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Houston’s Mattress Mack Opens Doors To Evacuee Pets As Other Shelters Turn Them Away

Hurricane Harvey has battered the Texas coast for several days, making it’s first landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, it weakened to a tropical storm, but still continues to unleash high winds and gallons of rain on the Gulf area. However, the Gulf Coast is no stranger to hurricanes, and though many people have lost their cars and homes, most residents take it fairly well, considering that the situation is officially a disaster. A spirit of community comes over the … Read more

The 10 Best Toys For Young Adult Dogs

When dogs reach one year of age they officially leave puppyhood behind them, but that doesn’t mean they lose their love of play. In fact, young adult dogs are more primed for action than ever! They have a full set of powerful adult teeth; their awkward “teenage” limbs are fully developed and ready to run; and their eager young minds are always in search of fun and adventure! These 10 toys are perfectly designed to keep adult doggos happy, healthy … Read more

500 Montreal Pit Bull Owners Given 4 Weeks To “Dispose Of” Their Dogs

Approximately 500 Montreal “Pit Bull-type” dog owners have received letters informing them that they have four weeks to “dispose of” their pets. According to the letter, the recipients failed to provide the required documentation on their dogs prior to the March 31 deadline, or the documentation they provided was incomplete. Since the deadline has passed, these owners are not being given the chance to remedy the documentation problem. They must now find new homes for their dogs in towns without … Read more

This Quiz Tells You Exactly What Type Of Shelter Dog You Should Adopt (And Matches You)

Here at iHeartDogs, we think there’s a dog out there for anyone who wants a companion. Maybe you’re a homebody who loves to hunker down. Maybe you’re more of an outdoor type who’s in search of an exercise buddy. Perhaps you’re somewhere in between. Whether you’re looking for a pooch that’s large, small, fluffy, short-haired, active, lazy, whatever, there’s a dog in a shelter who’d be perfect for you – you just have to find him or her. Sometimes, pinpointing a … Read more

People Band Together To Save Animals During Catastrophic Hurricane Harvey

In August of 2017 the Gulf Coast was pummeled by Hurricane Harvey, and the storm left catastrophic damage to homes and families. As humans struggled to find higher ground, many pets were being left behind. While a few shelters allow animals during a disaster, some force owners to keep them outside, and others don’t permit them at all. Even as the rain fell and the streets flooded, advocates and pet lovers did what they could to rescue our helpless furry … Read more

Woman Risks Her Own Safety To Save 21 Dogs From Deadly Flooding

Betty Walter works with several different rescue groups and has 4 dogs of her own. When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, she had her 4 dogs, plus she was caring for 11 dogs from the rescue groups. She was also pet sitting a dog for a friend. And as Harvey grew stronger, the number of dogs kept growing. She told us: “One small dog came to my window earlier Saturday morning. Two are homeless peoples’ dogs that live around there. They … Read more

How To Conquer Car Sickness When Transporting Your Pup

An estimated one in six dogs suffer from car sickness during travel, but driving with your dog is necessary for maintaining their health and enjoying new adventures together. After all, vet visits are a must and outings to the beach just aren’t the same without the family pup. So how do you help your dog manage this unpleasant problem? The nausea, drooling, shaking and anxiety seen during car travel may be caused by the balance mechanism within the ear or … Read more

7 Heartfelt Photos Of People Banding Together To Save Animals During Hurricane Harvey

If you’ve turned on the news or logged onto social media, you’ve seen images of the disaster that is currently sweeping southeast Texas. Houston is being pummeled by Hurricane Harvey, and the storm isn’t over yet. As families struggle to find higher ground, the devastating reality is that many pets are getting left behind. While a few shelters allow animals, some force owners to keep them outside, and others don’t permit them at all. But that isn’t stopping advocates and … Read more

Twitter Users Help Find Lost Dog’s Owner During Hurricane Harvey

Storm chaser, Aaron Jayjack got more than just a fill-up when he stopped at a gas station in Runge, Texas Saturday. A soaking wet pooch began following him, eventually seeking refuge from Hurricane Harvey on the back seat of Jayjack’s Jeep! A loving dog dad himself, Jayjack posted a plea to Twitter asking viewers to reshare the dog’s image across social media in the hopes of locating his owner. Displaced dog jumped into my jeep. Please share to help find owner! … Read more

