Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Like a fine wine, dogs tend to mellow with age. Unfortunately, dogs that shed won't shed less as they get older. If you want a low-energy, non-shedding dog, you have a few options. Consider dogs that are naturally low energy as well as older dogs and select from a range of low to non-shedding breeds. Even these dogs have occasional grooming needs, which you'll need to provide or pay someone to handle.
Bringing a dog into a home already occupied by cats is something of a unique situation. Learn about the best dogs for cat owners with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
Jack Russell terriers are robust hunting dogs that are native to the United Kingdom. These smallish canines historically possessed fox hunting duties. Jack Russell terriers, as a breed, are big on digging, an activity that comes naturally for them. These popular companion pets are extremely lively, spry and energetic dogs.
Border collies are a lively breed of herding dog from the border regions of the United Kingdom's England and Scotland. These midsize canines are known for their desire to please and their reliable, industrious temperaments. Border collies are kept as beloved household pets internationally.
Cairn terriers are energetic working dogs that are native to Scotland in the United Kingdom -- specifically to both the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. These slight pooches were considered useful for their management of nuisance animals on farms, whether badgers, foxes or anything else. By barking, these terriers intimidated vermin animals in their "cairn" resting spots, therefore allowing farmers sufficient time to destroy them.
There's no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog or cat. However, certain breeds might be less likely to trigger an allergic response in sensitive people. Before acquiring a pet, check with an allergist to ascertain exactly what substances set you off. If dogs and cats cause relatively mild symptoms, it's possible your doctor can prescribe medication to help you cope with your new friend.
Newfoundland dogs were originally bred as working dogs. Learn about Newfoundland dog behavior with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
In the world of dog breeds, you'll find that many breeds began as hunting dogs, developed for the different styles and aspects of hunting, as well as for the various species of prey. Hounds and terriers are both two groups of dog breeds with traits dedicated to hunting, although some of these breeds aren't used in the field as much as their ancestors.
Border collie crafts are great projects for animal lovers both young and old. Get tips on border collie crafts with help from a graphic designer and illustrator in this free video clip.
The American bulldog and the Staffordshire bull terrier share “bull” in their names and have a similar build and appearance, but are very different breeds. The American Kennel Club recognizes the Staffordshire bull terrier as an official breed, but does not recognize the American bulldog. Before choosing one as a pet, you should understand the difference between the two breeds.
A dog whose fur has become knotted or matted, such as from a lack of brushing, benefits from the use of a dematting spray to help remove those knots as painlessly as possible. Dematting sprays aid in loosening knots and conditioning the coat. Depending on your dog's coat length and lifestyle, the best dematting spray for him will help keep his coat shiny, healthy and free of knots.
Every breed of dog was bred for a specific purpose, from rat-catching to sled-pulling. Dog sports such as flyball, agility trials and dock diving provide modern dogs with a constructive outlet for their energy. Energetic and enthusiastic, the Staffordshire bull terrier—nicknamed the "Staffie"—was originally a working and alert dog for coal miners in England. Tenacious, brave and people-oriented, the modern Staffie is well-suited for participating in a variety of dog sports.
Poodles are beautiful, majestic dogs. According to the American Kennel Club and other registering agencies, the poodle is bred in three sizes: standard, also known as giant; miniature; and toy. There are small poodles called teacup poodles, but these tiny poodles are actually small toy poodles. Poodles, first recognized by the AKC in 1887, have long been known as popular show dogs. They are also much-loved family pets due to their easygoing temperament and nonshedding coats. Poodles are loyal and majestic and, if they're groomed in their traditional unique grooming style, easily recognizable.
When you see judges examining Doberman pinschers at dog shows and competitions, they are looking at the finer points of the dog’s appearance in relation to the breed standard. This standard is a written set of specific criteria that has been determined by the parent club of the breed. For Dobermans, judges compare the height, coat quality, shape of the head and depth of the chest against the Doberman breed standard to determine the quality of the animal against others of his breed.
Born, for the most part, in pure white suits, dalmatian puppies grow their first spots during their first weeks of life. Interestingly, the spots continue developing throughout a Dalmatian's life. The spots generally range from the size of a dime to the size of a half-dollar, according to the American Kennel Club's standards. But why do dalmatians have spots in the first place? The answers to this question may lie in this breed's genetic makeup and history, which remains for the most part enveloped in mystery.
The Irish red and white setter, or IRWS, and the Welsh springer spaniel, or WSS, share superficial resemblance to each other. Both breeds have long white coats, liberally marked with chestnut red patches. However, that is where the resemblance ends. Despite the two breeds both being used for hunting, they differ substantially in size, purpose and temperament, as well as in other important ways.
The flat-coated and Labrador retrievers are similar breeds. Both breeds are descended from Newfoundland dogs, but their origins take different paths. While the flat-coated retriever is often mistaken for a long-coated Labrador, the two breeds are also dissimilar in breed type. Both breeds, however, can be engaging pets for active families, and many representatives of both breeds still retain their hunting instinct.
