My breed of choice, Australian Shepherds, didn’t originate in Australia. Although there is much debate concerning the origins of the breed, the most generally accepted theory is that the first Australian Shepherds’ ancestors came to the United States during the western gold rush of the mid-1800s with Basque sheepherders from their homeland in Europe. Flocks of sheep were imported from Australia to feed the miners. Because the sheep came from Australia, the dogs were assumed to have originated there, and the name stuck. So, where did your dog’s breed name originate?

Most dog breed names have more logical origins than do the Aussies. Many are named for their countries of origin, such as German Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers, Welsh Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Afghan Hounds. 

Alaskan Malamutes, the most muscular sled dog breed, aren’t named after a country but an Innuit tribe, the Malimiuts, in Alaska. The Chukchi people of Siberia first bred Siberian Huskies.

How Did the Rottweiler Get Its Name?

Rottweilers got their name from a town, Rottweil, in Western Germany. When the breed declined, a few surviving Rottweillers were found in a town called Rottweil, and those dogs became the foundation of a new era for the Rottweiler breed.

What Does Papillon Mean In French?

Some breeds get their name from physical characteristics. Papillons are an excellent example: The word papillon is French for “butterfly,” and the breed’s large upright ears, fringed with flowing silky hair, resembles the wings of a giant butterfly. Basset Hounds got their name from their short legs; bas in French means “low slung.” Their coat types differentiate German Shorthaired Pointers and German Wirehaired Pointers, which is reflected in their names.

Who Was That Breed Named After?

Some breeds were named for the person who originally developed the breed. One story is that the Scottish Duke Alexander IV of Gordon created Gordon Setters in the 1600s. The most famous instance of a breed being named after a man has got to be Doberman Pinschers. In the mid to late 1800s, Ludwig Dobermann created an intelligent working breed from German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Pinschers. This breed eventually carried his name.

Some Dog Breed Names Have Changed

Breed names have been known to change, too. In most instances, records show the name change but don’t tell us why it occurred. The Old English Sheepdog was initially known as the English Old-Fashioned Bobtail Sheepdog. One could surmise that the change was to shorten that long mouthful of a name. Maltese was known initially as Maltese Terriers but became simply Maltese in the early 1900s. Perhaps the “terrier” was dropped because the Maltese were being shown in the American Kennel Club as a toy dog rather than a terrier.

One of the most significant name changes, and the most controversial, was with German Shepherd Dogs. As their name suggests, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were developed to be an all-purpose working dog. They rapidly gained popularity with law enforcement and military personnel and were exported to other countries as premier working dogs.

During and post World War I, many British dog enthusiasts and working dog handlers owned or were working German Shepherds, but the anti-German sentiment of the time carried through to anything German, even the dogs.  So German Shepherds in Britain 

were renamed Alsatian after the French region of Alsace Lorraine, which bordered on Germany. Although the name German Shepherd has resurfaced, many British dog enthusiasts still recognize the breed as Alsatian.

As with so much of human history, much canine history has been lost. Written records have been damaged, and verbal accounts have been forgotten. It’s a shame because some of the histories we do know are fascinating. It would be wonderful to know how some of our favorite breeds came into being and how they were named. But then again, mysteries are fun, too.

Article written by Author: Liz Palika

There are many things to consider and questions to ask when deciding on the right dog for you, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. In this article, we will talk to breeders showing at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show about their respective breeds, look at the essential questions to ask when considering dog breeds, hypoallergenic breeds, and breeds to consider if you already own a cat.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is kind of like the Oscars: plenty of glamour, lots of talk about who is going to win, celebrities galore in the audience, tension, tears, really lovely trophies, and endless debate about who won and why. Sure, there are many other dog shows, just like there are many different awards shows, but Westminster is the one everybody watches on TV.

If you’re lucky enough to go, Westminster is also a great place to learn about dog breeds, especially if you’re thinking about getting a dog. That’s because it’s one of the few benched shows left in the United States. (In benched shows, dogs and their owners must sit all day in designated benching areas near the show rings, so the public can see and ask about their dogs.)

So you can see dogs of more than 150 breeds, and ask the people who show them all about the breed. And at Westminster, all the dogs must already be champions, so you get to see some great representatives of each breed. But when you talk to the owner of a show dog, remember that they have made a considerable commitment to the breed and are very proud of their dog. So start by asking about the good stuff. Later, when you’ve shown that you’re interested, you can ask about the negatives.

