Before adopting an animal

There are several dog breeds originating from Japan which have gained popularity outside of their native land. In particular, both the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu stand out. Their country of origin is not their only similarity, and they have certain aspects which resemble each other. Despite such similarities,...

With increasingly busy lives, the idea of dog co-ownership can seem like an appealing one to some. Although we may not want to decrease the affection we give to and receive from our dog, the responsibility of their care can be practically difficult to meet. By splitting their time between two guardians,...

Russia, also known as the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world by area. With such size comes great diversity in terms of societies, cultures, terrains, and even dog breeds. In addition to witnessing some of the world's most important historical moments, Russia has been the origin...

Animal-assisted therapy is becoming an increasingly beneficial tool for various clinical needs. Especially in psychology, it is common to find recreational, therapeutic and educational activities assisted by dogs. These can benefit the programming for schools, nursing homes, special education centers,...

There are more than 300 officially recognized dog breeds in the world, although there are many more crosses and mixed-breed types. Although the origin of some remain a mystery, there are some cultures with a rich tradition of dog breeding. More importantly, in terms of breed standardization, they have...

The ease with which you can bond with a cat depends on the individuals involved. While it is a myth that domestic cats are independent, they have their own personality shaped by many factors. How naturally easy it will be for a human to bond with this animal will depend on said factors. Many of us may...

One of the most beautiful coat colors of any dog is grey, but not all dog breeds are able to exhibit this color on their coat. Those that do can have various tones and shades, either as a solid color or part of a pattern. For this reason, many people want to look at types of grey dogs to see if they...

The Labrador Retriever is the most common domestic dog breed in the United States. There are kennel clubs and breeders dedicated to maintaining this breed long into the future. With such popularity and dedication from human guardians, it is relatively easy to tell the lineage of a Labrador Retriever. However,...

The Akita is a Spitz-type dog breed that originated in the Akita region of Japan. Over time, two distinct lines of Akita dog breed became prominent and were then standardized by breeders. These became two separate breeds, the Akita Inu and the American Akita. The Akita Inu kept the traits of the earlier breed,...

Since breeds of domestic dog are always evolving, they can be difficult to categorize. This is why some types of dog breed are grouped together in sub-categories. Such is the case with Setter dog breeds, a sub-category of gundog. There are four types of dog recognized as Setters: English Setter, Gordon...

The antiquity of cats is fairly well-known. Many are aware of the high esteem with which the Ancient Egyptians viewed their feline compatriots, honoring them to the point of deification. This meant that cats were becoming part of human life around 3,000 BCE via the process of domestication. However, there...

When we adopt a dog, their breed won't affect how much we should love and care for them. What is important is their health and happiness, as well as forging a strong bond together. However, there are some reasons you may want to know if you have adopted a purebred Maltese dog. Since purebred dogs are...

Are you struggling to find the perfect name for your furry friend? Look no further! If you're looking for a unique and memorable name for your dog, you may want to consider names that start with J. There are plenty of classic and modern options to choose from. Whether you want a name that reflects your...

Hound dogs are the original hunting dogs, used to help their human guardians chase down prey. This was a particularly important role for many communities who needed all the help they could get in providing food for survival. While they are still used in hunting, many hound dogs are more common as a companion...

As you may already know, 'kiwi' is the nickname given to those who come from the Oceanic (or should we say Zealandic) country of New Zealand. This name was given due to the fact that this is the only country in the world where you can find the Kiwi bird, an endangered flightless bird that is endemic to...

The most wrinkly dog breeds include the Shar Pei, English Bulldog, Pug, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Dog de Bordeaux, Bloodhound, Pekingese, Serrano Bulldog, Basset Hound, Chinese Crested, Clumber Spaniel, French Bulldog, Tibetan Mastiff and Puli. These dogs can be big or small, with wrinkles all over...

An ass and a donkey are terms often used interchangeably to refer to the same animal, while a mule is a hybrid offspring produced by crossing a male donkey (jack) with a female horse (mare). It is understandable that these terms can become confused with each other since they are all similar in some ways....

