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 Carrie Pallardy    Source   The Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah) breed might not be a household name, but action flick fans will probably recognize these graceful, athletic dogs from the third John Wick film. Actress Halle Berry spent hours helping to train a pair of Belgian Malinois for a couple of show-stealing scenes in the movie. Of course there is more to this breed than what you see on screen. Get to know a little bit about the history of these beautiful dogs and what it is like to own one.   Belgian Shepherds   The Belgian Malinois can be mistaken...

Carrie Pallardy Source   “West Highland white terrier” is quite the mouthful for a dog breed. The name belongs to a small, stout group of dogs with fluffy white coats. You are more likely to recognize the affectionate name of “Westie” applied to these loyal and affable canines. Adaptable animals, Westies make good pets for a variety of lifestyles. Learn more about the breed to determine if you and a Westie are a good fit for one another.    A Scottish Breed   Source   West Highland white terriers might be adorable pets today, but they got their start by...

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...

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...

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...