dog facts Archives - Orvis News

A Guide to Dog Coat Types

May 25, 2022

Not all dog coats are the same.

From the neat, flat coat of the Labrador Retriever to the abundant shaggy mop of the Old English Sheepdog, a dog’s coat type is one of his most distinguishing features. Dog coat type refers to the differences in texture and length of the fur, and whether it’s a double or single coat. Varied coat types require different methods of grooming and present different challenges (especially for first-time owners), and also influence your best friend’s need for a dog jacket in crisp weather. Here’s the long and the short—and the rough and the smooth—of it:

Fake Service Dog Laws: Protecting working service dogs

July 16, 2021

A canine wearing a vest with “Service Dog” patches means that animal is working, assisting their handler who has a disability—or does it? An increase in animal-related incidents and fake service dogs has created suspicion among the public in response to dogs labeled as service animals—which in turn causes distress for people who need a service dog to assist with legitimate disabilities. Is it illegal to fake a service dog? The majority of states have passed laws regarding fraudulent service dogs and emotional support animals—and many new bills were introduced during the 2018 legislative session in states without current laws.

2021 Best Big Cities for Outdoorsy Dog Owners

May 14, 2021

*New York City makes the list as the 8th Best City for Outdoorsy Dog Owners and Their Dogs. Photo: Linh Nguyen via Flickr*

Louisville, San Francisco and neighbor, Oakland, took the top three spots on our roundup of the Best 100 Cities for Outdoorsy Dog Owners rankings, which compares the number of dog parks and the distance to the nearest state park for the 100 largest cities in the United States.

Why Are Dogs So Loyal?

July 24, 2020

Labrador retrievers are legendary for their loyalty.
Photo via facebook.com/wildrosekennels

Full-body wags. Sitting with devotion in the window until you pull into the driveway. Stepping boldly between you and any possible threat. Your dog shows her affection and loyalty in countless ways. But why are dogs so loyal to their people? It’s a question dog lovers have long pondered, and one scientists are researching…

11 Questions About German Shepherds, Answered

July 10, 2020

Photo by: Flaurentine, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD)—or simply ‘Shepherd’—consistently ranks among the top ten most popular breeds in America, second only to the number one Labrador Retriever since 2010. His unfailing loyalty and intelligence earn him this distinction, together with his majestic and imposing canine presence. Like all dogs, he comes with challenges, and as such may not make the best first dog…

Dog Sleeping Positions: What the Furry Formations Mean

June 19, 2020

There’s more to sleep position than comfort.
Photo by Mary, Concord

You love your dog 24/7—whether he’s playing, walking by your side, or relaxing with you on the couch. But there’s little better than watching your dog take a snooze. Dogs have a way of finding the most relaxing positions on their corner of the couch or on their dog bed. Because they sleep from 12 to 14 hours every day, we get familiar with the cozy, sometimes hilarious, ways our dogs like to catch their Zzzzs. Here are some common (and weird) dog sleeping positions…

7 Signs of Affection From Your Dog

April 03, 2020

We can all name the cartoonishly obvious signs of doggy affection: slobbery kisses from forehead to chin, or exuberant tail wags that involve the entire back half of the dog. Even a mouthing dog might be showing his eager affection—some retrievers seem to feel that all of life’s most wonderful moments are more meaningful with something, anything, in their mouths.

Which human foods can dogs eat?

August 22, 2019

Offering a bit of a burger at a summer cookout or a nibble of a holiday cookie may seem harmless, but are these ‘people’ foods dangerous for dogs? We’ve explored 100 foods to discover which are good, bad, or even toxic for dogs. A properly balanced . . .

Dog Days of Summer and Other Dog Idioms

August 05, 2019

From the hottest dog days of summer to the chilliest three-dog nights, our best friends accompany us through the years. But what do those doggy figures of speech actually mean? Here’s the lowdown on dog days, three-dog nights, hunting dog idioms, and a fine litter of other dog phrases.