Podencos, also known as warren hounds, are a group of ancient dog breeds hailing from the Mediterranean region, embody a unique blend of history, functionality, and distinctive traits. With roots dating back thousands of years, these dogs have evolved as skilled hunters and loyal companions. Their sleek and...

Mixed-breed dogs, also called crossbreeds or hybrids, showcase a fascinating tapestry of traits that can be as diverse as their individual appearances. It is through their appearance, temperament, health traits, and adaptability that these dogs provide a fascinating insight into the wonders of genetic diversity. The...

The history of the Mayan civilization is woven with a rich combination of traditions, myths, and deep connections with nature. This includes their associations with various animals that have come to symbolize aspects of their traditions and spiritual approaches. Mayans are particularly associated with...

Although rabbits have been domesticated for millennia, it is only relatively recently that rabbits as pets have become popular. Around the 19th century, rabbits began to be kept as beloved companion animals, rather than simply being used for their meat and fur. This began a breeding practice which has evolved...

It shouldn't surprise us there are dogs that look like foxes since both animals are canids. This means they are part of the Canidae family, a taxonomic group that also contains wolves, coyotes and other mammals. Thanks to thousands of years of directed breeding, domestic dogs have the greatest morphological...

Africa is a continent of incredible diversity, with a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of unique flora and fauna. This includes a number of fascinating dog breeds that are found nowhere else in the world. From the powerful and majestic Rhodesian Ridgeback to the energetic and agile Basenji, African...

Also known as simply Pomeranians, Pomeranian dogs are one of the most popular and adorable breeds in the canine world. These little dogs are known for their fluffy fur, intelligence, and energetic personality. In addition to being excellent play and life companions, this breed of small dog is very loyal...

There are many reasons for keeping a kinkajou as a pet, but it is important to know whether the positives outweigh the negatives. Also known as a honey bear, the kinkajou (Potos flavus) is a mammal in the same order as raccoons with which they share certain characteristics. They are distinguished between...

Dogs with floppy ears are particularly adorable companion animals. They have their own challenges, especially in terms of aural hygiene, but their cuteness is undeniable. The reason for their floppy glory is due to selective breeding which has encouraged this physical trait. It has resulted in some breeds...

If you are looking for a dog which can be left on their own for a long time and doesn't need contact with their guardian, they don't exist. All companion dogs need their tutors for education, stimulation, exercise, fun and much more. If we are unable to provide this, we should reconsider adopting a...

A dog's attitude to water is based largely on experience and personal preference. Breed can be a factor, especially for one group of dog breeds. These are breeds known as water dogs. They are so called thanks to centuries of selective breeding which has encouraged certain behavioral traits. Specifically,...

Fear is one of the most basic emotions that dogs can experience, since it is a deeply rooted defense mechanism. In the face of imminent danger, fear enables the body to prepare itself either to flee or to defend itself. However, excessively fearful behavior crosses the boundaries of what is "natural and...

If we were to ask someone to draw a picture of a puppy and then color it in, it is likely they would choose brown. It is impossible to tell what color of coat is most common in dogs, but we do know that brown, black and white are the most common colors. In saying this, we need to elaborate on what we...

When adopting a dog, it is wise to match your future pet with similar personality traits to yourself. There are several factors to consider in order to help pick the perfect dog for us. At the same time, we need to remember that each animal has their own personality, regardless of breed. For this reason,...

Mexico's rich heritage is one of different backgrounds coming together to create a uniquely diverse culture. We can see it in Mexico's music, food, technology, art, and much more. It is also a culture that is both at the forefront of a global society as well as one that has close ties to tradition. At...

Despite being one of the best known dog breeds in the world, not many people are aware there are different types of Cocker Spaniel breeds. Originating from the Iberian Peninsula, this breed has been spread all over the world and its wide geography has resulted in different lines. While there are many Cocker Spaniel...

