Behind the Breed: Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinchers, also known as Dobies, are fearless, loyal working dogs with sleek, muscular appearances. With a history in Germany, Dobermans have worked in a range of fields and even served as the US Marine Corps' official war dog during World War II. Because of...
Behind the Breed: Welsh and English Springer Spaniels
As two of the 15 different spaniel breeds that the American Kennel Club recognizes, the Welsh and English Springer Spaniels may have similar names, builds, and looks. Welsh springers, also known as Welshies, are a bit smaller than their English counterparts and tend...
Behind the Breed: Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bergamasco sheepdogs might be one of the most interesting-looking dogs out there! With origins in Italy and the Alps, these dogs were bred as guardian dogs and their thick, unique coats help protect them from predators like wolves and bears when they're guarding or...
Behind the Breed: West Highland White Terrier (Westies)
Also known as Westies, West Highland White Terriers are small but confident dogs with a lively and affectionate nature. These dogs are affectionate and energetic, making them great additions to families and active homes. With plenty of exercise and activity, Westies...
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: Australian Kelpie
Like other herding dogs, the Australian Kelpie is an active, intelligent, and loyal dog with an unlimited source of energy. Kelpies are medium in size, often weighing 30-45 pounds and standing 17-20 inches tall, but what they lack in size, they make up for with...
Behind the Breed: Bichon Frise
This peppy, fluffy breed would be a great addition to any family or home, particularly for those with mild dog-related allergies or who want a cheerful, small dog. A Bichon Frise will usually stand 9-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 12-18 pounds. Bichons are...
Behind the Breed: Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
As the smallest of retriever breeds, the Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever were bred as hunting dogs and originated in the Little River district of Novia Scotia in Canada. Nicknamed 'tollers' and originally called Littler River Duck Dogs, these dogs helped lure...
Behind the Breed: Weimaraners
With a relatively tall stature and distinctive silvery-grey coat, Weimaraners are a gorgeous and fearless breed that love to spend quality time with their people. These dogs are intelligent and positive reinforcement training can be fun with them! While they can great...
Behind the Breed: Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies and even the 'Tomboy Toy', are small but energetic dogs that thrive when given a job to do. Despite their size, these dogs are full of courage, confidence, and spunk in addition to being a bit high maintenance. Their size...
Behind the Breed: Greyhounds
As the fastest dog breed in the world, greyhounds are one of the most iconic and loving breeds. Because of their long legs and narrow bodies, these dogs can run up to 45 miles an hour and there are plenty that end up in the racing industry. Despite their fast running...
Behind the Breed: Havanese Dogs
In addition to their expressive eyes and outgoing personalities, these toy dogs have long, silky hair and curly tail, making them fun, beautiful dogs. Havanese dogs are the only breed native to Cuba and named after the island's largest city, Havana. These dogs are...
Behind the Breed: Chow Chows
With a fluffy coat, blue tongue, and rounded triangular ears, Chow Chows are incredibly bright and dignified dogs. These dogs are compact and clean, as they're easy to housetrain and can be as fastidious as cats. Chows are also rather adaptable dogs and can take to...
Behind the Breed: French Bulldog
Also known as Frenchies, French Bulldogs are small, affectionate dogs with distinctive 'bat ears' and a playful attitude. While these dogs have their own look, they're descendants of English Bulldogs, terriers, and pugs and were bred to be the toy version of the...
Behind the Breed: Icelandic Sheepdogs
As the only native domestic dog breed of Iceland, the Icelandic Sheepdog is well acquainted with cold weather and one of the 50 or so breeds classified as spitzes. Because of their history and thick coat, these dogs thrive in cold climates and as farm dogs but also do...
Behind the Breed: Great Swiss Mountain Dog
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a great companion for any active family or home. If you want a hiking partner, consider a Swissy!
Behind the Breed: Chinese Shar-Pei
Shar-peis are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world!
Behind the Breed: Spitz Classification
There are 50-70 different dog breeds, most of whom have origins in some of the coldest parts of the northern hemisphere, that have the spitz classification. These breeds are characterized by their wolf-like appearance, including their pointed ears, almond eyes,...
Behind the Breed: Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd is, in many ways, a more compact Australian Shepherd and despite its smaller size, still has all the energy and intelligence of a herding dog.
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: Five Domestic Rabbit Breeds
There is this trend around Christmas and Easter to impulsively adopt pets like dogs, cats, bunnies, and chicks. When young, these animals are impossibly cute so it's easy to see why so many would want puppies, kittens, chicks, and bunnies around. But adopting an...