This month Mark divulges his connection to different dog breeds. You’ll find out private stuff like how the Silky Terrier dog brings back memories of his nights as an on-air DJ at an easy listening radio station.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi– I like this name because it tells me a) where it’s from b) what it would be most likely to buy at Banana Republic c) another dog that I’m actually familiar with so I can picture it.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog– When a merely “great” Swiss Mountain Dog simply won’t do. (How many times do you think this dog is at a cocktail party and is like “(Sigh) I hate to nitpick, but it’s actually Great-ER Swiss Mountain Dog.”)

Dogue de Bordeaux– I like this because it makes me feel like I speak French. (NOTE: If Dogue de Bordeaux does not mean “Dog of Bordeaux” in French, please do not tell me and ruin it.)

Black and Tan Coonhound – Delicious beverage meets furry woodland friend.

Bouvier des Flandres– Contains not one but TWO Simpsons characters’ names! Sort of! Very close! (I can’t believe I’m stooping to actually listing them, but Marge Bouvier Simpson, and Ned Flanders, obviously.)

Löwchen– Umlauts make everything more awesome. See also: Mötley Crüe, Löwenbräu, Motörhead, my niece Zoë, etc.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever– Those ducks aren’t going to toll themselves, am I right?! (Seriously, aren’t you just imagining a little dog in a toll booth collecting change from a slow-moving line of mallards? Delightful.)

Otterhound– I love otters. I love otter pops. Why wouldn’t I love Otterhouds? Do they swim? Are they like slender beavers, while still being dogs somehow? Again, I’m going to assume the answer is “yes” and thank you not to ruin it for me with “facts.”

Rhodesian Ridgeback– Sounds like a dragon species from Harry Potter. Or an ancient species of wild pig. Either way, I’m in. (Okay, I did look this one up – did you know that the Republic of Rhodesia existed from 1970 to 1979 in the area of present day Zimbabwe? YOU DID?! YOU’RE SUCH A SMARTYPANTS!)

Silky Terrier– This was my on-air name when I used to work overnights as a DJ on an easy listening station.

Xoloitzcuintli– Gesundheit.

What are your favorite breeds? Do tell.