In my Westminster research, I started by asking several breeders;

“What’s the most wonderful thing about your breed?”

“They’re clowns; they smile all the time,” said Kathy Brosnan of her Miniature Bull Terrier, Ch. Hellion’s Midsummer’s Cobweb. “The more you laugh, the more outrageous they will be. They have to have an audience.”

“Pugs are bred to be a companion, and they want to please you,” said Candy Schlieper, who was at the show with Ch. Candyland’s Baby Ruth and Ch. Candyland’s Bustre Bar. “They want to be with people constantly. Plus, they’re a nice size and have a wonderful temperament.”

“They’re tough as nails in the field but a couch potato at home,” said Ron Sebastiani of his Border Terrier, Ch. Ruron’s Flash Bobik. “They work hard and look pretty.”

Roxanne Roach, who was busy plopping the very accommodating Ch. Romar-Englelong Chili Pepper MW, into the arms of all who craved to hold the Miniature Dachshund, said, “Their personality is playful, mischievous and honorable. And they’re a multipurpose dog.”

“They like to bond with the whole family, and they do like to snuggle,” said Connie Steffens of Border Collie Ch. Brakenhill Star of Bonclyde. “But they are very intelligent, and that can make them a handful. Even when they’re sleeping, they’re thinking. And a bored dog can be destructive. It’s not that some breeds are better, and some breeds are worse, but rather that every breed has characteristics that make it right for some people and not suitable for others. So I asked the breeders;

“What kind of person makes a good owner for this breed, and what kind of person doesn’t?”

“The best person has a happy-go-lucky attitude about life and likes the unexpected,” said Roach with the Dachshund. Said Brosnan with the Miniature Bull Terrier, “The worst is people who want 100 percent predictability from their dog.” Good potential Border Terrier owners understand what kind of work terriers were bred to do, while bad possible Pug owners are people who don’t like a dog who sheds, snores and sneezes.

“This is a breed that’s OK for someone with their first dog,” said Roach, another essential question. That’s not true for the Border Collie or the Border Terrier but is for the Pug. 

Essential Questions to Consider When Researching a Dog Breed:

• Activity Level

It would be best if you had a dog whose desire for exercise (how much and what kind) matches your own and your schedule.

• Health Issues, Both Within the Breed and Within That Person’s Kennel Lines

“If someone says there are no health problems in a breed, talk to someone else,” said Schlieper. Every breed has some. It doesn’t mean every dog is unhealthy, but it does mean every breeder should be working hard to breed dogs free of the problems that lurk in a breed’s gene pool.

• Temperament

That includes how good the dog is with families, kids, and other dogs. Will they tolerate some teasing or the clumsiness of a child? Will they let people in your home? Are they cuddly or more standoffish? Your circumstances will dictate how important each of these things is to you. You should also ask about temperament within a particular breeder’s kennel: Are they breeding with temperament in mind?

• How Much Maintenance Does the Dog Need?

That includes grooming and special food requirements, and the time involved in daily care.

• How Much Time Will it Take to Train and Socialize the Dog?

Do they have special training requirements?

• Are They Easy to Housebreak?

• What is the Life Expectancy of the Breed?

“Go around and talk to many different breeders of the same breed to confirm what you’ve been told,” Roach advised. “And this is not the time to talk business.” Breeders do not sell dogs at dog shows. So if you meet someone you might like to buy a dog from, take their card and find out when you can call them.

Any dog show, even one that isn’t benched, is a great place to learn about the breeds of interest. Shows always have grooming areas where the exhibitors set up their equipment and get their dogs ready for the show ring. If you wander over there, you’ll always find some dogs and breeders who are happy to talk about them. Just wait until after the breed has been shown in the ring because, before that, they’re busy getting their dogs ready for their big moment.

All dogs require a certain level of commitment. It’s important to consider whether you can meet any dog’s needs, regardless of the breed.

What Is the Most Low Maintenance Dog?

Dogs that are low-maintenance in terms of grooming would ease up your already busy schedule. They are also recommended for people who suffer from pet allergies since these dogs tend to shed less. According to Steve Duno, author of the book Be the Dog: Secrets of the Natural Dog Owner, such dogs could include the following breeds: Boxers, Pugs, Greyhounds, Whippets, Pointers, and Beagles. Terriers and Poodles don’t shed much, but they do require regular haircuts.

