Before adopting an animal
415 articles

Dogs with floppy ears are particularly adorable companion animals. They have their own challenges, especially in terms of aural hygiene, but their cuteness is undeniable. The reason for their floppy glory is due to selective breeding which has encouraged this physical trait. It has resulted in some breeds...

Dogs have been our faithful companions for centuries and have always been known for their unwavering loyalty, affection and companionship. While each breed has its own unique characteristics, some are better suited as companion dogs than others. Companion dogs are breeds that have been specifically bred...

If you are looking for a dog which can be left on their own for a long time and doesn't need contact with their guardian, they don't exist. All companion dogs need their tutors for education, stimulation, exercise, fun and much more. If we are unable to provide this, we should reconsider adopting a...

A dog's attitude to water is based largely on experience and personal preference. Breed can be a factor, especially for one group of dog breeds. These are breeds known as water dogs. They are so called thanks to centuries of selective breeding which has encouraged certain behavioral traits. Specifically,...

Fear is one of the most basic emotions that dogs can experience, since it is a deeply rooted defense mechanism. In the face of imminent danger, fear enables the body to prepare itself either to flee or to defend itself. However, excessively fearful behavior crosses the boundaries of what is "natural and...

At first glance, the Greyhound and the Warren Hound, also known as the Podenco, may look very similar. After all, they are both slender, athletic dogs and widely known for their hunting abilities. Nevertheless, they differ both physically and psychologically. The origins of both dogs are quite old, and they...

We group dogs into breeds because they share certain characteristics and traits, most of which have been crossbred to possess them. These traits can be behavioral traits, especially for working dogs. Many breeds were bred for their physical characteristics. Some people like to have adopt large dog, others...

Cats with a squished face are increasingly popular. New breeds are being developed, usually from crosses with existing flat-faced cats. The appeal is largely down to their cuteness. Their smushed face is accompanied by large eyes and a tender expression, some of them even looking adorably angry. The...

If we were to ask someone to draw a picture of a puppy and then color it in, it is likely they would choose brown. It is impossible to tell what color of coat is most common in dogs, but we do know that brown, black and white are the most common colors. In saying this, we need to elaborate on what we...

Having a hard time deciding whether to adopt a Westie or a Maltese? Although one breed has silky smooth curls and the other is shaggier, the two look alike. However, they come from very different backgrounds and were bred for very different purposes. Therefore, although they look very similar on the...

Mexico's rich heritage is one of different backgrounds coming together to create a uniquely diverse culture. We can see it in Mexico's music, food, technology, art and much more. It is also a culture which is both at the forefront of a global society, as well as one which has close ties to tradition....

Despite being one of the best known dog breeds in the world, not many people are aware there are different types of Cocker Spaniel breeds. Originating from the Iberian Peninsula, this breed has been spread all over the world and its wide geography has resulted in different lines. While there are many Cocker Spaniel...

As with most mammals, there are natural differences between female and male guinea pigs. Both can be wonderful companions when properly cared for, but the gender differences can still affect their character, health, and life expectancy. It is important to understand the differences between male and female...

Squirrels are small mammals from the family Sciuridae. Although there are almost 300 different species of squirrel. the animals we most associate with this name are tree squirrels. These include various types of squirrel species found in the subfamily Sciurus. These are bushy-tailed squirrels which are found...

Whether it is through social media platforming or more grassroots campaigning, the welfare of animals is being given increasing consideration. Despite our awareness growing, animals are still being abandoned on a daily basis. This is often due to guardians not sterilizing their pets and allowing for unwanted...

The extensive area surrounding the Carpathian Mountains saw the birth of a great variety of dog breeds. While they share a common origin, their physical and behavioral characteristics can vary greatly. Although the boundaries of modern-day Hungary may have changed over time, the animals we present on our...

The personalities of American Staffordshire Terriers are as individual as their guardians. When we adopt one into the home, we want to give them some time before we solidify a name. This time allows us to recognize their personalities to see what sort of a name suits them. This name will also represent...

The Maltese is a breed of dog from the toy dog group. Due to its amiable temperament and small size, the Maltese is popular as a pet throughout the world because of its calm, alert, affectionate and intelligent nature. The International Canine Federation (FCI) recognizes the Maltese Bichon as a distinct...

The ease with which you can bond with a cat depends on the individuals involved. While it is a myth that domestic cats are independent, they have their own personality shaped by many factors. How naturally easy it will be for a human to bond with this animal will depend on said factors. Many of us may...

Pigeons are a curious group of animals that can generate completely opposite emotions in humans. While some regard them as an urban pest, many admire them for their remarkable beauty and cognitive abilities. Keeping pigeons as pets is associated with a long tradition of pigeon of pigeon fanciers. This...

There is controversy over the origin of some Egyptian dog breeds. According to the International Caine Federation (FCI), no dog is considered of Egyptian origin. The reason for this is due to the ancient nature of these canine beginnings. Although the animals in our list of Egyptian dog breeds have their...

Although it won't matter in terms of their health and happiness, the color and pattern of a cat's fur can be very attractive. This is particularly the case with breeds that look like their wild cat cousins. Many of these have the common tabby coat pattern which tends to display striped markings on the face,...

The reasons why a cat are calm or hyperactive are not solely breed dependent. Their experiences when young, socialization, health status and many other factors combine to influence their behavior. However, since cat breeds exist due to careful selection of individuals to encourage certain traits, both...

There are more than 300 officially recognized dog breeds in the world, although there are many more crosses and mixed-breed types. Although the origin of some remain a mystery, there are some cultures with a rich tradition of dog breeding. More importantly, in terms of breed standardization, they have...

Before we bring you our list of Korean dog breeds, it is important to note there is only one official Korean dog breed. This is because the International Canine Federation (FCI) and other breed associations only officially recognize the Jindo Dog. However, although not yet officially recognized, there...

It is easy to identify greyhounds by their elegant and athletic body, their elongated head, and their slender legs, which allow them to reach great speeds. In addition, they have wonderful qualities that make them wonderful companion dogs. There are several very similar breeds of greyhounds, such as the...

When we think of sheep, we often think of a big white fluffy cloud of an animal. As with dogs and cats, there are actually many different breeds with various features. These are all part of the domestic sheep species known as Ovis aries, but there are even more in the genus Ovis which have varying morphologies....

We pay too much attention to the fact that Sphynx cats do not have hair. While it is perhaps the most striking trait which differentiates them for most other cat breeds, it is not their most important. More important than appearance is the fact these cats are one of the most sociable and affectionate cat...

The Labrador Retriever is the most common domestic dog breed in the United States. There are kennel clubs and breeders dedicated to maintaining this breed long into the future. With such popularity and dedication from human guardians, it is relatively easy to tell the lineage of a Labrador Retriever. However,...

When we adopt a dog, their breed won't affect how much we should love and care for them. What is important is their health and happiness, as well as forging a strong bond together. However, there are some reasons you may want to know if you have adopted a purebred Maltese dog. Since purebred dogs are...

Animal-assisted therapy is becoming an increasingly beneficial tool for various clinical needs. Especially in psychology, it is common to find recreational, therapeutic and educational activities assisted by dogs. These can benefit the programming for schools, nursing homes, special education centers,...

The Akita is a Spitz-type dog breed that originated in the Akita region of Japan. Over time, two distinct lines of Akita dog breed became prominent and were then standardized by breeders. These became two separate breeds, the Akita Inu and the American Akita. The Akita Inu kept the traits of the earlier breed,...

Since breeds of domestic dog are always evolving, they can be difficult to categorize. This is why some types of dog breed are grouped together in sub-categories. Such is the case with Setter dog breeds, a sub-category of gundog. There are four types of dog recognized as Setters: English Setter, Gordon...

