Category: Petland

Constipation occurs in dogs when they are unable to produce normal stool during their daily routine. Your dog will not be able to defecate or greatly strain while trying to do so if constipated. Constipation may also cause their stool to be very hard and not easy to pass. This can be very painful for your dog and is something that needs to be treated as it can lead to other health issues. 

Common warning signs of constipation in a dog include decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and general depression or unease. Typically, constipation in dogs takes place when they fail to get enough fiber in their diet or when they eat something non-digestible that causes a blockage. (Socks, toys, furniture stuffing, etc.) It can also happen naturally through age or if your dog is not getting enough exercise. In extreme instances, more serious things such as digestive tract and pelvis region tumors, prostate enlargement, or other spinal or metabolic injuries can cause this condition.

Ways To Treat Dog Constipation

If your pup is dealing with constipation, you can try these food ideas to help them out. Should their symptoms persist, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance. You should also consult your veterinarian before feeding your pup any new food.

• Providing your pup with ample amounts of fresh water will help to make sure they are well hydrated which is the number one key. Water greatly helps to regulate many things inside your dog and is the first step in keeping them healthy.

• Pumpkin puree is a high-fiber food that will help regulate the digestive tract. 100% pumpkin puree is the most effective puree in helping to pass stool. It should be noted that this is not pumpkin pie filling. 

• Canned soft and high moisture dog food may better help regulate their digestive system and create softer stool. Consider mixing canned food with their normal food to avoid an upset stomach.

• Dietary fiber supplements will increase fiber entering their bodies, which will help soften their stool and regulate their bowel movements. 

• Exercising your dog daily is a great way to stimulate their bowls. Activities such as running, playing fetch, and a game of chase around the yard are great ways to promote a healthy digestive tract. 

• Stool softener or laxative. Your veterinarian may recommend giving a laxative or stool softener to your dog which can greatly assist in helping them move their bowels.

In some instances, your veterinarian may administer an enema to relieve your dog’s constipation. An enema is an injection of fluid into the lower bowel via the rectum.

In some instances, if your dog is constipated due to eating a foreign object, medical treatment may be required. Many dog owners will put on a pair of rubber gloves and examine their pup’s stool to see if a foreign object can be detected. If so, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Common things found in a dog’s stool that should not be there are strings, shoe laces, furniture foam and padding, and cloth, from clothing. These types of things generally do not breakdown inside the dog like food does, and can lead to a medical emergency. They also pose a choking hazard should the dog throw these items up before passing them.

Although constipation does happen in dogs, it is something that needs to treated and monitored. It is always recommended to contact your veterinarian with a medical concern as you would rather be safe than sorry. We all love our pups and making sure they are healthy and happy is our number one priority.

All dogs enjoy the smell of fresh air, chasing a ball, and running in circles outside. After all, they are creatures who need exercise and sunlight, and the feeling of freedom. There are, however, some breeds of dogs that, despite needing some activity time outside, much prefer a day of relaxation on a couch with a blanket and their owner by their side. If you tend to fall in this category too and are considering a fur-legged friend, we have a list of pups that may be a perfect fit for you. The list we put together is wide in variety; however, they all share one common trait, the enjoyment of relaxation! 

The Bulldog is, well, a relaxed pup! This breed is a very social dog but also very set in its ways. Although he will enjoy some fresh air and the sounds of birds, he will be excited to get back inside and just relax. This breed is great for those who feel the same way and is known to make a great family pet. 

The French Bulldog is also a very laidback, let’s take a nap and relax kind of dog. This breed is known for his gentle snoring and happy-go-lucky personality. They do enjoy some outdoor activity time, however, do not do well in extremely hot or extremely cold climates. A few minutes of outdoor playtime and this pup will be headed right to his doggy bed (or lap) right after. 

Basset Hounds are another great family pet for those who would rather spend more indoor than outdoor time. This breed certainly does enjoy his free time under a tree and smelling the scents that surround him, but he also equally enjoys a soft blanket and nap. They are not highly energetic dogs and will quickly burn off extra energy with a twenty-minute walk. This breed is a family favorite to many and has been for generations.  Dachshunds are energetic pups that do like to play outside but will be excited to get back in and take it easy. They love the company of their family and to share couch time with them. This breed is very popular because they are very loyal and tend to be happiest when their family is. Although this pup is not large in size, he will take over your entire couch if allowed!