The personality of the dog is vital, however. Some breeds, like the Maltese, crave near-constant human companionship. That can be a good thing for owners who desire the trusted, reliable company of a devoted dog. If someone else can step in to help care for your pet during the day, such an affectionate dog might become depressed while you are away working. Any dog would appreciate daily exercise from a dog walker or another helper so that you might factor that into your scenario.

If you’re open to dogs other than purebreds, I recommend adopting a mixed breed from a shelter. It’s just been my experience that mixed breeds tend to be easygoing, often having the right balance of characteristics. Each dog is different, so you can spend a bit of time getting to know the individual dogs’ personalities and speaking with the shelter staff about your needs.

Which Hypoallergenic Dog is Best for Me?

There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog as all dogs shed dander, which is the leading cause of allergy sufferers’ issues. But there are, however some dog breeds that can cause fewer allergy symptoms. Breeds such as Bichon Frise, Poodle, Schnauzer, and Maltese have hair that requires regular brushing and trimming. You could opt for a hairless breed such as the Peruvian Inca Orchid, American Hairless Terrier, and the Xoloitzcuintli.

What Dogs Don’t Shed?

As well as the dogs listed above, other breeds such as Spanish Water Dog, Lagotto Romagnolo, Irish Water Spaniel, and Afghan Hound have hair that does not shed. These breeds all require regular brushing and trimming to maintain a healthy coat. 

For more information on dog allergies and Hypoallergenic dogs check out our article ‘Dog Allergies and the Hypoallergenic Dog‘.

What Dog Breeds Are Good with Cats?

Even the most ardent cat-lovers sometimes find space in their lives and homes for a dog. After all, perhaps you’ve married a dog lover, the kids are clamoring for a puppy, or you have decided a happy-go-lucky dog would be an excellent addition to your household.

The key to your happiness as a cat-loving dog owner, say the experts, is to understand the traits you enjoy in cats and to look for similar characteristics in a dog. “Unfortunately, ‘low-maintenance dog’ would be an oxymoron for most cat lovers,” says Dr. Bruce Silverman of Village West Veterinary in Chicago. However, Silverman and other experts agree that you can find a dog breed that’s right for you with a little thought.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Cat-Friendly Dog:

Activity Level 

Some dogs are miserable without an outlet for their boundless energy, while others are quite content to sit on your lap or at your feet.

Noise 

Some breeds are more talkative or yippy. If you’re accustomed to a cat that seldom talks, you might consider a quieter dog breed.

Grooming 

If you’re used to caring for a long-haired Persian, you likely won’t mind the care needed by a Collie or Shetland Sheepdog. However, if your cat takes care of its own grooming needs, you’ll probably want to consider a dog that needs less grooming.

Size 

If your cat weighs around 8 or 9 pounds, it might be shocking to add a large dog to the household. Remember: That cute, wiggly cat-sized puppy is going to grow.

Nature 

Several dog breeds were bred for working purposes. If you have a cat in your household or plan to add a cat someday, avoid dogs that have been bred to hunt small animals, says Amy Shojai, a Dallas-based certified animal behavior consultant who has written 23 pet-care books. For example, Terriers and sighthounds might perceive the family cat as prey.

Of course, every dog possesses its personality and quirks, but in general, breeds can be counted on for certain predictable traits. Experts say you’ll likely find some familiar, almost cat-like qualities among these breeds:

• Toy Poodle – 
  

  Cat lovers likely will be comfortable with the Toy Poodle’s small stature, says Shojai. Toy Poodles are smart and playful, and they make good pets for novice dog owners. However, they do require regular grooming, and they thrive on interaction with you. They’re likely to be more dependent than the average cat. 

• Basenji – 
  

  The Basenji is known as a bark-less breed, but that doesn’t mean they’re silent, says Shojai. “They will scream, yodel and more when not getting their way, something like a complaining Siamese,” says Shojai. If those vocalizations aren’t enough to sell you on the Basenji, consider the breed’s other cat-like qualities. “The breed likes to self-groom with licking, similar to a cat. It’s a very clean dog,” says Shojai. “They also may enjoy countertop surfing or lounging on the backs of chairs, as do cats.” 

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  – 
  

  “The Cavalier is a sweet, lap-sitting, quiet and clean dog,” says Shojai. The Cavalier’s gentle, adaptable nature works well in a household with cats. 

