Fun Facts

Some people start thinking of baby names before they’re even ready to have one. That’s like me, but with dogs. I have a whole backlog of dog name ideas. If you’re less prepared and planning to adopt, maybe you can take some inspiration from some popular pup names from around the world. Budget Direct compiled data identifying the most popular dog names in every country. In order to come up with this list, Budget Direct created a points system, giving … Read more

Stores and restaurants are progressively becoming more dog-friendly. Some places now go above and beyond to make sure your pooch feels especially welcome, even offering secret menu items just for dogs. If you’re out and about with your pup and want to grab a bite or a sip, keep in mind these 18 awesome restaurants that are not only dog-friendly, they actually cater to canines! From free tidbits to full meals, your dog’s day will be made when he’s included … Read more

Herding dogs are a favorite of many active pet parents because of their fun-loving personalities. They are energetic, intelligent dogs that excel in training while also making great companions and performance competition dogs. While many are not used for their original purpose of herding, they still need jobs to do and should be provided adequate mental and physical stimulation. What Defines a Herding Dog? Herding dogs, also known as “pastoral breeds,” are dogs that are trained for herding purposes. They … Read more

There may be plenty of dogs in pop culture blessed with the powers of human language, but frustratingly our real-life pups have no clue how to talk the way we do. That means we have to really understand dog behavior in order to know what our dogs are thinking or feeling. Often we may think we know what dogs want based on their expressions, but you’d be surprised how that can mislead you. Your dog won’t ever tell you himself, … Read more

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, lots of things changed for both humans and pets. With so many people working from home, many dogs were confused, yet overjoyed. But if you haven’t returned to the office yet, your furry friends are in for an unpleasant surprise. It’s not fair for you to make that switch on them without warning. So, it’s a good idea to start preparing your pets for the “new normal” sooner rather than later. Here are some tips for … Read more

When we see cute puppies, we can’t help the silly grin that comes over our faces! As a dog lover, you probably go to pieces over adorable puppies too! All those puppy wrinkles and rolls are just too much. And can we talk about those fat, round tummies? Or how puppy breath has some strange magic that makes you want to snuggle those babies all day! Like us, you know all puppies are cute, but some breeds have that extra … Read more

Quick question: do you love spoiling your dog? C’mon. We all know the answer here is a resounding “DUH!” Even if they can’t say thank you, and sometimes they don’t get as excited as we hoped over a new toy or treat, it fills our hearts with joy like nothing else to give our dogs a simple gift. It isn’t just you who feels this way, either. Science has once again come through to back up the warm-fuzzy feelings our … Read more

Dogs are a part of the family. So, of course, many people want their dog’s input when it comes to where they live. While most dogs are content wherever their loved ones are, others would prefer locations where there are countless dog-friendly activities. All cities have their pros and cons for life as a dog, but some are notably better than others. Do you live in one of the best U.S. cities for dogs? Now you can find out for … Read more

There’s nothing on earth quite as powerful as those big, bright puppy dog eyes your dog gives you. Have you ever wondered why that is? A team of university scientists and researchers proposed a few interesting explanations. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found a distinct difference between wolves and dogs. Comparing the anatomy and behavior of dogs and wolves, researchers found that the facial musculature of both species was similar except above … Read more

Raise your hand if you love spoiling your dog. Okay – now, lower it if you did not buy your dog his own $20,000 pet bed. No? How about an $800 dog bowl? Easy one this time – $65 dog perfume? Any hands left up? Let’s be honest – our dogs don’t care how much we spend on them. We might buy the more expensive dog food because it’s fresher and healthier, but c’mon. These are the same dogs that … Read more

Every year, Rover releases a detailed list of the most popular dog names. And every year, people get more creative. Of course, the top ten dog names in every city remain fairly consistent from year to year. There are just some classic names that will always be adorable. But while those names remained steady on the list, other more peculiar names showed major increases from the previous years. From movie stars to Netflix characters to virus-related names, 2020 is certainly … Read more

What things can dogs smell that humans can’t? Those super snoopers pick up just about every scent there could possibly be as canine noses are built for superior sniffing. Especially when compared to human olfactory senses. We’re pretty much nose blind next to our dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, “Depending on the breed, dogs have up 100 million or more scent receptors in their noses. And those terrific trackers we know as Bloodhounds have 300 million!” That means … Read more