The Pug likes to rest and likes to be comfortable. This breed is known for its great companion qualities and amazing ability to snuggle! They do enjoy being outside within reason but tend to prefer being snuggled up and in dreamland. This breed has made a great family pet for generations and will surely win your heart (and lap) in no time at all. 

Chihuahuas are adored by many and for many different reasons. This breed of dog is very easy to live with, does not require excessive amounts of exercise, and is a joy to be around. If you are more of a homebody and enjoy your Friday night with a movie at home and an early bedtime, this pup very well may be for you! With a warm blanket and soft couch, this pup will melt in happiness next to you! For generations, the Chihuahua has made an ideal companion for those who enjoy a couch over a late night out.  No matter which breed of dog you end up choosing, expect many years of a loving companion who will quickly bond with you. It’s always best to learn more about a dog breed before bringing one home to make sure his style of living and yours are compatible.

The excitement, culture, and nightlife of living in a major city is something many people enjoy. Normally a major city is a fast moving and lively place to live. Due to how many people live in the city, very often, housing tends to be smaller than in more rural areas. Many residences in a city are apartments which do not have spacious lawns or many places for pets to play in. Although many dog breeds are able to adapt to this type of living environment, some breeds do better than others. If you are a city folk and looking to add a fur-legged friend to your mix, consider one of the below listed dog breeds. They are our picks of the best city dogs.

Basenjis

The Basenji is a calm, peaceful and quiet dog that is not known to bark. This is a great quality for those of us who share walls in an apartment. This medium-sized dog adapts well to his environment and does not need a tremendous amount of space to feel comfortable. This is an active breed of dog though who will need regular walks around the town to look and feel his best.

Boston Terriers

This Boston Terrier is known to be a very affectionate breed of dog that stand just over a foot high. They train with ease and tend to do well in apartments. Being that they are smaller dogs, large open rooms commonly found in contemporary houses are not needed. This breed is filled with energy, however, and will need to be walked for about thirty minutes each day.

Shih Tzus

The Shih Tzu makes a great city dog because they are small and do not require an excessive amount of outdoor time. They find comfort in the laps of their owners yet do enjoy a brisk daily walk to burn off extra energy. This caring and happy breed of dog adapts well to different living environments and is sure to be a good fit for those living in the city.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is happy just about anywhere. This pup is curious and will most likely spend time looking out your apartment window at all of the people and vehicles that pass. They are a smaller breed of dog who do not require enormous amounts of room. A daily thirty-minute walk around the block will help this pup explore while keeping her healthy too.

Poodles

You can never go wrong with a Poodle. These pups come in three sizes, standard, miniature and toy, with the last two being the best options for smaller living spaces. This breed is considered to be very smart and trains with ease. They do enjoy mental stimulation so expect them to study everyone and everything on the busy streets outside your apartment. A healthy thirty-minute walk each day will help this pup look and feel her best.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the “Yorkie,” makes a great family dog for those who live in apartments. They do enjoy learning new areas and being social which will make walks around the city blocks something enjoyable for him. They are not big dogs so smaller apartment style living will not be an issue for them. They also train well and are not overly loud dogs. City living may be different than rural living but for a dog, as long as he is given love and care, both places will make him happy. Taking the time to find the right pup for a busier environment will allow for many years of a relationship.

For a dog breed to find itself on the American Kennel Club’s registry, certain specific requirements must be fulfilled. This process is not an easy one, as the American Kennel Club is extremely selective. The below listed dog breeds may have been in existence for a very long time, but were all just recently added to their list. They range in shapes and sizes and origins, but the one thing they all have in common is they are amazing dogs.

Pumi Dog

The Pumi is a very curly-coated breed of dog that originated in Hungary. The compact size of this breed allows them to move flocks down narrow paths into pastures. The Pumi was registered with the AKC in 2016 despite having roots tracing back to the early 1800s. Although the Pumi may look like a relaxed and calm lapdog, they are hard workers with a very agile, quick, and athletic side. This breed, although very rare, does make a terrific family pet.

