breeds
Know what to expect from your pet with our breed breakdown; information about each breed's appearance, health, life span, personality and more.
Why Breed Standards Are Bullshit
I always grew up with dogs. As a baby, we had a “Heinz 57” type mongrel called Gazza, who would permanently be by my side according to my parents. If I started crying, he would go and get my mum and make her follow him to me, and all I remember is how attentive he was, and how he grew old. He started to forget he had been fed, or been let out and the time came to say goodbye. I am forever thankful that my parents were honest when I was 6 and explained that Gazza was in a lot of pain, and it would be the kinder thing to let him sleep forever. I didn’t have to feel that pain for another 13 years when we lost one of our Jack Russell’s, Minnie.
By Daisy Howarth8 years ago in Petlife
Cavaliers
Can you die from an overdose of cuteness? My daughter and I both own King Charles Cavaliers. These are dangerous critters if you have things to do or places to go. Their plan of attack is to immobilize owners with their winsome dispositions. They disarm disciplinary measures with those "doe" eyes. However, the secret weapon they pull out just when you're just about to win is their little velvet tongues. Cavaliers will lick you into submission. It isn't easy to be the pack leader to a bundle of unconditional love. Even the simple act of walking a Cavalier is a daunting task. Everyone you meet on your path is compelled to pet them, marveling at their innocent appearance. Innocent? Try going down the basement to do laundry. My little bundle doesn't like the basement and quietly whimpers until I return. These dogs become extremely attached to their owners, and they do suffer from separation anxiety. However, they don't engage in destructive behavior. In all my years of ownership, I have never had to deal with chewed shoes, torn pillows, or garbage destruction. Cavaliers have what is called "soft bite." They can't really bite down completely, which means they don't tear at objects. It also means they are good with children. When I was working, our two Cavs would sit in the front window waiting for me all day. Neighbors would tell me they would watch them in the window, little did they know that were plotting to nuzzle me mercilessly when I arrived. Chloe, the Blenheim, is mine. My daughter owns the tricolor, named Vladimir. Until my daughter moved to Florida, Vlad and Chloe both lived in my house. It was twice the fun and twice the love. The pair was the dynamic duo of puppy love.
By Monica Bennett8 years ago in Petlife
10 of the Easiest Dog Breeds to Train
Whether you already have a pup, or considering getting your hands on one, some of us want to train our dogs to learn awesome tricks and skills. From balancing a biscuit on their nose to hopping on one leg, and learning how to sit on command, we find training can make our dogs be more mature, listen better, and can pull off cool stunts. And if our dog can master literally every trick in the book, it's only natural to place them in competitions, right? Unless you're not the type to.
By Jennifer Violet8 years ago in Petlife
Why an Akita?
It was around my one-year anniversary that a best friend of mine had told me he was selling puppies. I asked what breed of dog they were and he said, "Akitas." Honestly, I'd never heard of Akitas until that very moment. I paid no mind until I randomly brought it up to my boyfriend. He was ecstatic. I had no idea why until he told me he has raised Akitas all his life and listed what they were capable of.
By Aubrein Gimel8 years ago in Petlife
The American Dingo
Meet Bayleigh. She's my three-year old American Dingo, or Carolina Dog, that I adopted from a rescue when she was barely six months old. From the moment I saw her photo on the internet, I knew this was the puppy that I had to save. I set an appointment to see her and the rest is now history.
By Dan McGinnis8 years ago in Petlife
5 Wonderful Qualities of Norfolk Terriers
There exist arrays of dog breeds with unique characteristics that endear them to their respective owners. Whether purebreds or mixed breeds, dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors are certainly the best friends they’re trumpeted to be. Sometimes, selecting one to become a part of your family can be overwhelming with the abundance of choice available.
By Michael Ugulini8 years ago in Petlife
Pit Bulls As Pets
Pit bull—now take a moment and think about those two words. I bet you think mean and scary. In reality pit bulls aren't mean and scary. Pit bulls should be kept as pets because they used to have a good reputation, the media is unfair, and there are outdated laws against pit bulls.
By Landon Hodge8 years ago in Petlife
What I've Learned From Owning a Shiba Inu
So on June 8, 2016, my husband (boyfriend at the time) and I were at a pet store so we could just play with a few puppies. We weren't thinking about bringing one home. That is until they brought Lucy out to us. The next day I came home from work and there is this Shiba Inu puppy running up to me and I don't know where it came from. At this point I knew ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the breed except they were the dogs mostly used in memes because of their face. So the more I researched the breed and the longer that I've had her, I have learned a few things about them. So for those who are thinking about getting a Shiba, give these things a read to see if a Shiba Inu is right for you.
By Alix Nicole8 years ago in Petlife