• Pekingese – 
  

  Do you appreciate most cats’ regal approach to life? The little Pekingese might be the dog for you. “The Pekingese’s holier-than-thou attitude could be compared to some 

cats that know they are the center of the universe,” says Shojai. Be aware, though, that the Pekingese’s large, slightly protruding eyes might make it more vulnerable to eye injuries from cat scratches. 

• Golden Retriever –
  

  Certainly, the Golden Retriever is a bit larger than a cat or several cats. However, these dogs are known for their happy, gentle, and adaptable natures. Plus, Retrievers are likely to have gentle mouths as well, says Shojai. “Dogs like Retrievers have inhibited bites.”

 Article written by Authors: Kim Boatman, Beth Adelman, and The Dog Daily Expert

The American Kennel Club pedigree of Fallon Flights O’Fancy, an Irish Setter owned by Anne Schilling, is a mile long. The stunning purebred from Madison, Wis., justly holds his furry mahogany head high, but he isn’t snooty when he selects his friends. One such canine chum is Frank, a scruffy, shelter-rescued mutt that Fallon met at a dog park.

Unlike Fallon, Frank’s family history is a mystery. But thanks to new DNA testing procedures, Frank, and most mutts like him, can have their mixed breed ancestry deciphered. The tests are the scientific version of the best guessing game of all, “What kind of dog is that?” which has kept dog park walkers in conversation for years.

The DNA tests cannot reveal every bit of information about your dog since genetic data isn’t available for every breed and mix. Even if you don’t receive an entirely positive breed identification, at least some breeds can be eliminated from your dog’s pedigree.

Are Dog DNA Tests Accurate?

Dog DNA tests can identify the majority of known breeds. The major limitation is the number of breeds in the testing company’s database. The more breeds they have, the more accurate the results.

Most companies advise that their dog DNA test results are between 95%-99% accurate.

What is the Most Accurate Dog DNA Test?

The companies of two leading dog DNA tests, Embark Dog DNA Test and Wisdom Panel Canine DNA Test, claim to have a very high accuracy rate of over 90%.

How Much is Dog DNA Testing?

Pricing for dog DNA test kits ranges from $100 – $170.

Our Recommendations for a Dog DNA Test

• Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test
• Embark Breed Identification and Genetic Health Dog DNA Test
• Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test
• Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Test

conditioner. She vacuums with a HEPA filter and bathes her pet every so often with a hypoallergenic shampoo. She also says, “Fred gets an antihistamine before therapy visits because he’s allergic to something there. It’s all about managing his environment.”

Bad Genes, Not Bad Dogs

Fred, King Sigfred, and other dogs prove daily that a hereditary disease doesn’t automatically mean that you and your dog must suffer. Sometimes you can prevent or delay conditions by following specific medical and nutritional recommendations. Your veterinarian can advise you, but the day-to-day management is up to you.

Article written by Author: Phyllis DeGioia

With such various offerings in the pet food aisle, selecting the right food for your dog can feel complicated. Health issues and life stages may take precedence, but feeding according to breed-specific needs is also an important consideration, especially for healthy adult dogs. 

When George Kantor took his Pug Sadie to his mother’s country home for the holidays, the New York City psychologist forgot to bring his diminutive dog’s small-breed kibble. It was Christmas Eve, and the stores were closed, so he fed Sadie from the food bag of his mother’s standard poodle. “If you know pugs, they never turn down a meal, and Sadie is no exception,” says Kantor. But the pug’s holiday meal soon turned sour.

“She seemed to be having a hard time with the bigger pieces,” he explains. Unfortunately, the kibble didn’t stay down, leaving Kantor with a most unwanted “gift” to clean up. He surmises, “I guess she wasn’t able to chew the large chunks quickly enough.” Kibble size isn’t the only reason to feed your best friend food specific to breed size. Appropriate nutrient levels also vary based on whether your dog is small, medium, large, or giant.

Your dog’s weight at maturity determines its breed size, whether your pet is a giant purebred or a tiny mixed breed. A giant-breed dog may reach 90 pounds or more at maturity, while a large breed will grow anywhere from 51 to 90 pounds. A small/toy dog will weigh up to 20 pounds as an adult. Any furry friend between (21 to 50 pounds) is a medium-sized dog.

Below, veterinarians Trisha Joyce, DVM, of New York City Veterinary Specialists, and Katy J. Nelson, DVM, a Virginia-based emergency veterinarian, weigh in on the importance of size-specific feeding.