Many people suffer from allergies to dog dander and fur, but non-shedding dogs are less likely to cause allergic reactions. These dogs are often referred to as 'hypoallergenic dogs' because they produce less fur and dander than other dogs. Referring to them as non-shedding, however, is a bit of a misnomer. Non-shedding dogs still shed, but in very small quantities. Unlike other dog breeds, they have only one coat layer, and their fur comes out in single hairs rather in large clumps. There are several well-behaved miniature breeds of dogs that are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Miniature dogs frequently…
German shorthaired pointers and English pointers both possess extraordinary scenting ability and a strong desire to please. While they may seem similar in many ways, they vastly differ in temperament and color. Whether you are looking for a family dog or a hunting dog that will excel in the field, understanding the pros and cons of each breed will help you choose the best dog for your needs.
Dogs are intelligent creatures with personalities that run the gamut from shy and sweet to gregarious, compulsive and aggressive. While purebred dogs have common inbred character traits that enable organizations such as the American Kennel Club to predict the behavior of many breeds, all dogs are different. One of the most desirable temperament traits to look for when getting a new dog is his desire to please you. You can usually identify eager-to-please characteristics through a general set of behaviors.
A dog’s eyelids differ from a human’s in a very different way in that dogs have three of them. The third eyelid is hidden behind the lower lid and comes up only when there is trauma to the eye. You should never see this third eyelid, but if you do, this is a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s eye. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.
Beagles may look adorable and generally make good pets, thanks to their sunny temperament, but they are also scent hounds that are frequently used to hunt small game such as rabbits and squirrels. Beagles resemble miniature foxhounds and first surfaced in the 1500s as English hunting dogs. Teach your beagle how to track through a variety of tracking games, the majority of which can be played either outdoors or inside the home.
An exuberant athlete with boundless energy and a steadfast disposition, the boxer dog is an ideal pet companion with which to share an active lifestyle. Boxer dogs are not for everyone; like most dogs, this breed requires commitment, exercise and stimulation. In return, the typical boxer dog showers its guardian with affection, and is loyal and patient with children. If you're considering adding a boxer to your home, one of the first things you may be interested in knowing is this popular breed's size when fully grown.
Without proper grooming, the hair on a toy Pomeranian mats together, forming heavy and unsanitary clumps. In some cases, the excess hair amounts to three times the dog's body weight, resulting in discomfort. By properly trimming toy Pomeranians, dog owners maintain their health and style. Toy Pomeranians have a signature look dependent on hair trimming techniques. Spend some quality time with your pet Pomeranian, trimming its fur into a nice, neat style.
The name springer spaniel actually refers to two different breeds of dog, which are the Welsh springer spaniel and the English springer spaniel. The two breeds are very similar, however, and grooming tips that apply to one are also applicable to the other. Show-bred springer spaniels have longer coats than field-bred ones, and may require more frequent grooming.
Great Danes make excellent pets, but a number of health problems are associated with this breed. Many health problems are caused by the large physical size of Great Danes, though some problems also have a genetic component. These health problems make the average life span of a Great Dane somewhere around six and one half years. Knowing about these common health problems can help you dramatically improve the quality of your Great Dane’s life.
Dalmatian Halloween costumes became popular with the release of Disney's animated film "101 Dalmatians" in 1961. The live-action version of the movie, released in 1996, introduced Dalmatians to a new generation of children. These dogs are also synonymous with firefighters. Many firehouses have a resident Dalmatian that keeps the firefighters company.
Known for being gentle and loyal, Doberman Pinschers make good family pets that interact well and learn easily. Also suitable for working, Dobermans are found working with military and police, but are loving, people-oriented dogs that can be made happy when included in a family. Many of the Doberman's needs are similar to other breeds of dogs, but Dobermans also have unique traits that need addressing in order to keep them at their happiest.
The poodle is a dog breed that is available in three varieties: toy poodles, miniature poodles and standard poodles. The three varieties share similar personality traits. These characteristics include intelligence, responsiveness and trainability. The breed is lively and cheerful, loves people and socializes well. With this breed, training becomes crucial to prevent the toy poodle from developing small dog syndrome. This syndrome encourages the poodle to believe it is the pack leader to people rather than vice versa.
Dobermans are smooth-coated, low-maintenance dogs. They don’t normally need fur trimming, but instead need brushing and washing. Nail trimming is more important, since not trimming the Doberman’s nails can lead to splintering or infection, which is not attractive when the judge inspects the Doberman’s paws. Also, bad nails affect the Doberman’s gait and posture.
The rat terrier is a breed of dog that is extremely intelligent and highly adaptable to various environments and situations. You can expect a rat terrier to live from 12 to 18 years. You should not raise more than one rat terrier at a time, as the dogs will often bond with each other instead of recognizing you as the leader of the pack. Rat terriers usually respond well to obedience training.
Dogs that are bred for colder, northern environments typically shed the most due to the double coats. Unlike other dogs, these breeds have two different layers of fur – an undercoat and a guard coat – both of which shed hair multiple times throughout the year. For best results, brush your dog regularly, especially during warm seasonal transitions, to remove excess hair.