Breed: Yorkie Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: Patellar luxation Occasionally seen: PRA Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-9 inches Weight: <7 pounds Life span: 12–16 years Suggested tests: Liver ultrasound, (knee), (eye) Major concerns: Portacaval shunt, tracheal collapse, Leggs–Perthes Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-9 inches Weight: <7 pounds Brief History on Yorkshire Terrier Origin The Yorkshire Terrier’s original function was to hunt and kill rats and other rodents in the cotton mills and mines in Yorkshire, England. Initially it was looked down upon by … Read more

Breed: Westie Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: Copper toxicosis, cataract, patellar luxation, Life span: 12 – 14 years Major concerns: Globoid cell leukodystrophy, Legg-Perthes, CMO, Occasionally seen: Deafness Avg Size of Female: Height: 10 inches, Weight: 15-21 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 11 inches, Weight: 15-21 pounds Suggested tests: Hip, knee, Brief History on West Highland White Terrier Origin This breed was initially named after the town of Poltalloch, where they had been raised and bred for nearly a whole century prior to their … Read more

Breed: Weimeraner Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: Spinal dysraphism, CHD, entropion, distichiasis, vWD, hemophilia A, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, Life span: 10 – 13 years Major concerns: Gastric torsion Occasionally seen: Ununited anconeal process, eversion of nictitating membrane, Avg Size of Female: Height: 23-25 inches, Weight: 70-85 pounds, Avg Size of Male: Height: 25-27 inches, Weight: 70-85 pounds, Suggested tests: Hip, eye, blood, Brief History on Weimaraner Origin It is uncertain where the Weimaraners steel grey coloring originate, however it goes far back to being an important … Read more

Breed: Vizsla Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Occasionally seen: None Avg Size of Male: Height: 22-24 inches, Weight: 45-65 pounds Major concerns: None Suggested tests: Hip Minor concerns: Hemophilia A, CMO, CHD Life span: 10 – 14 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 21-23 inches, Weight: 45-65 pounds Brief History on Vizsla Origin Hungarian hunters were seeking a quick, agile and close-working dog that could point and retrieve birds, as well as track smaller sized mammals. Barons and warlords had discovered the breed and sought it out … Read more

Breed: St. Bernard Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: OCD, diabetes, heart conditions, cardiomyopathy, pyotraumatic dermatitis Occasionally seen: Epilepsy Note: The Saint Bernard does not tolerate heat well. Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, cardiac, eye Avg Size of Female: Height: >25 inches, Weight: 120-200 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: >27.5 inches, Weight: 120-200 pounds Major concerns: CHD, gastric torsion, entropion, ectropion, distichiasis, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma Life Span: 8 – 10 years Brief History on Saint Bernard Origin The Saint Bernard is a massive working dog from the … Read more

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: None Occasionally seen: Cataract, CHD Note: The high pain threshold may mask problems Life span: 12 – 14 years Suggested tests: CERF, OFA Avg Size of Female: Height: 17-18 inches, Weight: 30-35 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 18-19 inches, Weight: 35-40 pounds Major concerns: None Brief History on Staffordshire Bull Terrier Origin Stories suggest that this breed was a result of crossbreeding the Old English bulldog with the black and tan terrier. The result was the small … Read more

Shih Tzu Breed Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

The Shih Tzu is a breed favorite of many and quickly becomes a family member. Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-16 pounds Minor concerns: Renal cortical hypoplasia, entropion, trichiasis, PRA, KCS, CHD, otitis externa, portacaval shunt, inguinal hernias Suggested tests: Eye Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-16 pounds Life span: 11- 14 years Major concerns: None Brief History on Shih Tzu Origin Originating around the 17th century, it is assumed that the Shih Tzu … Read more

Dog Breed: Shiba Inu Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of Female: Height: 13.5-15.5 inches, Weight: 20-30 pounds Occasionally seen: None Major concerns: None LifeSpan: 12 – 15 years Avg Size of Male: Height: 14.5-16.5 inches, Weight: 20-30 pounds Minor concerns: Patellar luxation Suggested tests: Knee Brief History on Shiba Inu Origin The Shiba Inu was actually not given the name “Shiba Inu” until the 1920s. The origin of the breed descended from spitz heritage. The fact that it could roam traverse steep hills and mountain regions that … Read more

Breed: Sheltie Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Suggested tests: Eye, hip, DNA for vWD Major concerns: Dermatomyositis Avg Size of Female: Height: 13-16 inches, Weight: 20 pounds Life span: 12 – 14 years Minor concerns: CEA, PRA, trichiasis, cataract, CHD, hemophilia, Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation Avg Size of Male: Height: 13-16 inches, Weight: 20 pounds Occasionally seen: PDA, deafness, epilepsy, vWD Note: May be sensitive to ivermectin. Merles should not be bred to merles because homozygous merle is lethal or detrimental to health. Brief History on Shetland Sheepdog … Read more

