Does Your Dog Have Allergies?

The human animal isn’t the only one affected by allergies. Like you, your adult dog can suffer from allergic reactions to any number of things — in the air, on his skin and in his food. Allergies must be diagnosed and treated by your veterinarian, but first, you must know what to look for.

The most common signs and…

Leonberger

Description:

The Leonberger is a very large, majestic dog with a medium sized head, and a black mask that ideally extends above the eyebrows. The nose and lips are black. There are no loose flews to collect saliva, so this breed does not drool. The teeth should meet in a tight scissors bite. The skull is somewhat domed. It is…

Barbet

Overview

A relative of the Poodle and Briard, this French water dog with the webbed paws gets down and dirty in pursuit of waterfowl, earning him the nickname ‘mud dog.’ He real name comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard, due to his bearded face.

The Barbet is no newcomer–the first written reference to the breed dates back to 1387,…

Welsh Terrier

Overview

He may look like a small Airedale, but the Welsh Terrier has his own personality. It’s certainly a strong personality, and no wonder–he was bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters. Although not many folks hunt badgers these days, hunting cookies in the yard is a solid alternative.

Smart as can be, this party boy excels in agility, flyball, tracking,…

Are Some Dogs Obese?

A fat dog is not necessarily a happy dog. In fact, his health may be at serious risk, and he may even grow depressed. There are many reasons why pets become obese but the two main reasons are: Eating too much and not getting exercise enough. As long as a medium-sized dog is no more than a few…

Shih Tzu

His name means little lion, but there’s nothing fierce about this dog. The Shih Tzu is a lover, not a hunter. Bred solely to be a companion, the Shih Tzu is an affectionate, happy, outgoing housedog who loves nothing more than to follow his people from room to room. In recent years, however, owners have started taking the…

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the passing of loose or liquid stool, more often than normal. The cause could be related to problems with your dog’s small intestine, large intestine, or other organs.

To help your vet determine the cause, be prepared to answer questions about your dog’s diet, habits, and environment, as well as specific details about the diarrhea. Once your veterinarian…

Canine Influenza: The Dog Flu

The H3N8 equine influenza virus has been recognized in horses for more than 40 years. About five years ago, the H3N8 influenza or “flu” appeared to have jumped from horses to dogs. The virus had mutated into a form that was highly infective for dogs. At first veterinarians thought the H3N8 canine flu would be quite lethal. Fortunately,…

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a native of Turkey, where he was developed as a shepherd’s companion and livestock guardian. He was bred to resemble the size and color of the livestock he defended so predators would not detect him among the flock. Sometimes called the Anatolian Karabash Dog, he’s a fiercely loyal guard dog and a…

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua’s charms include his small size, outsize personality, and variety in coat types and colors. He’s all dog, fully capable of competing in dog sports such as agility and obedience, and is among the top 10 watchdogs recommended by experts. He loves nothing more than being with his people and requires a minimum of grooming and exercise.

Overview

The Chihuahua…

Chinook

Created in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Chinook made his name on Admiral Byrd’s first Antarctic expedition in 1928. These days he’s a multipurpose dog who’s happy hiking, competing in agility and other dog sports, pulling a sled or other conveyance, and playing with the kids.

Overview It all started with a cross between a farm dog and a…