There’s no way to overstate how valuable having a dog in your life is. The right kind of dog is always out there waiting for the perfect person. But as many of us already know, dogs are not one-size-fits-all. With dozens of existing breeds and many more mixes, different kinds of dogs can fill different roles in your life. As someone who has lived in several tiny apartments, I’ve always gravitated towards smaller dogs. But a dog’s size alone doesn’t … Read more

Today, we consider our dogs to be our best friends, our furry children, and our beloved family members. We often give them as much love and respect as we’d give our human friends and family, oftentimes more. So, it’s interesting to look at the past to see a time when dogs weren’t as cherished. Even though dogs and cats have been companions to humans for ages, it wasn’t until around World War II that they finally became full-fledged family members. … Read more

Admit it, we’ve all bragged about our dogs at some point. We all think our dogs are the cutest, the smartest, and the most lovable. Of course, all dogs are the cutest without a doubt, but there’s no way to prove precisely how intelligent our furry friends are. That is until Greenies released a doggy IQ quiz. Now, you can test your dog’s intelligence in just 15 minutes. Plus, you’ll get to spend quality time with your dog in the … Read more

All dogs have their smarts about them, but some breeds shine a little brighter when it comes to natural-born intelligence. But what factors in dog intelligence land a breed on the list of smartest dog breeds? Stanley Coren, PhD., has made the study of dogs his lifelong career, and he offers the breakdown of canine intelligence. “There are three types of dog intelligence: instinctive (what the dog is bred to do), adaptive (how well the dog learns from its environment … Read more

August 26 is National Dog Day! We here at iHeartDogs believe that every day is a good day to celebrate your dog, and since Americans spend more than $60 billion a year on their pets, we think most people agree with us. Still, spoiling your dog too much every day can lead to health and behavioral problems, so it’s never a bad idea to pull back on extra snacks and toys on most days, then splurge a little extra each … Read more

When it comes to choosing the top pet-friendly cities, we want more than just restaurants with dog-friendly patios and big dog parks. We’re thinking and dreaming bigger when it comes to our dogs. We want to live where our dogs can be healthy and happy and treated like the kings and queens we always knew they were. We LOVE WalletHub‘s annual list of pet-friendly cities. This list really covers all the bases when it comes to the demands we make … Read more

There are many things to consider when considering getting a new puppy. At iHeartDogs.com, we believe adoption is the best option! Many of us are dead-set on certain breeds. Others aren’t quite sure. Regardless, the cost is always a factor when deciding to add a dog to your home. Several things can bring up the cost of the dog outside of the purchase price, including crates, toys, beds, kennels, food, and health issues. While health testing is at an all-time … Read more

Pretty much all families searching for a dog are looking for a breed that’s known for being good with children and there are certainly plenty to choose from. If you’re on the lookout for which breeds might benefit your family best and you want a larger sized dog, be sure to check out the breeds listed here. #1 – Bulldog The Bulldog, or English Bulldog, is a short but very large breed that may look rather intimidating to some potential … Read more

Most dogs relish getting pets by the people they love, and some are so friendly, they enjoy kind strokes from anyone they meet! But while pups may appreciate our affectionate scratches, all tender touches aren’t created equal. You may have noticed that your pooch has a particular place she loves being pet – maybe she even starts kicking her leg in ecstasy! And while all pup preferences are different, there are 5 specific “sweet spots” that make most dogs dissolve into tail-wagging bliss. 1. Under … Read more

Thinking about getting your first dog? While it seems absurd to many of us, some people have never owned a dog before – and that’s okay! We welcome you to the dark side. While there is a lot of research that goes into general dog ownership, there are some breeds of dogs that are better suited for a first timer than others. While all dogs are individuals within a breed, and can vary greatly in personalities and needs, it’s safe … Read more

Even the most dog-savvy folk come across breeds they’ve never heard of, and it’s no surprise when there are so many rare breeds out there. Have you ever seen a dog somewhere and wondered what kind it was but were afraid to ask? Here we’ve compiled a list of some of the rarest dog breeds around the world, though they are listed in no particular order. Perhaps you know them all, but maybe you’ll find one you’ve never seen before! … Read more