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If you have a dog, you’ll have dog hair — everywhere! Dogs shed year-round with certain seasons being worse than others. Here are some simple cleanup tips to win the hair war around the home, in your car and, of course, on you.

Start by cleaning the hair on the dog

The best place to start controlling the dog hair situation is on the canine culprit.

“A dog’s fur varies in length, texture, thickness and hair-growth patterns,” explains certified master groomer Christina Pawlosky.

Aside from different hair types, dogs have different shedding patterns influenced by seasonal changes, daylight hours and temperature. Dogs that live in an air-conditioned environment can shed all year round.

So, even if your dog has a regular appointment with a groomer, having basic tools to help with shedding at home and using them weekly, even daily if necessary, can go a long way in controlling a hairy situation in your home and car.

Here are a few grooming tools to help control shedding:

Clean dog hair on the couch, carpet and floor

Because removing dog hair from the couch and carpeted areas of a home is an endless task, it’s worth investing in a lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner that is easy to grab and go, tackling crevices in the furniture and those fur bunnies that seems to gravitate under the couch. Using large sticky sheets also makes the task quick and easy.

Investing in throws that can be regularly grabbed and thrown in the washing machine keeps furniture fur-free and can be put away when you have company coming over. There are throws specifically made for dogs that are waterproof in case of accidents, like the PupProtector Waterproof Throw Blanket.

Have hardwood floors? Cute and fashionable throw rugs are a must to not only brighten up the room but are a hair magnet that is easy to throw in the wash.

Clean dog hair in the car

Similarly, investing in seat covers not only keeps the hair off the upholstery but also takes care of wet and muddy feet. Seat covers are available for both front and back seats as well as the cargo areas, and some include dog beds like PetSafe’s Happy Ride Car Dog Bed. Placing pooches in travel crates, such as the Sleepypod pet bed, keeps them safe, plus controls loose hair in a vehicle.

Cleaning dog hair from the washer and tumble dryer

Of course, all those throws, seat covers and your fur-covered clothes all find their way into the washing machine and the tumble dryer. Dryer sheets can certainly capture loose hair, while a nifty gadget such as the Furzapper can remove hair from both the washing machine and the dryer. Simply place these spongy rings in each machine and let them get to work attracting loose hair. A simple wash and they are ready to be used again. Be sure to service your laundry machines from time to time too, hair can get in places you can’t reach to clean out.

Keeping lint rollers, such as the ZeLo handheld roller, handy around the home and in your car lets you go fur-free and are ideal for those last-minute touch ups on upholstery and on clothes when, as much as you love your pooch, you don’t want dog hair to be a fashion accessory.

Last but not least, your washing machine is your friend. Wash throws and rugs weekly to keep the hair down and your house smelling fresh and not eua de dog.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can claim a colorful and checkered past, but through it all, his courage has never been questioned. He offers maximum muscle in a medium-sized package. Here are six interesting facts about this devoted breed.

History of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The breed originated in the northern regions of Birmingham, England, and in the Black Country of Staffordshire, where he got his name. Dog historians agree that the breed descends from Mastiff-like dogs through the old-fashioned Bulldog which, when crossed with various British terriers, produced the first “Bull and Terriers” in the early 1800s. Those old Bulldogs were taller and longer-legged than the dogs we think of today. They were ferocious creatures used in the “sports” of bear- and bull-baiting as early as the mid-16th century. When these gruesome activities were eventually outlawed, their supporters turned to dog fighting, which was easier to promote in secret. The goal was to produce a sporting dog that retained the courage and ferocity of the Bulldog while adding the grit and agility of the terrier. It is believed that the Manchester Terrier and the now-extinct English White Terrier went into the mix.

Different groups of English enthusiasts favored different looks, but, in time, two distinct types of Bull and Terrier emerged, and were easily recognized by 1900. James Hinks produced a classic white dog by further adding the Pointer and Dalmatian. What we know today as the Bull Terrier (think Spuds Mackenzie) was recognized by the Kennel Club (United Kingdom) and the American Kennel Club at the turn of the century. The “other” Bull and Terrier, a working-class dog owned by the common folk, had a more difficult time finding legitimacy. Admirers of the Staffordshire met in England in 1935 to form a club and create a breed standard, a canine blueprint to help produce a more uniform dog.

When the Staffordshire Bull Terrier came to the US

Shortly before the American Civil War, immigrants from Great Britain brought their Bull-and-Terrier crossbreeds into the United States. They became the ancestral progenitors of the American Staffordshire Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier. With dogs no longer needing to be bred for blood sport, and the interest growing in dog shows, responsible breeders set out to produce dogs of more stable, trustworthy temperament, affectionate with family, and children in particular. Considered a well-kept secret in the dog world, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1975. The first Staffordshire to be registered with the AKC was an English import, Champion Tinkinswood Imperial. The first U.S. champion was a female from Australia, Northwark Becky Sharpe.

How the Staffordshire Bull Terrier got his name

It’s not surprising, given his eclectic history, that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been known by a variety of names. Originally, he was the Bull and Terrier and the Brindle Bull. Today, many people shorten Staffordshire Bull Terrier to Stafford or Staffy. You will also see the abbreviation SBT. In addition, to honor his affinity for children, the breed is affectionately known around the world as the “nanny dog.”

Socialize your Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The American Kennel Club breed standard sums up the breed’s character so well. Under “Temperament,” we are told, “From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog.” To bring out these qualities in a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy, socialization must begin early and continue throughout his life, exposing him to new experiences and teaching him, gently but firmly, what is acceptable behavior. The Stafford, despite his medium size, is incredibly strong, muscular and active. As there are communities around the country that include the SBT in their “Breed-Specific Legislation,” you want your dog to be welcomed as a good canine citizen.

Coat and grooming of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffords come in a wide variety of colors. Red, fawn, white, black or steel blue are all seen, either as solid colors or with white trim. Any shade of brindle (dark stripes on a lighter background), or brindle with white, is equally acceptable. Black-and-tan or liver are the only disqualifications in the standard.

Whatever color pattern you prefer, grooming is a simple task. The Stafford coat is smooth, short and close to the skin. Shedding is moderate, and regular brushing will cut down on it.

Celebrity Staffordshire Bull Terrier owners

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s strong, muscular good looks in a compact package have made him a favorite of many, including some high-profile performers. Celebrities sharing their homes, private jets and touring buses with Staffords include Kaley Cuoco, Rachael Ray, Jessica Alba, Linda Blair, Danny Trejo, Kevin Bacon, Liam Hemsworth, Adrian Grenier and Miranda Lambert.

Made by dog lovers for dog lovers, these gift tags are sure to bring holiday wags with hand-painted and crafted designs. Don’t see your dog breed? Check the artists’ websites. Most create a variety of dog breeds in various colors and will create custom artwork, too.

Here are Dogster’s favorite holiday gift tags for dog lovers:

Need something a little quicker? Print-at-home holiday dog gift-tag templates are fast and let you customize as you wish.

Here are a few of our favorite print-at-home holiday dog gift tags: