Blog
A Noble Hunter: A Breed History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Category_Breeds_Rhodesian_Ridgeback Category_Dogs Writer_Carrie_Pallardy
Carrie Pallardy Source Rhodesian Ridgebacks are sometimes mistaken for Vizslas. Both breeds have similar close, burnished coats of copper and lithe, athletic builds. But, Ridgebacks are larger, and they have the distinctive stripe of fur running down their spines that give the breed its name. Get to know these loyal and formidable dogs. African and European Origins Source Rhodesian Ridgebacks are the result of mixing many different dog breeds. Their origins can be traced back to the 1600s. Dutch settlers arrived in Africa and took notice of dogs used by locals. These dogs, known as Khoikhoi, had...
The Big and Beautiful Newfoundland: A Breed Guide
Category_Breeds Category_Breeds_Newfoundland Category_Dogs Writer_Carrie_Pallardy
Carrie Pallardy Source From afar, you might confuse a Newfoundland for a small bear. These enormous dogs have long, shaggy coats on top of their already substantial frames. While the breed might look intimidating at first glance, Newfoundlands (affectionately known as Newfies) are beloved for their gentle temperament and trainability. Water Dogs Newfoundlands are working dogs. The spent many of their early years working on ships, and they retain their capabilities as strong water dogs. The exact origins of the breed are debated, but it is generally agreed upon that these dogs were brought from the island of...
A Noteworthy Nose: A Basset Hound Breed Guide
Category_Breeds Category_Breeds_Baset_Hound Category_Dogs Writer_Carrie_Pallardy
Carrie Pallardy Source If you are a fan of classic Disney movies, you might recognize Sherlock Holmes’s dog from “The Great Mouse Detective” as a Basset Hound. Basset Hounds are well known for their tracking abilities, thanks to their keen sense of smell. Long, floppy ears, soulful eyes, and an unmistakable howl are all part of the Basset Hound package. Learn more about the breed and what you can expect if you decide to live with one of these pups. Short Legs, Long History Source Basset Hounds are very low to the ground; their short...
Interview With Alyssa and Herbie
Category_Dogs Category_Interviews Category_SparkandBark Category_Spark_and_Bark Writer_Michael_Jaurigue
We interviewed Alyssa Lynch From Texas, USA with her dog, Herbie! Tell us about Herbie! "Herbie is a 6 year old terrier mix who loves snacks, walks, car rides, cuddles, and funny enough he also loves going to church on Wednesday nights." Where did you meet Herbie? "I met Herbie at the Denton Animal Shelter. I saw his picture on an ad they posted for him on Petfinder, and I immediately fell in love, he looked like a scruffy old mop!" Who are you? What are you about! "I am Alyssa Lynch, a student at TWU who's working on...
A Lovable Herder: A Breed Guide to the Collie
Category_Breeds_Collie Category_Dogs Writer_Carrie_Pallardy
Carrie Pallardy Source Lassie is high on the list of famous dogs, starring in a long-running TV show and several movies. Throughout her long-running appearances on the big and small screens, Lassie was depicted as a heroic and devoted dog that saves the day. When you get to know a collie, it is easy to see why the fictional dog’s creators were inspired. Collies are loyal, lovable dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and tend to love the kids in their family. Learn more about the breed to help decide if you want a Lassie of...