Sloughi Dog

The Sloughi is a North African dog which is very popular in Morocco. This breed has a very similar appearance to the Saluki, which was bred for hunting small game. Although the Sloughi has been around for centuries, it was not until 2016 that the American Kennel Club recognized it. This breed is best known for its speed, strength, agility, and endurance. They are very loyal, devoted, caring and outgoing dogs that make great pets.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Sheepdog originated in Italy. They are well known for their curly and long coats and their ability to be master herding dogs. They are very outgoing, hardworking, and friendly dogs that are not known for being aggressive. Thanks to their build and coat quality, they do well working in cooler climates, such as the Alps. The Bergamasco Sheepdog makes a great family pet and is one the whole family will love.

Boerboel Dog

The Boerboel is a Mastiff-type breed of dog that is large and somewhat intimidating looking. They are very powerful and strong dogs that were used as guard dogs and to do work around the farm. The name, with its Dutch origins, translates to “farmer dog.” Many Boerboel owners would describe their dogs as very loyal and protective and are known not to leave their side. One of this breed’s top qualities is that is has an incredible level of loyalty and seeks your companionship. The Boerboel does make a great family pet and with training at a young age can do well with other pets in the family.

Lagotto Romagnolo Dog

The Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed originated in Italy. They are known for their ability to hunt and are considered by many to be top working dogs. They specialize as a water retriever and thanks to their dense and thick coats, are able to withstand cold temperatures. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a very old breed of dog that has roots that date back to the 1400s. The American Kennel Club did recognize the Lagotto Romagnolo in 2015. This dog is a loyal and obedient breed which does well as a family pet.

Cirneco dell’Etna Dog

The Cirneco dell’Etna is an Italian hunting dog that has roots tied to the Italian island of Sicily. This breed is known for its amazing ability to hunt small game such as rabbits and squirrels. The Cirneco dell’Etna are very athletic dogs who are fast, agile, and very focused. Today’s Cirneco dell’Etna makes a fantastic family pet and a great companion dog. They are known for their short and smooth coat and large ears. Although this breed has been in existence for centuries, they were not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2015.

We all know that our pups are amazing and bring us a lot of enjoyment and love. There is a reason why they are referred to as “man’s best friend.”  We’ve put together a list of some very interesting facts that we believe you will also find amazing!

Some Dogs Can Sniff Out Medical Problems

You read that right! Medical detection dogs are a real thing. Because their sense of smell is so strong, some dogs can be trained to sniff out certain medical conditions. Some experts suggest that animals such as dogs can help detect hypoglycemia in people. Researchers say that dogs may be able to detect changes in the composition of their owner’s sweat that occur when they are becoming hypoglycemic.

Some Dogs are Amazing Swimmers

Breeds such as the Newfoundland swim so well that they’ve been used as water rescue dogs for years. In 2016, a brave Newfoundland called Whizz was awarded the PDSA Order of Merit for saving nine people from the water. Certain dogs even have webbed feet which allows them to not only swim well, but at a quick pace.

Fur-legged Racers

We all know that most dogs could easily outrun a human. Afterall, they’re built to chase! The fastest breed of dog is the Greyhound. These amazing hounds are able to reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour. Even more impressive is that they are able to maintain a fast speed for several miles at a time.

No Sweat!

Dogs produce a pheromone laden oily substance that humans can’t detect. To cool down they pant and release heat through their paw pads and nose which regulates their body temperature. Panting is one of the first signs a dog is getting too warm and needs a cooldown period.  

Lefty or Righty

There have been several dog studies that have shown your pup very well may be left paw dominate or right paw dominate. Are you curious which paw your pup prefers? You can find out whether your dog is left or right-pawed by giving them their favorite toy and seeing which paw they use to help them first.

Can Hear a Pin Drop (And a lot more)

Where dogs really shine is with high-pitched sounds. The average person cannot hear sounds above 20,000 Hertz (Hz). Hertz is a measure of the frequency of a sound, and the higher the frequency, the higher pitched the sound. Dogs, on the other hand, can hear sounds as high as 65,000 Hz. And we wonder how our pup can hear his treat bag being opened from across the house!