Adult Nutritional Differences in Dogs

Post-growth, different breeds still have different needs. “Caloric needs vary based on breed size,” says Dr Joyce. Small and toy breeds have higher metabolic rates (more than twice those of large breeds)and smaller stomachs. They, therefore, function best on energy-dense diets and small meals. Small-breed formulas have more calories per cup than medium- and large-breed foods, making an energy-packed diet most appropriate.

Large and jumbo dogs have special nutritional considerations, mostly related to joint health issues. “In adulthood, larger dogs are prone to orthopedic problems and arthritis, so you may want to select foods that have protective substances for their joints, like glucosamine,” says Dr Joyce. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are sometimes included in commercial dog chows, are thought to maintain your oversized pet’s cartilage.

Your Dog in Maturity

“The rate at which a dog ages depends on the breed,” explains Dr. Joyce. The larger and heavier the dog, the earlier the aging process begins. A large or jumbo dog should then start eating a “maturity” diet earlier than a small or toy dog. Larger breeds tend to have shorter life spans, so they might be considered seniors as early as six-years-old, while smaller dogs don’t generally reach senior status until ten years. Check with your veterinarian if you’re not sure when to start a mature diet.

The nutritional makeup of all senior diets should include immune-system-supporting antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene. But such diets also vary by breed size. Large and jumbo dogs are still in need of nutritional support for their sensitive joints, so glucosamine should be on the ingredient list in your large or jumbo pet’s formula. Similarly, small dogs continue to need energy-dense food, and the calories per cup should be higher than for medium and large breeds.  

As for Kantor and his Pug Sadie, they had to make do over Christmas. “I cut the kibble pieces in half before I fed her Christmas day!” he recalls laughing. “The next morning, the stores were open super early, and we were back to her small-breed kibble by breakfast.”

 

What is the Difference Between Toy Breed Dog Food and Regular?

Suppose your dog is a Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Brussels Griffon, Maltese, Pekingese, Pomeranian, or Yorkshire Terrier or weighs 10 pounds or less. In that case, you could consider feeding him a toy-breed dog food formula.

“The vast majority of toy dogs are shaky and are always cold,” says Dr. Nelson. “They’re worked up all day long over nothing.” As with fidgety people, the constant movement of toy dogs means they burn energy all day long. They also have small stomachs that cannot hold significant portions, so they need an especially calorie-dense formula. Small dogs also tend to have poor dental health and may benefit from tartar-controlling dog foods, helping protect their teeth.

As there is a wide variety of toy dog foods on the market, check with your veterinarian to help you to find the right one for your dog. Follow the portion recommendations on the label and adjust accordingly if your dog does not maintain a healthy weight.

What is the Difference Between Small Breed Dog Food and Regular?

If your dog is a Jack Russell, Shih Tzu, Pug, Lhasa Apso, Cocker Spaniel, Border Terrier, French Bulldog, or Dachshund or weighs between 10 and 20 pounds, you could consider feeding him a small-breed formula.

In the commercial dog food world, toy and small formulas are often one and the same, and with good reason: “A lot of small dogs are also high in energy and low in stomach capacity. Plus, they need bite-sized kibble for their relatively small mouths,” says Dr. Nelson.

However, small dogs are more likely than toy dogs to become overweight. To ensure that toy- and small-dog formulas do not pack the pounds on your dog, small-dog owners need to be particularly attuned to portion control.

Finding the right dog food for your dog is a significant first step; ensuring they are fed correctly is the second. Follow the portion recommendations on the label and adjust accordingly if your dog does not maintain a healthy weight.

As there is a wide variety of dog foods on the market for small dogs, check with your veterinarian to help you to find the right one for your dog for whatever their life stage.

 

What Should I Feed My Mid-Sized Dog?

If your dog is a Schnauzer, Beagle, Border Collie, Basset Hound, Irish Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, or Shar-Pei or weighs between 20 and 50 pounds, you could consider feeding him a standard adult dog food formula.

Mid Sized dogs are considered standard by the pet food industry, and their needs encompass the needs of most dogs: high-quality protein dog food to maintain muscle mass, fiber to promote intestinal health, fish oil for healthy skin and coat, carbohydrates for fuel and vitamins and minerals for proper immune function.

“These are middle-of-the-road dogs,” says Dr Nelson. “In adulthood, there’s not a lot separating their dietary needs from large breeds.” Such dogs do, however, reach what is considered old age more slowly than bigger dogs. Mid Sized canines can safely remain on “adult” instead of a “maturity” formula through to age 7.

