Behind the Breed: Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers have been a popular breed for about a century now. Their tuxedo-like markings and affectionate, gentle personalities have earned them the nickname 'American Gentlemen', despite being initially bred to be fighting dogs. These dogs are relatively small,...

Behind the Breed: Maine Coon Cats.

Maine Coon Cats are large, long hair cats that originated in the northeast United States. They were first recognized as a specific breed in Maine, where they are, unsurprisingly, the state cat! Maine Coons evolved to survive the harsh winters of the northeast and were...

Behind the Breed: Bernese Mountain Dogs.

These large dogs are working dogs and built for hard work. But despite their size and strength, Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet, affectionate, and gentle dogs. They're great family dogs because they love their people and love to be included in any activity! As Jackie...

Behind the Breed: Basset Hounds

With large domed heads, floppy ears, sad eyes, and a long body, Basset Hounds are truly one of a kind and instantly recognizable! These dogs are part of the hound breed ground, as you might have guessed, and despite their awkward framing, they're powerful and able to...

Behind the Breed: Norwegian Forest Cats

Norwegian Forest Cats are large, semi-longhaired cats that have a long history in their native Norway, where they're called 'skogkatt' (which literally translates to forest cat!). These cats have been recorded in Norway for at least 500 years but have been around for...

Behind the Breed: Boerboels

Because of their muscular appearance and blocky head, these large dogs can easily be confused with Cane Corsos or other mastiff types. But Boerboels are their own, unique breed with origins in South Africa and Europe (through colonization). Boerboels, which roughly...

Behind the Breed: Akitas

Akitas are dignified, brave, loyal dogs that are devoted and affectionate to their family. Almost feline in nature, these dogs are usually clean and tidy in the house and can be rather independent. Their double coats are relatively short (only about two inches long)...

Behind the Breed: Tibetan Mastiff

These large dogs were originally bred to be guardians of villagers living in the Himalayas and while they look imposing, Tibetan Mastiffs are actually just big balls of love. Like other guardian dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs are devoted to their families and are incredibly...

Behind the Breed: American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniels are relatively rare dogs that make great family companions, hiking companions, and/or watch dogs. This breed has a big dog personality in a smaller package, usually weighing 25-45 pounds, and despite the spaniel name, the AWS is more like a...

Behind the Breed: Holland Lops, Flemish Giants, and Lionhead Rabbits

Did you know that domestic rabbits come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities? The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 50 unique breeds and each one has its own history, temperament, and physical characteristics. Some of the most common domestic...
Behind the Breed: Sealyham Terrier

Behind the Breed: Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier is a rare small terrier breed with origins in Wales as a working dog that hunted rats, otters, foxes, and badgers. Today, Sealyhams are rare but at one point, they were popular and adaptable terriers that had fans in the British Monarchy and...

Behind the Breed: Pit Bulls

Behind the Breed: Pit Bulls

This post contains affiliate links that I could make a commission off of. All opinions are my own. For decades, pit bulls have had a bad reputation. They're seen as fighting dogs that are inherently aggressive and are more likely to bite, notions that are based on the...

Behind the Breed: American Water Spaniel

Behind the Breed: American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniels are relatively rare dogs that make great family companions, hiking companions, and/or watch dogs. This breed has a big dog personality in a smaller package, usually weighing 25-45 pounds, and despite the spaniel name, the AWS is more like a...

Behind the Breed: Bearded Collies

Behind the Breed: Bearded Collies

The Bearded Collie is a happy, bouncy breed that looks very similar to the Old English Sheepdog. Both breeds are in the herding group and can be hard to tell apart from a distance. But Beardies, as they’re also known, have a long tail, several different coat colors, a...

Behind the Breed: Savannah Cats

Behind the Breed: Savannah Cats

As an adventurous, outgoing breed, Savannah cats are not for those wanting a quiet, couch potato feline. These cats can be quite large and in charge compared to other cat breeds and would do well with people who understand their audacious spirits and agile skills....

Behind the Breed: Welsh Terriers

Behind the Breed: Welsh Terriers

These black and tan dogs are true to their terrier name and are spunky dogs full of character. Welsh terriers were originally bred to chase and trap small animals for hunters and still remain the active, fun-loving dog that made them so great as hunting companions....

Behind the Breed: Alaskan Klee Kai

Behind the Breed: Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kais are adorably wonderful dogs that look just like miniature Huskies! The Klee Kai is a relatively new breed, having only been first developed in the early 1970s, and ancestors include Siberian Huskies and American Eskimo dogs. They do come in three...

Behind the Breed: Leonbergers

Behind the Breed: Leonbergers

Affectionately known as Leos (or even gentle lions!), these massive dogs were originally developed not as guardian or working dogs but as companion dogs! Leonbergers are social, friendly dogs that love being around their people and definitely need some room to walk...

Behind the Breed: Norwegian Elkhound

Behind the Breed: Norwegian Elkhound

This confident, friendly breed was bred to withstand cold weather and to hunt or work for days at a time. Norwegian Elkhounds are spitz-type dogs that look and act very similar to Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. Like these other breeds, Elkhounds have an...

Behind the Breed: Shiba Inu

Behind the Breed: Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a rather iconic dog, especially in their native Japan where they are still an incredibly popular breed and one of the six native breeds to the country. This breed is intelligent, quiet, clean, rather strong-willed, and generally tends to do better as...