Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers have been popular since their creation a little more than a century ago. They were originally bred to be fighting dogs, but today, they’re gentle, affectionate companions with tuxedo-like markings that earned them the nickname “American Gentleman.”

Overview

The Boston Terrier may have been bred to be a ferocious pit-fighter, but you’d never know it today. The little…

Briard

Underneath the Briard’s long, shaggy coat lies a bold spirit and keen intelligence. True to his French roots, he can be aloof with strangers, but is affectionate and loving toward members of his pack. Bred as a herding and guard dog to protect flocks and fight off predators, he was adopted as a working dog during World War I…

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is elegance personified. This unique, ancient breed has an appearance quite unlike any other: dramatic silky coat, exotic face, and thin, fashion-model build. Looks aside, Afghan enthusiasts describe this hound as both aloof and comical. Hailing from Afghanistan, where the original name for the breed was Tazi, the Afghan is thought to date back to…

Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a “designer dog,” a hybrid resulting from breeding a Poodle with a Golden Retriever. Like all other designer “breeds,” the Goldendoodle is not truly a breed of its own, but is a crossbreed–and in this case, a cross that is enjoying growing popularity. Overview

Also known as the Groodle, the Goldendoodle ranges in size from small to large,…

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees’s goal in life is to protect sheep, goats, livestock, people, children, grass, flowers, the moon, the lawn furniture, bird feeders, and any real or imaginary predators that may intrude on your personal space. Oh yeah, and to give, give, and give unconditional love. Anyone who has seen this stunning white dog becomes enamored. What’s not…

Akita

The Akita is a large and powerful dog with a noble and intimidating presence. He was originally used for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan. The Akita also tracked and hunted wild boar, black bear, and sometimes deer. He is a fearless and loyal guardian of his family. The Akita does not back down from challenges and does…

Puli

Best known for his long, corded coat resembling dreadlocks, the Puli is a hardworking herding dog and family companion. Energetic and lively, this moplike dog hailing from Hungary appears much larger than he is due to that distinctive coat. Thanks to his self-confidence and intelligence, the Puli will have no problem being the center of attention in your home.

Overview

The…

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely versatile working dog from the farmlands of Switzerland. He was developed to herd cattle, pull carts, and be a watchdog and loyal companion. He is one of four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs, and the only one with long hair. The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the canton of Bern,…

How dogs perceive time and how they’re affected by our absence

Let’s start with the general consensus on how a dog perceives time. An article from Jane McGrath on the Discovery Communications’ site, HowStuffWorks.com points to research on animals, such as rodents, birds and primates, which shows “animals are ‘stuck in time’ because they can’t mentally ‘time travel’ backward and forward.” In other words, they can’t think…

Newfoundland

Overview

Surely you remember Nana, the fictional Newfoundland employed as a nanny by the Darling family in Peter Pan? Sweet-natured Nana was first introduced to the public by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie in his 1904 play, Peter Pan, which later became the well-loved kids’ story we know today.

It’s true that Barrie’s fictional account of Nana as a…

Problems common to purebred dogs

Nothing is cuter in this world than a puppy, especially one from impeccable lineage. But as many a princess has learned throughout history, keeping it in the family does not always end happily.

Purebred dogs frequently suffer from the effects of inbreeding; and while purebred dogs and puppies are much-coveted for their beauty, there are many problems that come…