As there is a wide variety of dog foods on the market for standard-sized dogs, check with your veterinarian to help you to find the right one for your dog for whatever their life stage.

What is the Difference Between Large Breed Dog Food and Regular?

Suppose your dog is a German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Pointer, Great Dane, Bullmastiff, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, or weighs over 50 pounds. In that case, you could consider feeding him a large or giant-breed dog food formula.

Post-puppy-hood, large and giant breeds have the same nutritional requirements and the same concerns. “They have a lot more joint issues compared to smaller dogs,” says Dr Nelson. Foods for these oversized dogs should contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint health and antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin E to slow the aging effects, which larger dogs do more quickly.

Finally, they also require fewer calories. Large-breed foods have less fat and calories per kibble because, except for hunting dogs, the dogs they’re targeted at tend to be less active. The L-carnitine in these formulas will help large and giant dogs to burn fat more efficiently.

Large dog breeds can be more susceptible to conditions such as Orthopedic Disease and Bloat. Feeding your large dog a formula specifically designed for large dogs made by

a reputable company can help avoid the onset of these conditions. Consult with your veterinarian for any recommendations and advice.

Finding the right dog food for your dog is a significant first step; ensuring they are fed correctly is the second. Follow the portion recommendations on the label and adjust accordingly if your dog does not maintain a healthy weight.

No matter your dog’s breed, feeding the right formula will help maintain its health and longevity, an objective that all dog lovers can agree on, regardless of their breed preferences.

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman, and The Daily Dog Expert

Carl Greenhous’ English Bull Terrier, Toby, had a strange obsession with dental floss. With every chance he got, the canine rummaged through the bathroom trash bin and picked out only the used strands of floss.

“He would usually poop it out, but sometimes it wouldn’t pass all the way through,” recalls Greenhous.

New research is revealing that swallowing non-food items may be more common among Toby’s breed than others. A study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice is the first to look at which dog breeds are more likely to come into a veterinary hospital with swallowed objects obstructing their gastrointestinal tract. It’s also helping to determine what factors might best predict successful treatment.

Terriers Top the List

Dr. Graham Hayes, a veterinary surgeon at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School in the U.K., reviewed every case over four years of dogs coming into a local animal hospital for gastrointestinal obstructions. Five breeds were significantly more likely to have swallowed something they shouldn’t have:

• Staffordshire Bull Terriers (by far the most likely)
• English Bull Terriers
• Jack Russell Terriers
• Border Collies
• Springer Spaniels

“I think rooting about, scavenging rubbish and chewing up plastic toys is in the nature of terrier-type breeds,” says Hayes.

Successfully Treating Obstructions

Besides looking at breeds, Hayes analyzed each documented case to determine what factors most often lead to positive — or negative — outcomes.

One factor was the type of object swallowed, “discrete” or “linear.” Discrete objects are things like balls, toys, or bones. A linear object is something long and thin, like a piece of string or fabric (think: Toby’s fave, dental floss). Hayes found that dogs are more likely to swallow discrete objects, but linear objects are more likely to be fatal.

“Part of the [linear object] gets stuck somewhere, such as around the base of the tongue or in the bottom of the stomach, and the rest gets moved down the intestine by contractions,” explains Hayes. “Eventually … the string digs into the side of the intestine, which ruptures the bowel in several places. A whole length of the intestine can become severely damaged.”

Another reason linear objects are more dangerous is they often cause only a partial obstruction of the bowel, so food and water can continue to pass through. Owners may not notice anything is wrong for a while.

“Linear objects damage a greater amount of the bowel, may cause less obvious clinical signs in the patient and can be harder for the vet to diagnose by clinical examination and X-rays,” says Hayes.

Keeping Your Dog Safe From Swallowing Foreign Objects

The most obvious thing to do is keep potentially harmful objects away from your dog, especially young dogs. If your dog swallows an object, bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately for an exam, which should include an X-ray. Hayes found that quicker diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

Of course, not all owners catch their dog in the act, so how would you know if your dog swallowed an object?  You should start to get suspicious if your pet refuses to eat for 24 hours or more, but the primary warning sign is vomiting in the absence of bowel movements. Hayes urges caution, however, in using anti-vomiting medicine or medicine that promotes bowel movements.

