Author: Erica Puisis

Just like people, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. But what, exactly, defines a dog breed? And how many dog breeds are there?  From tiny lap dogs to 100-pound working companions, dog breeds have been shaped over the centuries to suit specialized jobs and lifestyles. And understanding what makes a dog a distinct breed can help you find the perfect pup for your lifestyle.  Here’s what to know about different dog breeds.

The Shiba Inu and Akita are two of the most recognizable members of the Nihon Ken—a group of six native Japanese dog breeds. These dogs share a common origin as compact but capable hunters. Over the centuries, regional breeding produced dogs of different sizes, resulting in the six highly prized Japanese dog breeds that make up the Nihon Ken. The Akita is the largest of these breeds; the Shiba Inu is the smallest. Along with hunting, Akitas worked as guardian dogs. Shibas, after nearly going extinct during World War II, were bred as companions.,With a face like a fox and a curly tail, the Shiba Inu is a popular small dog breed with a reputation for being independent and catlike. But it’s not the only Japanese dog that should be on your radar—the Akita shares many similarities to the Shiba Inu, albeit in a larger package. Here’s what to know when comparing Shiba Inu versus Akita dogs.

Don’t dismiss your dog’s loss of balance as a minor dizzy moment. A wobbly dog could be experiencing a serious medical issue, and it’s your job to sniff it out.   Here are the most common conditions that lead to a dog falling over or stumbling, and what to expect. 

If you’re looking for a smart, athletic companion, the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd should be at the top of your list. These dogs have the gusto to work (or play!) all day and a keen desire to learn and make you happy.  But how do you decide between a Border Collie versus an Australian Shepherd? Well, despite their similarities, there are ways these two herding dogs differ.

You walk your dog three times a day, so why do they sometimes stand by the door giving you puppy eyes, begging for an extra stroll (or two)? You might be wondering, “How much exercise does a dog need? Am I giving them enough?”   To find out, we asked veterinary experts how much activity your pup needs and the best tips for keeping them in shape.  

You take your dog’s health and safety seriously, but sometimes the biggest risks are hiding in plain sight.   Here are more than 40 common things in your home that could be toxic to your pup.  

A good bath can be as relaxing as a spa day for people, but for our dogs, a bath is often an unwelcome event they’d prefer to avoid.   That’s why it’s up to you to find the best dog shampoo that will get the job done as efficiently as possible—and make it all worth it in the end.   Here’s how to pick a gentle but effective shampoo for your dog.  

The Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dog breeds are well-known for being powerful, intelligent, and versatile partners for everything from police work to patrolling flocks of sheep. These hardworking breeds even look similar, with both dogs sporting a double coat, a muscular build, and pointed ears. But no dog breeds are exactly the same, and this is still true for Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds. Here’s how the two breeds compare.

Svelte and speedy, the Greyhound is an iconic dog breed. But are you as familiar with the slightly smaller Whippet or the petite Italian Greyhound?  Minus their obvious size discrepancy, the three sight hounds look a lot alike. But there are meaningful differences between the breeds. Here’s what to know about Greyhounds, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds.