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: Collies

Collies are, thanks to the television show Lassie, a fairly recognizable and popular dog breed in the United States. These dogs are large (ish) but graceful herders, which means they generally stand 22-26 inches tall, weigh 50-75 pounds, and are incredibly smart....

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: Alaskan Malamute

Learn more about Alaskan Malamutes!

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: Pugs

This tiny, flat-faced breed is incredibly intelligent and playful. Because of their short noses, they get easily stressed out by hot and cold weather and can get allergies, colds, and other chronic breathing problems. Despite all that, pugs are quite playful and...

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: Australian Cattle Dog

These incredibly intelligent, sturdy dogs were, as you might imagine, initially developed in Australia to help herd cattle on large ranches. Their size and energy levels have proven useful for herding livestock and they excel at activities and sports like agility,...

Behind the Breed: American Eskimo Dogs

American Eskimo Dogs are goofy and fun dogs that seem to embody the phrase “tiny but mighty”.

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: Birman Cats

Behind the Breed: Birman Cats

Personality wise, Birman cats are exceptionally friendly cats around all sorts of people and other animals and are quiet and docile. They'll love to spend time with you and might try to follow you from room to room! Birmans are smart cats and very curious; they love...

Behind the Breed: Old English Sheepdog

Behind the Breed: Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are, nowadays, most well known for their shaggy, profuse coat that's often done in a peek-a-boo hairdo! Many will be white with gray markings in color but some many have grizzle, merle, or any blue shade. These dogs are very mellow, friendly, and...

Behind the Breed: American Bobtail Cats.

Behind the Breed: American Bobtail Cats.

American Bobtails are rather interesting and unique cats, as get their name from their distinctive tails that are significantly shorter than other domesticated cats. American Bobtail cats also have tufted ears and toes, a large personality, and will often weigh 8-13...

Behind the Breed: Tuxedo Cats.

Behind the Breed: Tuxedo Cats.

This week's 'Behind the Breed' will actually be focused on tuxedo cats! 'Tuxedo cats' aren't actually a specific breed but rather, a type of coloring that's found in different cat breeds. Many tuxedo cats are black and white and were given the name 'tuxedo' because...

Behind the Breed: Maine Coon Cats.

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: Labrador Retriever

Behind the Breed: Labrador Retriever

Each week, I'll be sharing information about different cat and dog breeds! For the first 'Behind the Breed', here's some information about labrador retrievers: Labrador retrievers, according to the American Kennel Club, are the most popular dogs in the US and have...