Scientists never agree on much of anything, so there are several accepted Plant and Animal Classification systems. Most of us don’t even know what the names of those classification systems mean, let alone understand the structure of them, so we are just going to use a simplified dummied up system the average common man can understand. (more…)

Congenital defects in dogs are caused from a variety of reasons. Som congeital defects, such as hip dysplasia and congenital heart defects, are more common in some dog breeds than others. (more…)

There is a right and a wrong way to pick a puppy. The process is a little like dating. The few who find fulfillment in love are those who use their hearts and their heads. There is a special kind of nirvana when a person connects with their canine soul mate. They weren’t fooling when they called dog “man’s best friend.” But such unions don’t happen randomly. A little careful preparation will go a long way. And to simplify your search, we have five suggestions. (more…)

Below you’ll find many Australian Shepherd focused rescue organizations. This is not a complete list! If you are an Australian Shepherd focused rescue and would like to be included, please submit your request using the Contact Us link in the bottom left corner of every page of our website. (more…)

Bassets hounds are very stubborn. If you want a dog that is going to sit, stay and come on command, you do not want a basset hound. They go with their noses. Bassets will also train you to do what they want. (more…)

The Border Collie is also referred to as the ‘Scotch Sheep Dog’ in reference to its place of origin. Those who share their homes with Border Collies and Border Collie mixes often describe them as highly energetic, intelligent, sensitive and demanding of attention and activity. (more…)

Boston Terriers are incredibly smart. People tend to think that because they look silly, they aren’t bright. But they learn very quickly and are extremely easy to train. However, they are not for everyone, and often are especially not suited for families with small children.  (more…)

The number one reason a boxer has trouble finding a forever home is that people say they’re too wild. Boxers never grow up or slow down!  Boxers also do not do well in extreme heat or cold.  The Boxer is not a breed that enjoys being outside all day and night. (more…)

You need to be strong pack leader to be an effective Chihuahua guardian. They need to respect you. They are not ornaments; they are canines, with personalities as large as a Rottweiler, and hearts as big as any canine breed. Yet, Chihuahuas are the 2nd most surrendered and euthanized breed! (more…)

Cocker Spaniels are medium to high-maintenance with grooming, medical, and emotional needs, so they make a perfect pet for someone who is a natural caregiver. But they are all about their people. All they want to do is hang out with you and will make you feel very loved. (more…)

Airedales are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Airedales in need of adoption and or fostering. Here is a list of Airedale rescue organizations where you can adopt, foster, or volunteer. (more…)

Affenpinschers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many animals of all ages  in need of adoption and or fostering. Here is a list of Affenpinscher rescue organizations where you can adopt, foster, or volunteer. (more…)

Afghans are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many animals of all ages  in need of adoption and or fostering. Here is a list of Afghan rescue organizations where you can adopt, foster, or volunteer. (more…)

Akitas are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many animals of all ages  in need of adoption and or fostering. Here is a list of Akita rescue organizations where you can adopt, foster, or volunteer. (more…)

The Afador dog is a cross between an Afghan Hound and a Labrador Retriever. They may or may not be good with children. (more…)

The Afghan Hound was originally used to hunt hares and gazelles. It is both fast and has keen eyesight. Afghans can have up to 15 puppies in one litter. This breed has a reputation among trainers of having a slow obedience intelligence and is not as quick to obey as many other breeds. (more…)

Alaskan Malamutes are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many animals of all ages  in need of adoption and or fostering. Here is a list of Alaskan Malamute rescue organizations where you can adopt, foster, or volunteer. (more…)

The labrador retriever is the most popular dog breed in the world. The labrador retriever is also one of the most intelligent dogs. They are suited to a wide variety of jobs including as hunting dogs, service dogs, and working dogs with law enforcement and the military. (more…)

American English Coonhounds are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many animals of all ages  in need of adoption and or fostering. Here is a list of American English Coonhound rescue organizations where you can adopt, foster, or volunteer. (more…)

The dog breeds in the Non-Sporting Breed Group are a varied collection in terms of size, coat, personality and overall appearance.  As the name of this class implies, they were not bred for a particular sport or function, but were bred primarily as companion animals for humans. This group of dogs has a wide array of personality traits, sizes, colors, and shapes. (more…)

The Affen Spaniel is created by crossing the purebred Affenpinscher with the purebred Cocker Spaniel. It is considered a hybrid dog, meaning it is not purebred, however the lineage is known. (more…)

For anyone who may balk at the price of good pups nowadays, or who may think to himself, “At those prices I should become a breeder!” let me assure you that breeding does not make millionaires. Let’s look at the cost to produce a litter of pups. (more…)

Toy dog breeds will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on cool nights. Small breeds may be found in every dog Group, not just the Toy Group, but those in this dog group were bred specifically for a smaller size than their standard counterpart. (more…)

The Afaird is a cross between an Afghan Hound and a Briard. It is not recognized by any of the dog registries at this time. (more…)

Here is a list of the top 100 smartest dog breeds based on degrees of Intelligence. (more…)

Here is a list of the ten dumbest dog breeds based on seven basic indicators of intelligence in dogs. (more…)

Most of the dogs in the Sporting dog breed class were bred to hunt birds and other small animals. This is an energetic group of dogs who will require plenty of exercise and activity to keep them occupied. Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. (more…)

The Airedale originated in England as an all-around working dog, hunting small game and guarding homes. It’s easier to list what an Airedale can’t do than what they can. With a high activity level, the breed needs intense and regular exercise. (more…)

Genetic tests vary on what they are able to identify, and therefore how they can be used in managing genetic disease. Some tests measure the phenotype, or what can be seen in the animal. This may not directly relate to the genotype, or the genes regulating the defect. (more…)

Coccidia are tiny single-celled parasites that live in the wall of your dog’s intestine. They are found more often in puppies, but they can also infect older dogs and cats. Dogs become infected by swallowing soil that contains coccidia or other substances in the environment that may contain dog feces. (more…)

Kidney disease is the number one cause of death in older cats and dogs. Here are the common causes of renal failure. The causes of kidney disease include: (more…)

Symptoms range from NONE to almost dead.  The classic signs that make us very suspcious of kidney disease, though, are:  excessive drinking and urination, weight loss, muscle loss, lack of appetite, loss of mental acuity, and very dilute or water like urine.  (more…)

The Affen Tzu is created by crossing the purebred Affenpinscher with the purebred Shih- Tzu. It is considered a hybrid dog, meaning it is not purebred, however the lineage is known. (more…)

Not all dog breeds trigger watery eyes and sneezes, however; some shed less, have less dander or don’t have any fur at all! We found the top 10 best — and cutest — nonallergenic dogs. (more…)

Beagles are wonderful dogs!  They are friendly, loving, smart, curious, and happy…and most definitely pack animals.  Whether their pack consists of other dogs, or just their single human, they want to be with them. (more…)

The Havanese or Bichon Habanero, is a member of the bichon family of small companion-dog breeds, which are neither spaniels nor terriers. Native to Cuba, the Havanese likely arrived via trading ships. (more…)

Tight on space in a condo or apartment, limited by weight restrictions, or just enjoy a smaller dog companion? Search our list of small dog breeds to find a dog that is just your size. Don’t be fooled by their small stature though, pint sized doesn’t mean small personality. (more…)