Family Dogs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By John Perritano

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

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

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

By Mark Mancini

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

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

By John Perritano

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.

By John Perritano

A study suggests your canine may be flashing those puppy dog eyes because it's trying to tell you something.

By Sarah Gleim

Let sleeping dogs lie? Maybe even in the same room, says a new study.

By Alia Hoyt

A study put dogs and wolves head to head in the intelligence department. Guess which species won?

By John Perritano

Credit for the ubiquity of the name as shorthand for a generic, random dog goes to one of the most popular U.S. presidents.

By Laurie L. Dove

Some pet owners are amazed when their dogs respond to 'W-A-L-K' the same way they respond to 'walk.' But are their pooches getting smarter or just responding to something else?

By Alia Hoyt

Huffing your puppy's feet for an aroma reminiscent of Fritos all comes down to the existence of certain microbes.

By Laurie L. Dove

Veterinarians have a name for when a dog gets the call of the wild, often after a bath, and suddenly starts tearing through the house with an untamed glint in its eye.

By Laurie L. Dove

Dogs suffering from the condition known as "limber tail" experience pain as their normally waggable appendages go limp.

By Jesslyn Shields