When choosing the best dog breed for your family, temperament is just as important as looks. Both boxers and Labrador retrievers have been kept as loving family pets for generations, and both are considered to be good with children. The decision about which breed is best for your family may come down to your own personal preferences. Being equipped with a thorough understanding of both breeds and how they are similar and different can help you make that decision.
A pit bull shar pei mix is also called a sharpull terrier. The sharpull terrier is solid and muscular like a pit bull, but covered in a layer of wrinkled skin like the shar pei. This mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it is acknowledged by the International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Dog Breed Registry. The pit bull shar pei mix is a powerful dog and recommended for advanced dog owners only.
Doberman pinschers are large, athletic dogs known for their sleek, powerful bodies. Owners often dock their tails and crop their ears. However, dobermans are sensitive dogs, and this can manifest in problems such as destructive chewing. Like other dog breeds, chewing can be a difficult habit to break in your doberman, but it's not impossible.
When drawing a German Shepherd dog there are going to be a few key points you want to focus on. Draw a German Shepherd dog with help from an artist in this free video clip.
When drawing a Labrador retriever from a front view you'll likely want to start with the face. Learn to draw a Labrador retriever from a front view with help from an artist in this free video clip.
You can draw a cocker spaniel by breaking it down into a step-by-step process so its easier to manage. Draw a cocker spaniel step-by-step with help from an artist in this free video clip.
Dominant and aggressive behaviors are both possible and common in numerous dogs. At first glance, the Great Dane can be an intimidating dog breed to both humans and other animals. However, proper training will help you take control of any negative temperament in this dog. Although the Great Dane can be aggressive to other dogs, with careful precautions and diligent discipline, you can move past bouts of bad behavior.
A German Shepherd is a very specific type of dog. Learn how to draw a realistic German Shepherd with help from an artist in this free video clip.
Although you may hear the terms "American" and "English" used to describe the types of Labrador Retriever, the American Kennel Club does not differentiate between the two. American and English Labrador Retrievers are the same breed for judging purposes, although breeding for certain characteristics has produced differences in body types that have become synonymous with either the American Labrador Retriever and the English Labrador Retriever.
Dominance is a term that's frequently overused in discussions of dog training. The overwhelming majority of behavioral problems are caused by inappropriate training methods, insufficient exercise and other factors, so it's important to consult a dog trainer or veterinarian before determining that your doberman has a dominance problem. However, some dogs -- particularly dobermans and other large dogs -- are prone to status-seeking, dominant behavior. This can make them extremely difficult to control. Fortunately, many traditional training methods work well with dominant dobermans, and there are several steps that you can take to ensure your safety and your dog's until…
Labradors and Goldens are both retrievers that the American Kennel Club, AKC, recognizes as sporting breeds with stable temperaments and a high degree of trainability. According to AKC registration statistics, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers are the two most popular breeds in the United States. The physical characteristics, dispositions and temperaments, occupations, health issues and lifespan of the two breeds are similar.
Lhasa apsos are generally viewed as cute and fluffy dogs. However, they are also extremely intelligent and respond quite well to commands. As with any breed of dog, starting to train your Lhasa apso at a young age will work best. Older dogs can be trained using the same types of techniques; it just might take longer since they may already be set in their less than pleasing ways. Furthermore, Lhasa apsos require regular grooming, so it is very important to train them to be prepared for their trips to the groomer.
DreamForge Entertainment released "101 Dalmatians: Escape from De Vil Manor" in 1997 to follow the release of Disney's 1996 live action film "101 Dalmatians." The game's animation style, though, owes more to Disney's earlier 1961 animated "101 Dalmatians" film. The game allows you to play as Spot, Patch, Rolly and other dogs who receive names in the film. It also allows you to create your own puppies and name them, replacing the default puppies in the game. You can only create up to 99 puppies, and if you reach the limit you will have to delete a dog before you…
A rat terrier is a type of dog similar to the jack russel terrier. Learn how to draw a rat terrier with help from an artist in this free video clip.
When drawing a picture of a golden retriever you may want to use a visual aid for maximum authenticity. Draw pictures of golden retrievers with help from an artist in this free video clip.
As a breed, the cocker spaniel is known for its gentle and affectionate personality. With their calm and patient demeanor, cocker spaniels make excellent family dogs. These dogs are intelligent and therefore easy to train. Doing activities with your cocker spaniel is an important part of bonding with your pet and develop your dog's sense of companionship, loyalty and trust. Activities are not only fun for your dog, but can be enjoyable for you as well.
A whole world of doggie treats exists for your Jack Russell terrier, not to mention other non-doggie foods that can be given as treats. Not all treats are the same, however. Picking good treats for your Jack Russell terrier, a hunting dog with strong jaws, isn't difficult as they can enjoy a range of different treats -- in moderation, of course.
An Irish setter is a type of dog that can be drawn in a very specific way. Get step-by-step directions on how to draw an Irish setter with help from an artist in this free video clip.
