Family Dogs

Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other's Butts?

To a human it's unimaginable — sniffing another's derriere. But to our canine companions, it's totally normal. But why? Why?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Dogs / Family Dogs

Xoloitzcuintli: The Mexican Hairless Dog, Ancient Guide to the Underworld

The xoloitzcuintli is one of the most ancient of dog breeds and even was considered as a symbolic guide to the underworld by the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations.

By Wendy Bowman May 18, 2020 Dogs / Family Dogs

Can I Feed My Dog Cat Food in a Pinch?

If you run out of your dog's food, can you just feed him your cat's food? And what about your cat? Is it OK to give him dog food?

By Meg Sparwath Apr 16, 2020 Dogs / Family Dogs

What's the Biggest Dog in the World?

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. But a few breeds stand out for being, well, exceptionally large. Which hold the records for being the biggest?

By Patty Rasmussen Apr 2, 2020 Dogs / Family Dogs

The Lowdown on the Lion-like Leonberger

At between 120 and 170 pounds, you might expect the massive Leonberger to be aggressive and hard to handle — turns out, they're intelligent, gentle and sensitive family dogs.

By Wendy Bowman Mar 3, 2020 Dogs / Family Dogs

Why Dogs Love Belly Rubs, Cats Not So Much

The way to a dog's heart is definitely through a belly rub, but just touching a cat's belly will probably get you a back-leg rabbit kick and a painful vise of teeth and claws.

By Laurie L. Dove Dec 31, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?

The belly button is pretty obvious on a human. But what about a dog? Do they have one and if so, where in the world is it?

By Meg Sparwath Nov 7, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

Can You Be Allergic to a Hypoallergenic Dog?

Any dog lover with allergies knows that the two just don't mix. So which dog breeds are best if you're allergic and still want a four-legged friend?

By Stephanie Vermillion Nov 5, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

What's the Difference Between an Alaskan Malamute and a Husky?

There are two types of huskies and they both look an awful lot like malamutes, so it's no wonder people can't tell them apart.

By Tara Yarlagadda Oct 28, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

How the Shar-Pei Got Its Wrinkles

The Shar-Pei is one of the most unusual looking dogs around — that is, if you can find the dog under all those adorable wrinkles.

By Patty Rasmussen Sep 24, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

Who Ya Gonna Call? The Dogs of R.A.T.S.

In rat-infested New York City, the Ryders Alley Trencherfed Society – R.A.T.S – is on the job and prowling the streets with dogs bred and trained to flush out and dispose of pesky rodents.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Jul 12, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

5 Tips for Walking Your Dog Safely

A study found seniors are prone to injury while walking their dogs. Here are ways to enjoy walks with Fido and do it safely.

By John Perritano Dogs / Family Dogs

Fear of Dogs Is Real but Treatable

To most people, dogs are sweet and cuddly, but for some, they're terrifying. However, there are treatments to get over this phobia and most involve hanging out with a dog.

By Jesslyn Shields Jan 4, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

Do Dogs Get Embarrassed When We Dress Them Up?

Humans experience a wide range of emotions, but what about dogs? Do they ever get embarrassed by things their humans force them to do?

By John Perritano Nov 12, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

Get Rid of Your Retractable Dog Leash, Stat!

If you walk your dog on a retractable dog leash, you need to read this article before you or your four-legged friend wind up hurt.

By John Perritano Nov 2, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?

People often hear if a dog's nose is dry, the dog is sick. If that's true, does a wet nose signal a healthy dog?

By John Perritano Nov 1, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

Dogs Love Rolling in Stinky Stuff

And the smellier the better. But nobody seems to be able to figure out why they do it.

By John Perritano Aug 21, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

No Chocolate, No Avocado: 10 Foods Dogs Can't Eat

Slipping your dog a little human food once in a while is fine, but be aware that some human foods are toxic to Fido.

By John Perritano Jul 19, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

Dog Trancing: You're Gonna Need to See This Video

Your dog might even 'trance' — and you have no earthly idea what he's doing. We assure you, he's not the only one.

By John Perritano Jul 18, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

Arrival of European Breeds Wiped Out Native American Dogs

Ancient American dogs were decimated when the Europeans arrived. But these pre-Columbian dogs did leave behind a lasting legacy.

By Mark Mancini Jul 5, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

Do Dogs Know They're Being Photographed?

Since there seem to be no scientific studies one way or another on whether dogs know when we're photographing them, we have to rely on anecdotal evidence.

By John Perritano Jun 1, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

Why Do Scent Hounds Have Long Floppy Ears?

Bloodhounds, with their floppy skin and gangly ears, are the quintessential tracking dogs, and there's good reason.

By John Perritano Mar 29, 2018 Dogs / Family Dogs

Dogs are more than man's best friend. They've also helped out with the Cuban Missile Crisis, joined the Russian space program and discovered a rare archaeological find. And at least one was promoted to sergeant.