The best dog breed for first-time dog owners is the Labrador Retriever. Labs are laid-back, joyful companions, and relatively easy to train, making them an ideal breed for beginners. Rounding out the best six breeds for first-timers are Golden Retrievers, Redbone Coonhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Collies, and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers.
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Just because your dog has a lot of mass, doesn’t mean they run warm. When the temperatures drop, some bigger dogs may prefer hanging out inside and even worse, the cold can be dangerous for them. Among large dog breeds who are sensitive to cold, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Dobermans, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Boxers stand out as giants that you might not expect would be averse to chilly temperatures. While some big breeds may surprise you, others that don’t like the cold may be more obvious. Let’s take a look at why these dog breeds balk at cold-weather walks and why…
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Whether you live in the icy high latitudes or just love the snow the few times a year your region sees it, having a dog who thrives in the snow is a nice bonus. The best dog breeds for cold weather may not all look alike, and some may surprise you, but we looked at a variety of factors in order to narrow down a list. Some of these breeds are obvious snow dogs, while others you may not consider snow dogs but will enjoy winters just as much as…
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Not long after the winter season’s first frost, comes the dry, itchy skin—for people and their dogs. Although it is possible for your dog to get fleas and mange in the winter, there are a variety of more common reasons your dog is scratching more than usual from December through March. It’s most likely that your dog is itchy in the winter because their skin dries out in the drier, colder air (like our own skin). Though you can’t slather moisturizing lotion on a thick coat of fur, there are other ways to help. Read on to learn why your dog often…
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Like people, dogs grow on their own schedules. Each dog’s schedule is determined by his genetics, health, and nutrition. A pup destined to be small might be done at 6 months, while a large dog might grow for two years. And some dog parts grow (or regrow) throughout…
Read MoreWhen left out on their own, puppies can get in a lot of trouble. These unsupervised moments allow the puppy to chew on clothing and furniture or to have an accident inside. Unfortunately, when our pup gets into this kind of . . .
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Having made the decision to adopt a dog, it’s time to start making a list of all the supplies and equipment you need before bringing her home. One of the bigger items on the list is probably a crate. Doubtless many of your dog-owning friends have one and maybe you’ve heard that experts recommend them. A dog crate can serve as a really useful training aid as well as an important refuge for your dog. For maximum…
Read MoreWalking your dog offers several benefits: It provides physical and mental stimulation, gives your dog chances to socialize, and provides many training opportunities. Walking your dog on a regular schedule provides an . . .
Read MorePortuguese Water Dogs. Irish Water Spaniels. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. These dog breeds are all excellent swimmers, but having ‘water’ or a body of water referenced in your dog’s name isn’t a prerequisite for water-loving dogs. Many dog breeds and rescue dogs enjoy splashing around and swimming. And some…
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Whether a dog breed is ‘large’ depends on whom you ask: Dog owners and non-dog owners may have differing opinions, and a veterinarian could offer up another suggestion entirely. But generally, a dog is considered large if he weighs more than 55 pounds. Height-wise, most people consider a dog taller than 20 inches at the shoulder to be large, but height and weight don’t always match up—some hefty breeds are short…
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