As with most mammals, there are natural differences between female and male guinea pigs. Both can be wonderful companions when properly cared for, but the gender differences can still affect their character, health, and life expectancy. It is important to understand the differences between male and female...

Whether it is through social media platforming or more grassroots campaigning, the welfare of animals is being given increasing consideration. Despite our awareness growing, animals are still being abandoned on a daily basis. This is often due to guardians not sterilizing their pets and allowing for unwanted...

The extensive area surrounding the Carpathian Mountains saw the birth of a great variety of dog breeds. While they share a common origin, their physical and behavioral characteristics can vary greatly. Although the boundaries of modern-day Hungary may have changed over time, the animals we present on our...

The personalities of American Staffordshire Terriers are as individual as their guardians. When we adopt one into the home, we want to give them some time before we solidify a name. This time allows us to recognize their personalities to see what sort of a name suits them. This name will also represent...

The Maltese is a breed of dog from the toy dog group. Due to its amiable temperament and small size, the Maltese is popular as a pet throughout the world because of its calm, alert, affectionate, and intelligent nature. The International Canine Federation (FCI) recognizes the Maltese Bichon as a distinct...

It is becoming increasingly popular to leave our dog in a residence when we have to be absent from home for a few days. When we go on vacation or any trip, our dog cannot always accompany us. Since we will be away for days at a time, we need someone to accompany them. Although staying in a boarding kennel...

There is controversy over the origin of some Egyptian dog breeds. According to the International Caine Federation (FCI), no dog is considered of Egyptian origin. The reason for this is due to the ancient nature of these canine beginnings. Although the animals in our list of Egyptian dog breeds have their...

Although it won't matter in terms of their health and happiness, the color and pattern of a cat's fur can be very attractive. This is particularly the case with breeds that look like their wild cat cousins. Many of these have the common tabby coat pattern which tends to display striped markings on the face,...

The reasons why a cat are calm or hyperactive are not solely breed dependent. Their experiences when young, socialization, health status and many other factors combine to influence their behavior. However, since cat breeds exist due to careful selection of individuals to encourage certain traits, both...

Before we bring you our list of Korean dog breeds, it is important to note there is only one official Korean dog breed. This is because the International Canine Federation (FCI) and other breed associations only officially recognize the Jindo Dog. However, although not yet officially recognized, there...

When we think of sheep, we often think of a big white fluffy cloud of an animal. As with dogs and cats, there are actually many different breeds with various features. These are all part of the domestic sheep species known as Ovis aries, but there are even more in the genus Ovis which have varying morphologies....

We pay too much attention to the fact that Sphynx cats do not have hair. While it is perhaps the most striking trait which differentiates them for most other cat breeds, it is not their most important. More important than appearance is the fact these cats are one of the most sociable and affectionate cat...

Although there are marked differences between Turkish Angora and Persian cats, they are often confused for each other. The reason is due to both being longhaired cat breeds. However, if we take a close look, we can see it is fairly easy to spot their differences, especially when we see them in person....

When we adopt a new dog into our home, we are bound to love them to the moon and back. Since our love for them is out of this world, it might be appropriate to name them after a star in the night sky. These celestial names for dogs represent beauty in a way which is both perceivable and unknowable, just...

Our dogs are part of the family. Their lives are precious and they become woven into the fabric of our being, just as people can be. For this reason, many dog guardians want to give a human name to their dog. At the same time, dogs aren't humans and there is a tradition of giving them more inventive or...

Not all breeds can have the same range of coat colors. Some purebred cats will only have one color accepted by breed standardization organizations. Others will have almost any coat color possible, with various patterns and shades. People often discuss orange cats as if they were a breed themselves, referring...

There are a few dogs which appear in Harry Potter, all of them magical in their own way. Harry Potter fans are known as Potterheads and some of the most fervent will add Harry Potter references to even the most personal experiences. Some have even had Harry Potter themed weddings. Many love Harry Potter...