Looking to add a skilled mouser to your home or family store? While all cats have some predatory tendencies, these natural hunting abilities can be stronger in some breeds than in others (and is often reflected in their style of play!) as a result of their history controlling pests as well as their genetics. We’ve asked Hope Gonano, a Cat Fanciers’ Association all breed judge, to help us round up the top 10 cat breeds for pest control.
Known for being the most willing and hard-working sled dogs, Siberian Huskies are also fun-loving, adventurous, alert and independent, according to Discovery.com. While their agreeable personalities make them a great all-around dog, their incredible endurance and mischievous nature requires proper training, the right dog food, and lots of exercise in a well-fenced area.,Determining what type of dog to get can be difficult: aside from the cuteness factor, there are a lot of breed and personality traits to be considered when finding a perfect match. If you lead a very active lifestyle — or have kids who can’t stop moving! — a pup with high energy may be a perfect fit. Here are 10 of the most energetic breeds out there.
Because of their lack of hair, the Sphynx needs to be bathed regularly from an early age on and as a result, often likes being in the water, said Joan Miller, chair of outreach and education for the Cat Fanciers’ Association. A high energy, acrobatic breed, the Sphynx loves entertaining its people and craves human attention. Well-behaved and intelligent, the Sphynx does best as an indoor cat and can get along well with both dogs and other cats. While the Sphynx requires regular interaction with the water to keep their oily skin in check, exposing any breed of cat to water from an early age on will help them be more comfortable around it, Miller said. “Whether cats like or love the water is a matter of how they’re raised as kittens,” she said. “If they’re bathed early, it makes a big difference and they may like to be in the bathtub [as adults].”,Cats’ fascination with dripping faucets and leaky hoses is well documented among pet parents, but what about the breeds that take it one step further? From their history as hunters and travelers to their curious and eager temperaments, some cats love both swimming in and being around water.
The Norwegian Lundehund has several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog, including six toes on each foot, ears that fold closed, forward, and backward at will, and the ability to tip their head backwards until it touches their back bone, said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. These physical traits all helped the breed perform its original job as a Puffin hunter. When the bird became a protected species in the 1800s, the breed numbers dwindled. They were saved from near-extinction after World War II in Norway, Peterson said, but their numbers today remain limited. Today, Peterson says their even temperament, small size and charming personality makes them a wonderful, easy-to-live-with pet.,Looking to expand your pet family with a rare breed of dog? We’ve asked an expert at the American Kennel Club to share ten lesser-known breeds with a bit of information on how they originated.
Playful and confident companions, Pugs are known for their clown-like antics and willingness to please their owners. Their exercise needs are minimal and can be met with a daily walk or a round of playtime in a fenced-in area. With a small, compact body and a short muzzle, Pugs are prone to both snoring and wheezing and are sensitive to both humidity and heat. They should be kept indoors or under plenty of shade in the summertime. Adaptable and friendly, the breed can easily live in an apartment or in a larger home. If you know your dog is easily stimulated by a treat, phrase (like “go out”) or activity, said David Frei, the co-host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and expert analyst for The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, prepare for it to become much more active the moment you pull out the doggy cookie jar or make a move for the leash.,Ready to kick back for some serious end-of-day couch time with your favorite four-legged friend by your side? While many breeds love a good snuggle session with their pet parents after a long day of play, some dogs embrace the couch potato life a little more than others. Here are our picks for the best breeds to kick back with and catch up on your favorite shows. While any one of these breeds may be perfect for your laid-back lifestyle with proper training and socialization, it’s also important to learn as much as you can about a potential pet’s behaviors, temperaments and certain medical conditions before making a commitment to one. Dogs don’t necessarily come with certain personality traits. They take plenty of training, proper exercise and the exposure to a variety of people, places and things from an early age to be well-adjusted and relaxed in the home.
The only breed on the list not in the working group, this hound is the tallest of all breeds, said Wayne Ferguson, president of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and past president of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Also one of the oldest breeds in existence, the Irish Wolfhound was bred and used for hunting wolves, deer and boar but has since become a beloved companion and family dog. Patient and affectionate with children and friendly with other dogs, Irish Wolfhounds have tall, long legs, a wide head and a long curved tail. In addition to their impressive size, Irish Wolfhounds are also recognizable by their thick, wiry coats.,With hearts as big as their bodies, extra-large dog breeds have been used as guard dogs, working animals and trusted companions of humans for centuries across the world. Here are the ten largest breeds, along with a few tips for bringing home and caring for one of these gentle giants.
Intelligent, loyal and vocal, Turkish Angoras are devoted to their families and love being involved in whatever you’re doing. They’re playful, mischievous and determined, making them well suited for a home with lots of activity. The breed is also known for its swimming skills and may even take a dip every now and again on their own terms, of course.),Looking for a pet with all of the low-maintenance care of a cat but the affectionate personality of a pup? Consider one of these breeds that’ll be sure to please even the most devoted dog people with their playful, friendly personalities.)
A friendly, inquisitive breed, Dachshunds are generally adventurous dogs that are willing to try new things with their owners, including travel, says AKC spokesperson Stephanie Smith. Small dogs are much easier to fly with, Smith said, because they take up less space on plans and can usually be carried-on with you instead of flying in cargo, and the Dachshund is no exception to this. Their long, low bodies fit easily in a pet carrier or crate. “Taking your dog [with you on a trip] can make family vacation more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully,” Smith says. “To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food and some local or bottled water [and] be sure to bring any medication he needs.”,Looking to hit the open road or see the world with your four-legged bestie? Fortunately, there are a variety of dogs in all shapes and sizes that are well suited for travel, regardless of your mode of transportation. With the help of the American Kennel Club (AKC), we’ve rounded up the 10 best travel-friendly dog breeds, as well as some tips for traveling with your pup.
If you’re interested in fantasy (think “Harry Potter”) or have an affinity for horror films, there’s a good chance you’ve pondered what it would be like to come across a magical, mythical creature in real life. For some of us, that dream may be closer to a reality than we think. Meet the Lykoi cat: a relatively new breed that’s been making a splash on the web for its striking and slightly spooky resemblance to a werewolf. With its dark, scraggly coat and nearly hairless face and paws, the Lykoi’s presence in the home could certainly make it feel like Halloween year-round.
Though we love our “muttigrees” for their individual personalities and varied good looks, there are some breeds that take unique to an entirely new level. We’ve asked Victoria Schade, dog trainer, speaker and author of Bonding with Your Dog: A Trainer’s Secrets for Building a Better Relationship to share the most unusual looking dog breeds.
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