Breed: Schnauzer Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Suggested tests: Hip Avg Size of Male: Height: 18.5-19.5 inches, Weight: 40-45 pounds Occasionally seen: None Avg Size of Female: Height: 17.5-18.5 inches, Weight: 35-40 pounds Life span: 12 – 14 years Major concerns: None Minor concerns: CHD, follicular dermatitis Brief History on Standard Schnauzer Origin Stories suggest that the Schnauzer is a blend of both hunting and working terriers. It was a cross with wirehaired pinschers, black German poodles and gray wolf spitz. The result of crossing them was … Read more

Breed: Samoyed Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of Female: Height: 19-21 inches, Weight: 35-50 pounds Major concerns: CHD Occasionally seen: PRA Life span: 10 – 12 years Minor concerns: Gastric torsion Suggested tests: Hip, eye Avg Size of Male: Height: 21-23.5 inches, Weight: 45-65 pounds Brief History on Samoyed Origin This breed takes its name from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia. These spitz dogs were utilized to hunt, pull sleds and protect their families from predators. Both as a worker and as a companion, the … Read more

Breed: Rottweiler Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: OCD, entropion, vWD, panosteitis Life span: 8 – 11 years Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, SAS, osteosarcoma, gastric torsion Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, cardiac, blood, eye Avg Size of Male: Height: 24-27 inches, Weight: 85-135 pounds Occasionally seen: PRA, cataract, epilepsy Avg Size of Female: Height: 22-25 inches, Weight: 80-100 pounds Brief History on Rottweiler Origin The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog, regarded as medium-to-large or large in size. The dogs were known in German as … Read more

Breed: Pug Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Life span: 12 – 15 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 10-11 inches, Weight: 14-18 pounds Occasionally seen: Epilepsy Avg Size of Male: Height: 10-11 inches, Weight: 14-18 pounds Minor concerns: Elongated palette, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, Legg – Perthes, entropion Note: Skin fold dermatitis occurs if wrinkles are not regularly cleaned. The pug cannot tolerate heat and is sensitive to anesthesia. It is prone to corneal abrasion and obesity. Major concerns: None Suggested tests: Eye Brief History on Pug … Read more

Breed: Poodle Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns for toy and miniature: PRA, patellar luxation, Legg – Perthes, epilepsy Life span for standard: 10 – 13 years Major concerns for standard: Sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion, Addison’s Occasionally seen for standard: PDA, vWD Occasionally seen for toy and miniature: Urolithiasis, intervertebral disc degeneration Life span for miniature: 13 – 15 years Minor concerns for toy and miniature: Trichiasis, entropion, lacrimal duct atresia, cataracts, glaucoma, distichiasis Minor concerns for standard: Distichiasis, entropion, cataract, CHD, epilepsy Suggested tests for … Read more

Breed: Pomeranian Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Occasionally seen: Tracheal collapse, PDA Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 3-7 pounds Minor concerns: Open fontanel, hypoglycemia, shoulder luxation, PRA, entropion Suggested tests: Knee, eye, cardiac Major concerns: Patellar luxation Life span: 12-16 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 3-7 pounds Brief History on Pomeranian Origin The first Pomeranians did not look like Pomeranians at all actually, and they were not called by that name up until they were introduced to England. Majority of … Read more

Breed: Pekingese Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: Elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, KCS, patellar luxation, distichiasis, trichiasis, skin fold dermatitis Major concerns: None Avg Size of Female: Height: 6-9 inches, Weight: <14 pounds Note: The breed is sensitive to anesthesia and does not tolerate heat well. It is also prone to corneal abrasions. Puppies must often be delivered by Caesarian. Life span: 13 – 15 years Avg Size of Male: Height: 6-9 inches, Weight: <14 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Occasionally seen: Urolithiasis Brief History … Read more

Breed: Papillon Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Life span: 12 – 15 years Minor concerns: PRA, patellar luxation Suggested Tests: Knee, eye Occasionally seen: None Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-10 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-10 pounds Major concerns: None Brief History on Papillon Origin The Papillon originated in France, where the breed was called the “Dwarf Spaniel”, and featured spaniel-type dropped ears. The court of France’s Louis XIV was particularly passionate about the Papillon, and imported many of … Read more

Breed: Old English Sheepdog Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: CHD Avg Size of male: Height: 22+ Weight: 70 – 90 Avg Size of Female: Height: 21+ Weight: 60 – 80 Life span: 10 – 12 years Suggested tests: Hip, eye, hearing Minor concerns: Gastric torsion, otitis externa retinal detachment, cataract, deafness Occasionally seen: None Brief History on Old English Sheepdog Origin There are many stories that suggest the true origin of the Old English Sheepdog, most of which being a link between the Bearded Collie or the … Read more

Breed: Newfoundland Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Note: Newfoundlands do not tolerate heat well; some are sensitive to anesthesia. Occasionally seen: Epilepsy Avg Size of Female: Height: 26 inches, Weight: 100-120 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 28 inches, Weight: 130-150 pounds Major concerns: SAS, pulmonic stenosis, elbow dysplasia, CHD, gastric torsion Minor concerns: OCD, entropion, ectropion, vWD, cataract Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, cardiac, blood, (eye) Life span: 8 – 10 years Brief History on Newfoundland Origin Regardless of its exact origin, the result was a large … Read more

Breed: Min Pin Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of male: Height: 10-12.5 Weight: 8-10 Minor concerns: Legg – Perthes, patellar luxation Suggested tests: Knee, (eye) Major concerns: None Occasionally seen: PRA Life span: 12 – 14 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 10-12.5 Weight: 8-10 Brief History on Miniature Pinscher Origin When it comes the the Doberman and the Min Pin, the Miniature Pinscher is actually the older breed. Stories suggest that the Min Pin resulted from crosses between the German Pinscher, the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. … Read more

Why Your Dog Won’t Stop Snacking From The Litter Box And What To Do About It

You’ve seen your dog dine on things you’d never think about putting near your mouth, but the “snacks” he pulls out of the cat’s litter box are by far the worst. Eating cat poop is an unfortunately common problem for dogs, and it’s a bad habit all dog owners hope to break. His muzzle gets coated with those chunks of litter, his bad breath reaches a new level of awful, and he seems to always choose the minutes after his … Read more

Here’s What Your Dog’s Behavior Tells Others About You

Have you ever realized that you may have created, or at least reinforced, your dog’s worst behaviors? We all make mistakes. But like it or not, your dog’s behavior is a reflection of your life, attitude, and training style (or lack thereof). Dogs repeat behaviors that get reinforced, so understanding why your dog is behaving the way he is may help you better handle his training in order to get the results you desire. The first step is to figure … Read more

Woman & Her 2 Dogs Are Rescued From Their Stranded Truck During Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey, which hit land yesterday, was the most powerful hurricane to hit the United States in more than a decade. Texas got hit hard, pummeling Rockport with 130+ mph winds. Widespread flooding is expected all along the Texas coast, and as of this writing, there is one confirmed death. Not all the news is bad, though. Three Good Samaritans rescued a woman and her two dogs from a pickup truck that had become stranded in thigh-deep water in Rockport, … Read more

Veteran Discovers Puppy In A Backpack Abandoned In His Truck Bed

A Tampa, Florida puppy is lucky to be alive after spending anywhere from half an hour to 3 hours stuffed into a backpack that had been placed in the bed of U.S Air Force veteran Jerry Murray’s pickup truck while he was in a meeting. Murray didn’t notice the backpack until he got home and heard a noise when he went to pull his briefcase out of his truck. The puppy’s head was poking out of a New York Yankees … Read more

This Quick & Simple Hack Can Reduce Your Dog’s Anxiety

Anxiety associated with separation from loved ones, storms, car rides, etc. plagues many of our furry friends. Solutions like desensitization therapy, soothing pheromones, and prescription drugs can help provide relief, but there is another technique that is catching on with pet parents. Not only is it simple and safe, but it is also highly effective and totally free! The calming technique is known as the “half wrap” and all you need to pull it off is a scarf or an … Read more

Why Dogs Kick Grass After Going To The Bathroom & How To Save Your Yard

Both male and female dogs have been known to do it, the kicking grass after using the restroom routine. Dogs kick grass after going to the bathroom, and when they’re done, your yard is left with some not-so-appealing reminders. It happens after dogs pee and poop, and dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments have been known to do it. Your dog may look silly acting like a cat in a litter box, but it’s actually a natural canine behavior … Read more