Although there are marked differences between Turkish Angora and Persian cats, they are often confused for each other. The reason is due to both being longhaired cat breeds. However, if we take a close look, we can see it is fairly easy to spot their differences, especially when we see them in person....

When we adopt a new dog into our home, we are bound to love them to the moon and back. Since our love for them is out of this world, it might be appropriate to name them after a star in the night sky. These celestial names for dogs represent beauty in a way which is both perceivable and unknowable, just...

Our dogs are part of the family. Their lives are precious and they become woven into the fabric of our being, just as people can be. For this reason, many dog guardians want to give a human name to their dog. At the same time, dogs aren't humans and there is a tradition of giving them more inventive or...

Food can be one of the most emotionally stimulating products we can imagine. Just like the restaurant critic in Ratatouille, food can bring us back home, make us feel comfort and even give us the sensation of. It's very similar to how we feel when we think of a beloved cat. For this reason, many cat...

Russia, also known as the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world by area. With such size comes great diversity in terms of societies, cultures, terrains and even dog breeds. In addition to witnessing some of the world's most important historical moments, Russia has been the origin for...

Although cats are known for their professional napping abilities, they can move like lightning when they want to. Some cats find it more difficult than others to remain still when awake. When we add high energy levels to a curious disposition, they can become a little troublesome in the home. Not only can...

With increasingly busy lives, the idea of dog co-ownership can seem like an appealing one to some. Although we may not want to decrease the affection we give to and receive from our dog, the responsibility of their care can be practically difficult to meet. By splitting their time between two guardians,...

There are several dog breeds originating from Japan which have gained popularity outside of their native land. In particular, both the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu stand out. Their country of origin is not their own similarity and they have certain aspects which resemble each other. Despite such similarities,...

It is becoming increasingly popular to leave our dog in a residence when we have to be absent from home for a few days. When we go on vacation or any trip, our dog cannot always accompany us. Since we will be away for days at a time, we need someone to accompany them. Although staying in a boarding kennel...

There are a few dogs which appear in Harry Potter, all of them magical in their own way. Harry Potter fans are known as Potterheads and some of the most fervent will add Harry Potter references to even the most personal experiences. Some have even had Harry Potter themed weddings. Many love Harry Potter...

When we have to leave our dog for any reason, we know we miss them. It isn't always as easy to know if this goes both ways. When our dog greets us at the door excitedly, we may infer they missed us while we were gone. However, they can also get just as excited when a mail carrier approaches the door. AnimalWised...

There are certain geographical locations which mean something to us on an emotional level. Certain cities, towns and places are special to us. For this reason, naming our dog after somewhere special can help us to associate them with the places we love. We can also use cities names for our dogs because...

It should be no surprise that some cats look like lions. They are, as you may already know, relatives. All cats, whether big or small, wild or domestic, are in the mammal family known as Felidae. Although they share some key similarities, within this large group of cats are a wide variety of physical...

The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), known in English as the International Canine Federation, recognizes more than 300 breeds of dog. They are grouped in many different ways, especially in size and purpose. The standard for each breed is set carefully, with particular attention paid to their...

Popularly considered mortal enemies, cats and dogs have a reputation for animosity towards one another. In the wild, where there is a greater competition for resources, this is often the case. However, in the domestic environment where their needs are met by human caregivers, many cats and dogs can live...

When you say the name ‘Collie’, the image which springs to many people's mind is that of a Rough Collie. Perhaps this is because one of the most famous fictional dogs in history is Lassie, the dog actors which played her all being Rough Collies. Others may think of the Border Collie, another very popular...

We know that any list of the most beautiful dogs in the world is missing one major exception: your dog. To us, the dog with whom we share our lives and have a strong emotional bond are the most beautiful animals to have walked the earth. They are not only beautiful to our eyes, but their sweetness and...