Author: Erica Puisis

Size: 50–70 pounds Life expectancy: 11–14 years Temperament: Intelligent, spirited, loving The largest dog breed in the terrier group, the Airedale Terrier is an active and intelligent breed with a long history of hunting small game, so expect strong tracking and scent work skills. While an Airedale Terrier isn’t known as a social butterfly (the breed tends to be aloof with new people and other pets), they are devoted to their family members.,Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. The smallest dog breeds weigh in at just 4 pounds, while some big dog breeds can tip the scales at over 200 pounds. If you’ve got room in your heart (and in your house!) for large dogs, here are some types of big dogs you can bring home.

What’s cute and curly with four legs and a tail? If you’re thinking of Doodle dogs, you would be right: These darlings of the dog world have become famous for their good looks and potential for being better for people with allergies. Learn more about Poodle mixes and meet 11 popular Doodle dog breeds.

If you’re a pet parent, you know that animals can make a house feel like a home. But sharing your space with a furry, feathered, or scaly friend comes with the important responsibility to create a pet-friendly home.  “Pet-proofing isn’t just a one-time task—it’s an ongoing practice as your pet grows, gets smarter, and finds new ways to explore,” says Michael Hyder, DVM, medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) ER for Pets in Palo Alto, California. Whether you’re preparing to bring home a new pet or you’ve had your companion by your side for months or years, take time to consider how safe your home is for your pet, based on the species, age, activity level, and personality.

Most dogs jump at the opportunity to spend time outside (the more walks, the better!). But for some dog breeds that can’t handle the winter chill, their enthusiasm for outdoor activities drops as temperatures dip.  Some breeds aren’t equipped for cold weather because they have low body fat, a short coat, or experience breathing problems when the temperature is too low. But large or small, all dogs need exercise (and potty breaks!), so you can’t give up on outdoor excursions all winter long. Here’s what you need to know about dogs who are sensitive to the cold, and what you can do to keep your pup safe and comfortable.

If you didn’t expect your dog to have a belly button, you’re not alone. But like all mammals—including humans—puppies in the womb receive oxygen and nutrients from the mother by means of an umbilical cord.    “After birth, the mother chews off the cord, or it’s cut by a person assisting. The remaining stump dries up and falls off, leaving behind a scar—this becomes the belly button,” says Sarah Cortright, DVM, chief medical director of the Underdog Community Project in Los Angeles.    By the time a puppy is old enough to leave their mother, the scar is typically healed and easily goes unnoticed.   ,It’s no secret that most dogs love belly rubs, but as you give your furry friend a tummy pat, you might have wondered whether there’s a belly button beneath that thin layer of fur. Canine belly buttons can be hard to detect, but dogs do have them.    Here’s the full scoop on your dog’s belly button and how you can find it, along with veterinarian advice on how to spot health issues with your dog’s navel.  

If your pup is putting on the pounds, a lack of exercise may be to blame.   “If a dog takes in more calories than they burn through physical activity, the excess is stored as fat, which contributes to weight gain,” says Dr. Modes.   Overfeeding your dog, plus too little exercise, is a sure path toward canine obesity, which can lead to joint problems, heart trouble, and diabetes, among other health issues.  Another common cause of weight gain is too many dog treats.   “It’s also common for pet parents who don’t exercise their dogs to be giving them more snacks and treats to ‘entertain them’ because they are bored, which causes them to gain even more weight,” says Shir Limazati, a certified dog trainer and owner of Another Chance Training in Chicago.  Rather than doling out treats to occupy your dog, engage them with a game of fetch or grab the leash and go for a walk. ,Along with a good diet, routine veterinary care, and plenty of cuddles, regular exercise is an important part of caring for your dog.   “Exercise helps promote and maintain a healthy weight, optimizes physical health, and can provide an energy outlet while promoting natural canine behaviors,” says Amanda Modes, DVM, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists resident and veterinarian at VetMind.   But just like people, the amount of exercise a dog needs can vary. So how can you tell if your dog is turning into a couch potato? Here are seven signs that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. 

With a fresh breeze and so many delightful smells, the backyard might just be your dog’s favorite place—outside of your lap, of course. To make sure your yard is beautiful and dog-friendly, you’ll need to choose safe outdoor plants.