What Every Pet Parent Should Know Before Making This Heart-Wrenching Decision

The death of a pet is an incredibly painful experience and though it may not be socially acceptable to admit, it can hurt worse than losing a human friend. Few things ever hurt more than when decision to bring them to the end rests on your shoulders. If you see that your dog is in pain and your veterinarian cannot offer you any other options, it isn’t cruel to help your pet pass. In fact, we may feel selfish for … Read more

Breed: Maltese Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: None Life span: 12 – 14 years Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, open fontanel, hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, distichiasis, entropion Avg Size of Male: Height: 9-10 inches, Weight: 4-7 pounds Occasionally seen: Deafness, white shaker-dog syndrome Avg Size of Female: Height: 9-10 inches, Weight: 4-7 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Brief History on Maltese Breed Origin Crusaders who were returning from the Mediterranean in the 14th century are the ones who brought this lively little dog to England. It quickly became … Read more

Breed: Lhasa Apso Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: None Life span: 12 – 14 years Avg Size of Male: Height: 10-11 inches, Weight: 13-15 pounds Avg Size of Female: Height: 10-11 inches, Weight: 13-15 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, entropion, distichiasis, PRA, renal cortical hypoplasia Occasionally seen: CHD, urolithiasis, vWD Brief History on Lhasa Apso Origin The Lhasa Apso originated in the remote mountains of Tibet, near the city of Lhasa. This is where they were first bred as companions and watchdogs … Read more

Breed: Labrador Retriever Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of Female: Height: 21.5-23.5 inches, Weight: 55-70 pounds Occasionally seen: Diabetes, entropion, distichiasis Major concerns:CHD, gastric torsion, retinal dysplasia/skeletal dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, elbow dysplasia Minor concerns: Cataract, OCD, CPRA, pyotraumatic dermatitis Avg Size of Male: Height: 22.5-24.5 inches, Weight: 65-80 pounds Life span: 10 – 12 years Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, eye Brief History on Labrador Retriever Origin Labs are very skillful when it comes to retrieving game, both fowl and fish. The Labrador Retriever, commonly referred to … Read more

Breed: Husky Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: PRA, distichiasis, cataract, corneal opacities Life span: 11 – 13 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 20-22 inches, Weight: 35-50 pounds Occasionally seen: CHD, glaucomax Suggested tests: Eye, hip Major concerns: None Avg Size of Male: Height: 21-23.5 inches, Weight: 45-60 pounds Brief History on Siberian Husky Origin Up until the 1900s, Americans had never heard about these incredible Siberian sled dogs. The Siberian Husky was brought over to Alaska in the year 1909. This particular breed originated … Read more

Breed: Havanese Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: None Occasionally seen: PRA, otitis externa, cataract Avg Size of Female: Height: 8.5 – 11.5 inches, Weight: 7 – 13 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Life span: 12 – 14 years Minor concerns: Patellar luxation Avg Size of Male: Height: 8.5 – 11.5 inches, Weight: 7 – 13 pounds Brief History on Havanese Origin This breed of dog was specifically bred for the upper class and it was always acquired as a gift, never sold. Due to it’s … Read more

Breed: Greyhound Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: None Minor concerns: Esophageal achalasia, gastric torsion, osteosarcoma Life span: 10 – 13 years Suggested tests: None Note: Racing dogs retired from NGA (National Greyhound Association) commonly suffer from racing-related injuries of the toe, hock, and muscles. The greyhound is generally sensitive to anesthesia and prone to tail-tip injuries and lacerations. Avg Size of Female: Height: 27 – 30 inches, Weight: 60 – 65 pounds Occasionally seen: None Avg Size of Male: Height: 27 – 30 inches, Weight: … Read more

Breed: Great Dane Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Suggested tests: Cardiac, elbow, hip, eye, blood Life span: 6 – 8 years Avg Size of Male: Height: 30 – 32 inches, Weight: 100 – 120 pounds Avg Size of Female: Height: 28 – 30 inches, Weight: 100 – 120 pounds Occasionally seen: Glaucoma, VWD Minor concerns: CVI (wobbler’s syndrome), cataract, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, OCD, HOD Major concerns: Gastric torsion, CHD, cardiomyopathy Great Dane Breed History Because of its agility, strength and ability to cover lots of ground, the Great … Read more