“Vomiting is the major clinical sign associated with obstruction of the bowel, and masking this clinical sign with medication can make the animal appear much better but is not addressing the underlying cause,” says Hayes. Medication that promotes bowel movements may stimulate bowel contractions and hasten rupture of the bowel, which is frequently fatal.

Hayes recommends a mutt for those looking to add a dog to their family and wants to know which types are least likely to get into this sort of trouble. “I like crossbreeds, as they tend to be much healthier than pedigree dogs due to more outbreeding and hybrid vigor,” he says.

Article written by Author: Brad Kloza

When Aleta Watson’s 1-year-old grandson, Xavier, tried to crawl on Aggie, her Golden Retriever, during Watson’s recent visit to Portland, Ore., there were no worries. The large, imposing dog got up and walked away, says Watson. “We love Golden Retrievers because they tend to be so mellow,” says Watson, 62, a writer based in Ben Lomond, Calif. “Aggie is our fourth purebred golden, and she’s easy-going. We’ve never seen any sign of aggression in her or our previous goldens.”

A recent study backs up Watson’s experiences with Golden Retrievers. Evaluating surveys of two groups of owners, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society rated dog breeds on their aggression levels. 

The study, accepted for publication in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, found that goldens rate among the least aggressive breeds. But the study also offers somewhat unexpected conclusions when it comes to canine feistiness. You might be surprised to find where your dog’s breed ranks.

What is the Least Aggressive Dog Breed?

These breeds tend to be calmer and show the least amount of aggression towards humans: Golden Retrievers, Whippets, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Bulldogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, Greyhounds, Basset Hounds, Siberian Huskies, and Brittany Spaniels.

What is the Most Friendly Dog?

The Labrador Retriever is considered the friendliest dog breed for humans.

What is the Safest Dog to Have?

If you are looking for an excellent all-around family dog, some breeds are more suitable than others. Breeds such as Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Irish Setter, Border Collie, Bull Terrier, Beagle, and Bulldog are considered safe breeds as part of a family.

Environment and training play an integral role in a dog’s behavior. Even though these breeds are considered to have the right temperament for families, they can still react if pushed. 

What is the Meanest Small Dog?

Using a survey called the C-BARQ (Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire), researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society collected results from both online respondents and a sampling of members of 11 breed clubs recognized by the American Kennel Club. Remember the saying, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog”? The surveys found two small dog breeds, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, rated high on aggression toward humans and other animals.

“Initially, I was quite surprised by how aggressive these smaller breeds came out,” says Dr. James Serpell, the study co-author and director of the Pennsylvania center. “In smaller dogs, I think we tolerate higher levels of aggressive behavior,” he says, adding, “the prospects of being seriously injured by a Chihuahua are small. Part of the problem with these little dogs is that they probably do live in terror a lot of the time because they are so small and surrounded by giants, both humans, and dogs.”

What Dogs are Naturally Aggressive?

Akitas and Pit Bull Terriers ranked high in aggressiveness toward other dogs, while Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, American Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles were noted for aggression toward humans. 

What is the Most Aggressive Dog?

Chihuahua rated highly on aggression toward both humans and other animals.  

“Interdog aggression is scarily high in some breeds,” says Dr. Serpell. “Close to 30 percent of Akitas, for example, had shown serious aggression toward other dogs in the recent past,” says Dr. Serpell. Indeed, says co-author Dr. Deborah Duffy, the amount of dog-versus-dog aggression reported by owners was alarming.

“What surprised us most was the percentage of owners reporting that their dog had bitten or tried to bite other dogs,” says Dr. Duffy. “When we think of canine aggression from a public health perspective, aggression toward humans is typically discussed. However, our study found that serious aggression among dogs is surprisingly common for some breeds. This high aggression level also presents a public health hazard because people can get bitten trying to separate dogs that are fighting.”

What Are the Top Three Most Aggressive Dogs?

Chihuahua and Dachshund both scored highly on aggression toward humans and other animals, while Akita ranked highly on aggressiveness toward other dogs.

What Are the 10 Deadliest Dogs?

According to Forbes, the Pit Bull accounts for around half of dog-related fatalities in the U.S., followed by the Rottweiler, Husky, German Shepherd, Bullmastiff, Wolf Hybrid, Chow Chow, Boxer, Doberman, and Akita.

Genetics likely plays a role in the aggressiveness of breeds such as the Akita, says Dr. Serpell. However, the researchers point out that positive attributes, such as loyalty, often balance these aggressive traits. Aggressive dogs, even the tiniest ones, tend to make terrific watchdogs, letting us know when strangers are around.

