Author: Christine Borges

Size: Small Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years Temperament: Playful, calm, loving How Italian is this dog breed? It shares its name with a beloved pasta sauce. Bolognese dogs were once a favorite breed of Roman nobility—their mellow demeanor and laid-back personality make them the ideal lap dog.   A member of the Bichon family and hailing from northern Italy and the city of Bologna, these white-coated companion dogs are easily trainable couch potatoes with a bit of pep. You’ll love their personality as much as you love the easy-going nature of these small dogs.,You already love Italy for its pasta, pizza, art and architecture, but its treasures don’t stop there. That’s right: We’re talking about Italian dog breeds. Ranging from extra small to extra large, these affectionate and often sociable dog breeds can be playful, docile and even kid-friendly. Whether you’re searching for active and attentive or a lazy lapdog, an Italian breed may be right for you. So how do you choose which one is right for you? Check out these 14 Italian dog breeds that offer a wide variety of appearance, temperament and life expectancy.

Dogs, like people, are social animals. That means that “it’s not the amount of time, it’s the quality of time that matters,” says Sharon Callan, CDT, ABCDT, dog trainer and owner of Paws Be Good 4 U and director of Shelter Dogs for Veterans. On average, Callan estimates, our dogs need about three to four hours of our attention each day. But before you gasp and think that’s impossible, remember that attention means any interaction you have with your dog. That can mean active pursuits like a game of fetch, going for a walk and obedience training, but also lower-energy tasks like feeding and even just cuddling together on the couch. If you live with other human family members, your dog is likely getting an amount of attention from each of them, which probably adds up to at least three to four hours daily. When it comes to attention, your dog’s breed matters, too. While every pup is unique, certain dog breeds tend to need a little extra love on the daily, including: Australian Cattle Dog Siberian Husky Border Collie German Shepherd Labrador Retriever A few signs your dog needs attention? Watch out for this attention-seeking behavior: Bringing you a toy Staring at you Sitting directly in front of you,Jump to section How Much Attention Does My Dog Need? 6 Signs Your Dog Needs More Attention How Can I Give My Dog More Attention?

Family dogs are just that—dogs who get along with all members of the family, both children and adults. Whether you’re looking for a new family member who’s a gentle giant or one who’s high-energy enough to match the enthusiasm of an active family, we’ve rounded up the best family dogs for those looking to bring home a canine companion.

As dog parents, we love taking our four-legged friends with us wherever we can. But finding a dog-friendly coffee shop with friendly baristas, good coffee and maybe even a pup cup for your pooch isn’t always easy to come by. We scoured all 50 states for dog-friendly patios, off-leash eateries and Fido-themed coffee bars that offer pet-friendly options for your best friend.

Size: Small Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Temperament: Exuberant, best friend for life A French Bulldog is a great companion dog. Although these friendly little dogs actually originated in England, French breeders refined the characteristics they’re known for today, such as those infamous “bat ears.” They require brisk exercise, but are known to have health issues. They are well-suited for small homes and apartments, and while they are playful, they generally have low energy levels. Affectionately known as Frenchies, these lap dogs with the iconic bat ears come in various color combinations, ranging from a white coat, brindle, fawn, to a mix of these colors.,France has given the world many of the finer things in life, from baguettes and croissants to fine wines and artistic masterpieces. But did you know that many of the world’s most popular dog breeds were also developed in France? And we’re not only talking about Poodles here. French dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, with all sorts of different coat types and specialized skills, and they make great pets. Check out these 15 dog breeds with French origins that are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and decide which is right for you—from dogs with a storied ancestry to playful pups, sporting dogs, toy dogs and beyond.