Breed: Golden Retriever Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Occasionally seen: Gastric torsion, epilepsy, CPRA, osteosarcoma Avg Size of Female: Height: 21.5 – 22.5 inches, Weight: 55 – 65 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 23 – 24 inches, Weight: 65 – 75 pounds Life span: 10 – 13 years Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, eye, cardiac, blood Major Concerns:CHD, elbow dysplasia, cataract Minor concerns: Entropion, distichiasis, trichiasis, cataract, pyotraumatic dermatitis, subvalvular aortic stenosis, OCD, allergies, VWD, cardiomyopathy Brief History on Golden Retriever Origin The golden retriever evidently came to … Read more

Breed: German Shepherd Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of Female: Height: 22 – 24 inches, Weight: 75 – 95 pounds Occasionally seen: Pancreatic insufficiency Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, eye (blood) Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia Note: GSDs are especially susceptible to a potentially fatal systemic fungal infection from Aspergillus. Life span: 10 – 12 years Minor concerns: Panosteitis, vWD, progressive posterior paresis, cauda equina, pyotraumatic dermatitis, skin allergies, malignant neoplasms, pannus, cataract, gastric torsion, perianal fistulas, cardiomyopathy Avg Size of male: Height: 24 – 26 inches, … Read more

Breed: French Bulldog Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

  Major concerns: Stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, intervertebral disc degeneration, hemivertebrae Life span: 9 – 11 years Occasionally seen: Distichiasis, cataract, deafness Note: This breed does not tolerate heat well, and may be sensitive to anesthesia. Avg Size of Female: Height: 11 – 13 inches, Weight: 28 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 11 – 13 inches, Weight: 28 pounds Suggested tests: Hip, spine, knee, eye Minor concerns: CHD, patellar luxation, entropion Brief History on French Bulldog Origin The … Read more

Breed: English Springer Spaniel Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Occasionally seen: Phosphofructokinase deficiency, skin fragility, gastric torsion, rage syndrome Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, eye, DNA for phosphofructokinase deficiency Major concerns: Otitis externa, CHD, PRA, elbow dysplasia Avg Size of Female: Height: 18 – 20 inches, Weight: 40 pounds Life span: 10 – 14 years Minor concerns: Ectropion, entropion Avg Size of male: Height: 19 – 21 inches, Weight: 50 pounds Brief History on English Springer Spaniel Origin It is said that the name “Springer Spaniel” comes from the breed’s … Read more

Breed: Dogue De Bourdeaux Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: None Average Size of Male: Height: 23 – 30 inches, Weight: 120 – 145 pounds Suggested tests: None Major concerns: Difficulty in breeding Occasionally seen: None Average Size of Female: Height: 23 – 30 inches, Weight: 120 – 145 pounds Life span: 10 – 12 years Brief History on Dogue de Bordeaux Origin History suggests that the Dogue de Bordeaux was originally used to guard nobleman’s estates and properties during the French Revolution. A man named Raymond Triquet … Read more

Breed: Doberman Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: vWD, demodicosis, osteosarcoma, narcolepsy, gastric torsion, CHD Avg Size of male: Height: 26 – 28 inches, Weight: 65 – 90 pounds Note: Blue Dobermans often have alopecia; white Dobermans suffer from several serious health problems. Major concerns: CVI (wobbler’s syndrome), cardiomyopathy Occasionally seen: Albinism Life span: 10 – 12 years Suggested tests: DNA for vWD, cardiac, (hip) Avg Size of Female: Height: 24 – 26 inches Weight: 65 – 90 pounds Brief History on Doberman Pinscher Origin The … Read more

Breed: Dachshund Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Suggested tests: Eye Avg Size of Female: Height: 8 – 9 inches, Weight: 11 – 32 pounds Minor concerns: KCS Avg Size of male: Height: 8 – 9 inches, Weight: 11 – 32 pounds Occasionally seen: Diabetes, epilepsy, patellar luxation, deafness, gastric torsion Major concerns: Intervertebral disc disease Note: Obesity is a major problem for the dachshund. Many dachshunds tend to be overweight, which in turn predisposes them to intervertebral disc disease. Life span: 12 – 14 years Brief History … Read more

Breed: Collie Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Occasionally seen: PDA, deafness, cerebellar abiotrophy (Rough) Minor concerns: Distichiasis, pyotraumatic dermatitis Major concerns: CEA Suggested tests: Eye, (cardiac), (hearing) Life Span: 8 – 12 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 22 – 24 inches, Weight: 60 – 65 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 24 – 26 inches, Weight: 60 – 75 pounds Note: Often sensitive to ivermectin. Merles should not be bred to merles because homozygous merle is lethal or detrimental to health. Brief History on Collie Origin … Read more