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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

Breed: Chow Chow Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Occasionally seen: Renal cortical hypoplasia Avg Size of Female: Height: 17 – 20 inches, Weight: 45 – 70 pounds Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, eye Life span: 8 – 12 years Avg Size of male: Height: 17 – 20 inches, Weight: 45 – 70 pounds Major concerns: CHD, entropion Minor concerns: Elbow dysplasia, cataract, distichiasis, PPM, gastric torsion, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, elongated palate Brief History on Chow Chow Origin Some theories suggest that this particular breed of dog originally served … Read more

Breed: Chinese Crested Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of male: Height: 11 – 13 inches, Weight: 5 – 12 pounds Note: The hairless is susceptible to blackheads, sunburn, wool allergy and tooth loss; it has irregular dentition and thinner enamel. Avg Size of Female: Height: 11 – 13 inches, Weight: 5 – 12 pounds Life span: 13 – 15 years Major Concerns: None Minor concerns: None Occasionally seen: Legg – Perthes Suggested tests: None Brief History on Chinese Crested Origin A few theories suggest that the … Read more

Breed: Chihuahua Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Suggested tests: Cardiac, knee Avg Size of Female: Height: 6 – 9 inches, Weight: less than 6 pounds Occasionally seen: None Avg Size of male: Height: 6 – 9 inches, Weight: less than 6 pounds Major concerns: None Note: A soft spot (molera) in the skull (due to incomplete fontanel closure) is a common breed trait. Life span: 14 – 18 years Minor concerns: Pulmonic stenosis, hydrocephalus, patellar luxation, KCS, hypoglycemia Brief History on Chihuahua Origin One story suggests that … Read more

Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Life span: 9 – 14 years Occasionally seen: Retinal dysplasia Major concerns: MVI, CHD Suggested tests: Cardiac, hip, knee, eye Avg Size of male: Height: 12 – 13 inches, Weight: 13 – 18 pounds Avg Size of Female: Height: 12 – 13 inches, Weight: 13 – 18 pounds Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, entropion Note: Cavaliers should not be bred until the age of 5 years, and only after being checked at that age for MVD Brief History on Cavalier King … Read more

Breed: Cane Corso Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: Height: 23 – 25 inches, Weight: 88 – 99 pounds Life span: 10-11 years Suggested tests: None Occasionally seen: None Major concerns: None Average Size of Male: Height: 24 – 27 inches, Weight: 99 – 110 pounds Minor concerns: Bone and joint problems Brief History on Cane Corso Origin It is thought that the Cane Corso was first created to aid hunters in capturing large wild animals and game. Popular in Italy for many years, this … Read more

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

Avg Size of male: Height: 21 – 22 inches, Weight: 60 – 70 pounds Minor concerns: Heart problems, patellar luxation Occasionally seen: Lens luxation Suggested tests: Hearing (whites), UP:UC ratio for kidney function, cardiac, eye Avg Size of Female: Height: 21 – 22 inches, Weight: 50 – 60 pounds Life span: 11 – 14 years Major concerns: Deafness (whites), kidney problems Brief History on Bull Terrier Origin It was in 1860 that breeders decided to create an exclusively all white … Read more

Breed: Bullmastiff Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of male: Height: 25 – 27 inches, Weight: 110 – 130 pounds Minor concerns: Entropion Occasionally seen: PRA Life span: 8 – 10 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 24 – 26 inches, Weight: 100 – 120 pounds Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, (eye) Major concerns: Gastric torsion, CHD, elbow dysplasia Brief History on Bullmastiff Origin The Bullmastiff was said to have been bred to protect larger estates from game poachers – in hopes to make gamekeepers fear for … Read more

Breed: Bulldog Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of Male: Height: 12 – 15 inches, Weight: 50 pounds Note: It is prone to skin fold dermatitis unless the wrinkles are kept clean and dry. It cannot tolerate heat. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a bulldog. Caesarian deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. Occasionally seen: Urethral prolapse, vaginal hyperplasia Avg Size of Female: Height: 12 – 15 inches, Weight: 40 pounds Major concerns: CHD, … Read more

Breed: Boxer Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: Height: 21 – 23.5 inches, Weight: 50 – 65 pounds Note: Sensitive to heat and anesthesia; white boxers may be deaf. Suggested tests: Cardiac, hip Major concerns: Cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Occasionally seen: None Life Span: 12 – 14 years Minor concerns: Gastric torsion, tumors, intervertebral disc degeneration, corneal erosion, colitis Average Size of Male: Height: 22.5 – 25 inches, Weight: 65 – 80 pounds Brief History on Boxer Origin Sources claim that the boxer originally was … Read more

Man Follows BSL Law & Registers Pit Bull, Still Receives Letter Saying Dog Must Go

We’ve covered Montreal’s recent Pit Bull ban, which was put into effect earlier this year, and could get even worse. We’ve touched on the hoops the current Pittie owners have to jump through to keep their pets, and the resulting onslaught of surrenders, which is now a virtual death sentence. (Meanwhile, there are rescue efforts from people desperate to help). While Pit-type dogs are no longer allowed to be adopted by the city’s residents, current owners can keep their pups … Read more

