bernese Mountain puppy with gloop in her eyes

Angelica Rose

2008-08-26T11:00:00.003-04:00

A runt to some, this doted-upon Welsh Terrier is her owner's "bundle of joy".

more proof of the epidemic

2008-08-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

I would like to line up all the English bulldogs in Manhattan named Lola and see if they stretch the entire length of Broadway. (Then I would also like to still all traffic so we could hear them panting in their trademark stuffed-up way.)But clearly this chap could not be happier with his little dewy eyed Lola. Because obviously, she is one of a kind.

Meet Miss Pickles

2008-08-22T12:15:00.003-04:00

Muttropolitan Diarist: "What kind of dog is Pickles?"Owner: "Part beagle, part pig."Oh, I see.Apparently many people assume Pickles is a boy because, according to the owner "Pickles is a boy's name." Who knew? Nine year-old Pickles is rather shy on the street, and quite skittish (she's a rescue dog) but doesn't hold back when it comes to eating whatever she can find on the sidewalk. "I should

Shredder

2008-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Diarist didn't get a chance to ask if this dog really does shred (that is to say, snowboard). Or maybe he's just really into averting identity theft?

small, iced coffee

2008-08-17T09:36:00.002-04:00

The owner's pose, explained: after having been on her cellphone for a while, she did a quick check to insure that her little companion was still there.

Sparky, as in spark plug, perhaps

2008-08-16T11:41:00.003-04:00

The Muttropolitan Diarist has a special fondness for mutts that look like purebreds who have been in a terrible accident. Sparky is a Golden Retriever-Basset Hound mix but looks an awful lot like a Golden who has undergone a leg-ectomy. Before he briefly consented to pose, Sparky would not, would not stop barking at a neatly coiffed black Standard Poodle passing by. The owner explained Sparky

Argentine Dogos

2008-08-15T16:59:00.002-04:00

The Muttropolitan Diarist is not making some casually racist Argentine joke by putting an "os" on the end of "dog" -- this is an actual breed (a new one on M.D.). These beefy, extroverted, and extremely barky beauties are, from left to right, Sisqo and Bianca.

Crammed in sling, mutt makes displeasure known

2008-08-15T15:30:00.003-04:00

I assumed this mesh snugli contained a dog—right up until the point I reached out my hand and almost had it taken off . Perhaps Cheechee is not a dog at all but, in a slight departure from the Ridley Scott-style alien which emerges from a human's stomach and then goes roaming about, looking for prey, is the sort of alien that stays close to the nest.Rrrrr.

Sweet Melissa

2008-08-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

It is very hard to resist a baby French Bulldog.Clearly, many people feel the same way.

Little dog, big cone

2008-08-07T08:00:00.002-04:00

Tiny Chloe, marveling at the fact that come Pinkberry, come recession, such storied, vile native eateries as Papaya King manage to endure.

Grump grump grumpy

2008-08-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Brussels Griffons are very friendly but have the most fetchingly cranky mugs.Named not for a peach or a state down south, sweet little black-and-tan Georgia comes from a very tony family where dogs (e.g. Magritte and Jasper) are routinely named for famous artists.

Tied up and desperate

2008-08-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

lab puppy in the west village.

Whole lotta dog, in Corona, Queens

2008-08-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Beautiful, strong, and a little scary, seven month-olds Thor (left) and Danger (right) are a lot to handle.

Best dog name of the week

2008-08-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Tied up outside Snice, in the West Village, a perfectly sane-seeming dog named Dementia.

this is Jack

2008-08-01T18:43:00.004-04:00

who was hot and tired and needed to lie down for a little bit.

The Cheerful Cherry seems a most unusual sort of farm

2008-07-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

a) The proprietors of the Cheerful Cherry's stand at the Union Square greenmarket can hardly be accused of being cheery. Grumpy Cherry is more like it.b) The Cheerful Cherry's dogs are definitely not what springs to mind when one thinks "farm dogs" and the names of these Chinese Cresteds—Penny (left) and Kitty—don't really do much to butch up their image.

