Before adopting an animal

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...

There are certain geographical locations which mean something to us on an emotional level. Certain cities, towns and places are special to us. For this reason, naming our dog after somewhere special can help us to associate them with the places we love. We can also use cities names for our dogs because...

Within the species of domestic cat are many different breeds, all of different colors, as well as physical and behavioral characteristics. White cat breeds are some of the most elegant looking. Are you wanting to discover which breeds contain white cats? If so, you’ve come to the right place! It’s important...

It should be no surprise that some cats look like lions. They are, as you may already know, relatives. All cats, whether big or small, wild or domestic, are in the mammal family known as Felidae. Although they share some key similarities, within this large group of cats are a wide variety of physical...

Many people seem to confuse the Doberman Pinscher with Rottweilers. Although very similar in appearance, these dogs are different in certain aspects. When deciding which dog to adopt, it's very important to know more about their breed in order to know which one is best for your lifestyle. In this AnimalWised...

The German Shepherd and the Doberman are two very popular dog breeds thanks to their intelligence, loyalty and personality. However, when deciding what dog to adopt, it's very important to know more about their care, needed physical and mental stimulation, hereditary health problems to watch out for, etc....

Have you just adopted a dog and need to find it an appropriate name? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Finding a name for a dog can prove to be slightly tricky, which is why we’re here to help you. When choosing a name for your dog, we recommend taking both its personal and physical characteristics...

Have you decided to adopt a dog? Naming your dog will be one of the first things you'll have to do as you'll be calling your dog with that name for many years to come. However, choosing a name can be tricky. If you're from South Africa or simply enjoy the Afrikaans language, you've come to the perfect...

Removing a puppy from their mother too soon is dangerous. Not only will they not have been weaned, but they will be denied the vital understanding of the world provided by their mother. In nature, mother dogs will eventually leave their puppies to fend for themselves. They do so at a time when the dog has...

We all know the importance of choosing the right name for our dog. This name will be part of their everyday lives for many years. When having a small dog breed, we probably want to choose a name that represents how small and cute our dog is. In this AnimalWised article, we've created a long list of the...

Have you recently adopted a dog? Naming your dog is one of the most important things to do once you've adopted them. If you like Russian names or simply have a Russian breed dog, you're probably looking into Russian dog names. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to give you a long list of the best...

Dogs are not only great companion pets but are also adorable! Some dogs even look like other animals. For example, the Bouvier des Flandres is one of many dog breeds that look like a bear. If you're a fan of lions and wish to adopt a dog that looks like a lion, you've come to the right place. In this...

Dogs have a special attachment to their human companions. They're used to being with their herd all the time, which is why they get so upset when we leave for work and don't bring them along. While some breeds can get used to being alone for a couple of hours per day, others will have a harder time. In...

Any dog can get a little smelly from time to time. If they have been exercising, stuck in a humid place, or have been somewhere they shouldn't, it's natural for a dog to give off a funky odor. However, some individual dogs are more likely to smell than others. While there are many factors that influence...