Breed: Boston Terrier Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Note: This breed does not tolerate the heat well and is sensitive to anesthesia. It is prone to corneal abrasions. Caesarian deliveries are commonly needed. Average Size of Male: Height: 15 – 17 inches, Weight: 10 – 25 pounds Occasionally seen: Deafness, hydrocephalus, esophageal achalasia, distichiasis, persistent right aortic arch Major concerns: none Minor concerns: Cataract, PDA, patellar luxation, stenotic nares Average Size of Female: Height: 15 – 17 inches, Weight: 10 – 25 pounds Life span: 10 – 14 … Read more

Breed: Bichon Frise Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: Patellar luxation Occasionally seen: None Average Size of Male: Height: 9.5 – 11.5 inches, Weight: 11 – 16 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: 9.5 – 11.5 inches, Weight: 10 – 15 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Life span: 12 – 15 years Minor concerns: Tooth loss, cataract Brief History on Bichon Frise Origin Many suggest that the Bichon Frise was a result from the barbet or water spaniel, and perhaps the poodle somewhere along the line as … Read more

Bernese Mountain Dog Dog Breed Conditions, History and Temperament

Bernese Mountain Dog Average Size of Male: Height: 25 inches–27.5 inches, Weight: 90 pounds–120 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: 23 inches–26 inches, Weight: 70 pounds–100 pounds Lifespan: 7–9 years Major Concerns: Canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, histiocytosis, osteochondritis dissecans Minor Concerns: Fragmented coronoid process, gastric torsion (bloat), progressive retinal atrophy Occasionally Seen: Hypomyelination Note: Extra care must be taken to avoid heatstroke in this large breed. Brief History of the Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese Mountain Dog was an essential part … Read more

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Conditions, History and Temperament

American Staffordshire Terrier aka “Amstaff” Average Size of Male: Height: 18–19 inches, Weight: 57–67 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: 17-18 Weight: 57–67 pounds Lifespan: 12–14 years Suggested Tests: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Cardiac Major concerns: Canine hip dysplasia Minor concerns: None Occasionally seen: Patent ductus arteriosus – a heart condition. Note: Their high pain threshold may mask problems. Brief History of the American Staffordshire Terrier The Amstaff, as it is affectionately known, originated in Staffordshire, England, in the early 1900s. The … Read more

Hurricane Harvey Could Prove Deadly For Tethered Dogs

As the Gulf Coast prepares to be hit by Hurricane Harvey – currently at a Category 2 hurricane, but expected to reach a Category 3– police in the New Caney area are reminding dog owners that it is cruel, inhumane, and illegal to keep dogs tethered outside during extreme weather. The Roman Forest Police Department posted a warning to Facebook this morning with a cautionary tale regarding a dog presumably lost in the flooding that occurred in the area last … Read more

5 Things Dog Owners Should Know About Giving Benadryl To Dogs

Caring dog owners are always super cautious about what they let their dogs ingest, from the food they eat to the medicines they take. While you should never give your pup medication without being advised by your vet, there are a few over-the-counter drugs, marketed to humans, that your canine may benefit from in certain instances. You may have heard of pooch parents giving their dogs Benadryl for seasonal allergies, or even to make them drowsy and stave off nausea on … Read more

Senior Stray Dog With Hardly Any Fur Gets Rescued, Rehabilitated, & Grows A Gorgeous Coat

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities like Rescue Bank. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. As told by Dog It Dig It Rescue: “Miss Opra was found as a stray in horrible condition in the busy city of Indianapolis. She had a hunched back, protruding spine, was full of parasites, mammary tumors, rotten teeth and had little hair. The rescue coordinator texted me photos while I was … Read more

7 Ways Your Dog Talks To You Through Body Language

We all wish our dogs could talk to us – it would make life soo much easier! But did you know your dog does try to speak to you? While it might not be in your language, your dog most definitely communicates with you. The following are a few of the main ways your dog talks to you about things that are important. Teaching your kids your dog’s language can also help to prevent bites from happening. #1 –  Brings … Read more

Rescue Dog Becomes The Best Medicine For Woman Battling Cancer & Her 2 Children

Once a homeless dog living in a shelter, Stella is now an important part of a loving family. The one-year-old Boxer mix was at Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City desperately waiting to be adopted when Jeneanne Lock and her two children walked through the door. Stella’s exuberant personality and joyful demeanor instantly attracted the family, and what was supposed to be a trip to “just look” turned into a loving family connection.   Battling stage 4 breast … Read more

Foster Dog’s ‘Resume’ Will Certainly Land Her The Perfect Role With A Family

According to Mowgli’s resume she is 75% German Shepherd, 25% Rwandan Street Dog, and 100% Loveable! The four-year-old California pooch is in search of a new long-term position as a foster pup. Her reason for leaving her previous “job”? Her “current foster mom is becoming a pilot and has to move!” In order to help Mowgli get a leg up on the competition, a friend compiled her many qualifications into a concise, but thorough professional resume.   Megan Frantz, a … Read more