Nature or Nurture 

Nagja Bamji says that her Dachshund, Ronny, is far from aggressive. Ronny gives other dogs a wide berth, loves kids, and recently backed off when a squirrel hissed at him, says Bamji, 46, a homemaker in Fremont, Calif. You also might find that your dog doesn’t fit the profile developed in this study.

“We do have breed differences; there is no question,” says Dr. Gail Clark, a canine behavioral psychologist based in Fort Collins, Colo. “But there are a tremendous amount of factors in dog behavior.”

She explains that environment and training, as well as breed, help determine how your dog behaves. For example, she says, the owners of little dogs tend to pick them up frequently in threatening situations. Perched high in their owners’ arms, the small dogs feel mighty brave. When the dogs return to the ground, they might feel defensive and threatened. How you perceive your dog’s breed, regardless of size, might influence how you train or handle your pal, thus affecting your canine’s long-term behavior, says Dr. Serpell.

Where you obtain your puppy can be another significant factor, says Dr. Serpell, who recommends finding a reputable breeder, visiting the breeder, and even meeting your pup’s parents. Dogs produced in puppy mills often have behavioral problems, he says. Puppies tend to be removed from their mothers and littermates too soon, and they don’t have enough positive human contact in their early weeks. Their mothers often are kept in highly stressful environments during their pregnancies, which likely has a longstanding impact on the puppies, says Dr. Serpell.

Can Aggression Be Trained Out Of A Dog?

Aggression is a behavior your dog exhibits as a reaction to a situation. Like all behaviors, aggression can also be corrected. An excellent place to start is to understand why your dog is behaving aggressively in the first place. For example, is your dog territorial, protective, possessive, fearful, or reacting for another reason? Another factor to consider is the health of your dog. Is there something medically wrong that is causing aggressive behavior in your dog?

Once you understand why your dog is behaving aggressively, then a professional dog trainer can help you formulate a plan to correct this behavior. Never punish your dog for being aggressive. Your dog will not understand why he is being punished and may become more aggressive as a result.

Why is My Dog Aggressive to Other Dogs?

There are a variety of reasons a dog behaves aggressively towards another dog. Providing there is no medical cause underlying the aggression, your dog may have been conditioned to react aggressively towards other dogs through not being:

• appropriately socialized as a puppy 
• a traumatic encounter with another dog 
• being part of a dogfighting operation  
• or other abuse and neglect, for example 
• Your dog could also be aggressive to protect his territory or social status.

Why is My Dog’s Aggression Getting Worse?

If your dog has never shown any aggressive behaviors previously and then begins to growl or bite, it may be a reaction to pain. It is essential to take your dog to your veterinarian to have any illness or injuries ruled out as a cause of aggression.

If your dog’s aggressive behavior is escalating and medical causes have been ruled out, there could be other factors. One of the most important factors is the owner, you. Your response to the situation has an enormous impact on how your dog behaves.  

Aggression is a behavior that needs to be addressed and modified. By ignoring the aggression, you are telling your dog that you approve of its behavior. It is essential to accept the problem exists, understand what triggers your dog’s aggression, and implement a plan with the help of a professional trainer.

Other ways we humans can inflame the situation is by:

• inadvertently encouraging the aggressive behavior (by being inconsistent) 
• not providing enough mental stimulation 
• tensing up when near a trigger, punishing (which reinforces to the dog 
• that what he is fearful of is also painful) 
• yelling (effectively joining in)

Individuality Can Overcome Statistics

Dr. Serpell believes that the next step for researchers is to understand the factors contributing to individual dogs behaving aggressively. When it comes to this study, it’s important not to paint every dog with the same brush, he thinks. “The No. 1 thing we’d like you to take from the study is it’s based on breed averages,” says Dr. Serpell. “Branding a breed as dangerous or aggressive is inappropriate.

Within any breed, you’re going to find many, many individuals that are nice and well-tempered.” 

If you’re interested in evaluating your dog’s behavior, you can still take the C-BARQ. The survey, which takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, is located on the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Website.

While aggression in breeds may be helpful as a guide, it is not accurate or entirely reliable to judge a dog’s characteristics. A more important predictor of aggression is to look at a dog’s temperament and behavioral history with both humans and other dogs. Ensure that the breed is a good fit for your lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of behavioral problems.

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman, and The Dog Daily Expert