In the United States, The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 21 canine Toy breeds, or breeds of diminutive stature. The term “teacup dog” is not a breed, but slang for an undersized dog from one of these groups, most commonly the Chihuahua. Such dogs are small enough to fit in a teacup, giving rise to…
The raw food diet for dogs was originally known as the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet (BARF). This acronym was not exactly a marketing coup. The theory behind both BARF and the raw food diet is exactly the same. It is based on the premise that raw meats, bones, and vegetables are healthier for dogs than processed…
A rescue dog, more properly known as a search and rescue (SAR) dog, is a dog trained to find people who are lost or trapped under debris. Rescue dogs and their handlers can be found working all over the world, in a wide range of environments from collapsed buildings to avalanche sites. In many regions,…
The American Bulldog has the hardy, hard-working nature of the early American colonists who brought their predecessors from England. Classed as a working dog, the American Bulldog is loved for its friendly, loyal temperament and its drive to work, hunt and guard. Although the American Bulldog has many differences from its forefathers, it is most…
An arson dog is a dog which has been trained to respond to trace amounts of flammable materials which could have been used to start a fire. Materials like gas, naphtha, butane, and kerosene, among many others, are known as “accelerants,” referring to the fact that they can be used to accelerate a fire. Arson dogs are…
Contrary to its somewhat ferocious appearance, the English Bulldog is a kind, docile breed that is especially patient and does not demand a lot of physical activity. Bulldogs have existed for centuries, but were reduced in size by adding Pug blood to the breeding process. The dogs also descend from the Bull Mastiff. The resulting…
Although official statistics on the phenomenon are hard to find, many animal shelter workers have reported that larger dogs with black coats are routinely the most difficult to adopt out. A significant number of visitors to rescue shelters will seek out smaller dogs with lighter coats, leaving an unnaturally high number of black dogs to…
Doga is a form of yogic practice which has been specially adapted for dogs; a practitioner of doga is known as a dogi. In a doga session, dogs and their owners work through a series of yoga poses together; the session may also include things like meditation and eye-gazing to strengthen the bond between human and dog….
Ivermectin for dogs is a medication that is primarily used for the prevention of heartworms. The drug is FDA approved for this purpose and also for the treatment of ear mites. It can be used for treating mange in dogs, although it has not received FDA approval for this purpose. It also works against most stomach parasites, with…
Raw dog food is essentially uncooked meat, soft bones, and other raw ingredients fed to dogs. The diet aims to mimic what domesticated dogs would eat if they were wild, which is a diet similar to that of dingos and wolves. This type of animal food is either prepared by the pet owner or purchased…