Yet another Manhattan bulldog named Lola

2008-07-28T08:00:00.002-04:00

Who likes to have her dewlap scratched.

Diamond Jim

2008-07-27T09:47:00.004-04:00

So tiny and yet living so large (note the four month-old's cush home and blinged-out leash).In a rush, the Muttropolitan Diarist didn't have time to learn if this tiny little mouse of a dog was named for Diamond Jim Brady, a hugely successful (and just plain huge) New York railroad man.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Jim_BradyClearly, there's not much in the way of physical resemblance.

hound

2008-07-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

hanging around

Ella

2008-07-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

a Boston Terrier of tender age

The Muttropolitan Diarist Goes to Cali

2008-07-22T22:15:00.000-04:00

With a second-rate camera and not much time on the sidewalks of the more central parts of L.A. (sidewalks? what are they to a car driver?) the Diarist only managed to catch a few west coast specimens: fitting for a dogblog about New York City which, it turns out, after a week away, is seriously lacking in palm trees, hills, outdoor restaurants you'd actually want to eat at, rooftop pools, and

Venice, CA

2008-07-22T22:14:00.000-04:00

This is Tres ("like 'three'," quoth the dude).And then we have pensive little Joe:And Joe's sister Nicki:Who is apparently interested in destinations other than the beach.

and in Larchmont (LA, not NY)

2008-07-22T22:13:00.000-04:00

Lives one of the more um, unusual dogs I've encountered. A mix of bulldog and undefined terrier known as Rufus. Owned by the more conventionally attractive and charming DD.

technical difficulties

2008-07-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Muttropolitan Diarist is sorry to report that publication will likely be suspended as the camera is admitted to the hospital to treat acute stripey syndrome. Too bad: here we have a cute lad who has just arrived in the city from Honolulu along with a cute chihuahua, another recent arrival (from Los Angeles) and they, along with the lad's mom, appear to be behind bars, or corrugated. This dog,

Chloe

2008-07-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

Some dudes gravitate toward models; some dog photographers gravitate toward dog models. After eyeballing Chloe's cuteness the Muttropolitan Diarist spoke with her owner and learned that this little chihuahua pup is up for a dogwear modeling job. No more kibble for you, Chloe. Only bottled water and cigarettes.

Remy

2008-07-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Important reporting from the paper of record

2008-07-06T17:31:00.001-04:00

July 3, 2008 Legacy of $8 Billion? For Us? Dogs Take the News in Stride By RALPH BLUMENTHAL Froggy, a 5-month-old Yorkshire and cairn terrier mix, stared at the front-page article, sniffed it dutifully and wandered off Wednesday for better

Shug, a "blue" pit

2008-07-05T13:13:00.004-04:00

Shug seems an entirely different sort of pup from the pit who recently, with the help of his rapist owner (no joke) ripped the face off that 90 year-old man in Staten Island. http://tinyurl.com/6kahgtI recently learned about the "blue" classification from a beagle owner and apparently this term can be applied to pits as well. It simply means that the silvery-gray or black patches have a bluish

Jack

2008-06-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

This four year-old fawn and white pitbull/whippet mix with the energy of a puppy took a lot of coaxing to pose. Sit still, Jackie boy!

Bishop

2008-06-29T08:15:00.000-04:00

Part Australian cattle dog, part "reservation pup" (as in native american, not restaurant), Bishop was once immortalized by graffiti artist Chico.

Becky and Luke

2008-06-28T08:25:00.001-04:00

This pair of very pale Golden Retrievers were getting set to make their modeling debut—for a friend's line of dog goods.

kiss me I'm Penelope

2008-06-27T08:14:00.002-04:00

cassie

2008-06-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

in Thompkins Square Park. Pictured with her owner, who says he'd like her to be about 30 pounds heavier, for show purposes.

puppies will not be still

2008-06-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

chocolate lab in limbo

2008-06-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Trying to be patient while tied up on Great Jones Street.

Tessa of NoLiTa

2008-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Tessa is very, very affectionate: upon meeting me she stood up on her hind legs and wrapped her front paws around my arm to make a solid, furry cuff.

handsome Willy

2008-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dolce

2008-06-15T21:38:00.002-04:00

This gorgeous couple's little slip of a dachshund pup is four and a half months old.

Joe

2008-06-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

As in "cup of Joe" said his owner, this fellow gets very cranky when left at home too much and is half-Italian Greyhound, half-Chihuahua.

Prince

2008-06-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

"What's your dog's name?""Mumble.""Crayons?""Mumble.""Crince?""Prince.""Oh, Prince." (I liked Crayons better.)

Wally by the West Side Highway

2008-06-10T23:25:00.002-04:00

Straddled by the incomparable SM.

l'il helper

2008-06-04T11:11:00.000-04:00

This little fellow in the smart vest spends time visiting people in the hospital. What a good boy!

shar-peis in the meatpacking district

2008-06-03T11:03:00.003-04:00

The only thing that might possibly be less appealing than the drunk entitled hedge fund assholes who roam the meatpacking district? These lumpy, scabby, very aggressive dogs tied up outside across the street from the almost-dearly departed Florent. Actually, I'd rather spend an evening with these guys.

today's sun-splashed looker

2008-06-02T20:58:00.000-04:00

two frenchie brothers, upper east side

2008-05-31T21:04:00.000-04:00

or should i say deux freres francais-y.

speedy on the local

2008-05-30T20:51:00.000-04:00

A four month old who weighs in at four pounds Tokkyu is, according to his owner, much calmer after his recent neutering but he still seemed very energetic to the Muttropolitan Diarist who had a hard time getting him to sit still. Traveling downtown on the 1 train, his owner said his little Chihuahua's Japanese name translates as "speedy", but it turns out tokkyu also refers to a super-speedy sort

couple, upper west side

2008-05-29T20:46:00.000-04:00

puff pair, upper east side

2008-05-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

lucy, ready for the apocalypse

2008-05-27T21:20:00.000-04:00

Inspired by the Cormac McCarthy book The Road, in which a father and his young son wander the post-apocalyptic countryside encountering unspeakable horrors the Muttropolitan Diarist's friend DYG went out and bought a dog-specific bike basket for little Lucy. "That way," DYG said cheerily, "when the apocalypse comes and we leave New York on our bikes, Lucy can come with us. And then, when we run

yorkies with shoes

2008-05-27T20:30:00.000-04:00

The Muttropolitan Diarist strives to capture dogs on the street but could not resist these two little nippers just off the street inside a stationery shop. Presenting Jang mi (yellow shoes), whose Korean name means "rose" and Mandoo (orange shoes) whose names means "dumpling". To me neither one of them is remotely floral or dumplingular but really that's beside the point, isn't it? I mean,

lily has endured some tough times

2008-05-16T10:17:00.000-04:00

Little Lily was rescued from City Critters. Her previous owners had been using her as a breeder -- horrifying always; especially weird because she's not a purebred. But according to her new owner, small dogs of any sort are in demand as breeders. She was dropped off at City Critters, along with a larger dog, because, the previous owners said, there was a fire in their house. These people later

Who's SO handsome?

2008-05-11T14:41:00.001-04:00

Even with a tulip coming out of his head? Buddy the Basenji.

Julio and Paloma

2008-05-06T10:30:00.000-04:00

These two schnauzers are named after Julio Bocca (seen here in black fur and shirtless, respectively) and Paloma Herrera (in gray fur and black getup), dancers in the American Ballet Theater. Dog Julio (who his own owner pronounced "not nice") bit the Muttropolitan Diarist's sleeve. Naughty Julio!