Eighteen Muscles Control Their Ears

You might have taken notice that dogs move their ears around a lot and in different directions. This is possible because they actually have eighteen muscles responsible for moving their ears. These muscles help them to change the direction of their ears which allows them to identify where a sound is coming from.

Dogs Are Said to Be as Smart as A Two-Year-Old

Multiple studies have shown that dogs can learn over 100 words. This put their intelligence and understanding in par with a two-year-old child. Certain dog breeds, such as the Poodle, is believed to be able to learn up to 300 words! Our pups are very smart and alert creatures! All in all, dogs sure are amazing creatures that can do so many interesting things. From actual jobs, to hunting, to human service assistance. Each dog breed has a unique trait but I think we can all agree that every dog is very special and has a place in our heart!

Some dogs are bred for hunting, others for herding, and some for just being adorable and wanting to cuddle up! These pups are known as companion dogs and generally have extremely lovable and caring personalities. They enjoy a lap and relaxation. If you are looking for a companion dog, consider one of the five below as they are our picks for the top companion dogs.

Papillon

The Papillon is small, soft and loving breed of dog. They are at times playful and active, but love the comfort of a lap. They make great family pets and do well with children. The Papillon is considered a toy spaniel and is sure to win your heart… And lap.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 8 to 12 inches 

WEIGHT: 5 to 10 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long and straight coat that can be found in white with markings in red, sable, black, or lemon.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty and desire to build a strong bond with their family. These tiny pups do well in all styles of housing. They are kid friendly and mom approved dogs that absolutely love a warm lap and blanket. They are also very social dogs who tend to do well with other pets in the home.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 5 to 9 inches

WEIGHT: 4 to 7 Pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Short or long coat that can be found in black, white, fawn and blue.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most laidback dog breeds you can find. They adore their family and love to curl up and nap next to anyone who is willing to. They are not overly energetic and have very warm and approachable demeanors. They make great family pets who tend to get along well with children and other pets in the home. The French Bulldog is certainly a top companion dog and one to be considered.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 19 to 30 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Stocky build with a large head and short snout. Their smooth coat can be found in a variety of solid colors or brindle.

Golden Retriever

The Golden retriever is one of the sweetest and caring breeds of dog you will find. This breed is very eager to please his family and enjoys being around them. They are not known for any aggression and their warm and outgoing personality make them a great companion dog. They also do well with other dogs in the home as well as children.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 23 to 26 inches (male); 21 to 24 inches (female)

WEIGHT: 60 to 75 pounds (male); 50 to 65 pounds (female)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Large head with expressive eyes; Their medium length coat can be found in shades from light golden to red.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is believed to have originated in Tibet and originally owned by Chinese emperors. This small breed of dog is known for its ability to cheer just about anyone up. They love one-on-one time with their family and enjoy napping along side of you. This breed has a very welcoming personality and does well with families that have children. These are just some of the reasons the Shih Tzu is as popular as it is today.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 9 to 19 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Can be found with a long double coat in many different colors.

Pug

The Pug is sure to bring a smile to your face! This adorable pup is a joy to be around and known for its companionship qualities. The Pug enjoys his family and looks forward to spending time with his family. They make great companion dogs much thanks to their personality and demeanor. Those looking for a loving and warm and gentle pup should certainly consider the Pug.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 10 to 14 inches

WEIGHT: 14 to 19 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Their smooth coat can be found in several different colors including black and fawn.

Are you looking for a fast-paced high energy dog that will keep you active? If so, here is a list of the most energetic dog breeds that will keep you and your kids on the move! It is very important though to know that these dog breeds will require a lot of outdoor activity time with their family to prevent them from engaging in indoor no no’s. (Chewing furniture, etc.)

Border Collie

The Border Collie is an extremely intelligent, loyal, playful and energetic dog breed. They are well known for their agility and stamina. These dogs make great family pets for those who enjoy a lot of time outdoors.

HEIGHT: 18 to 23 Inches

WEIGHT: 30 to 60 Pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Rough or smooth medium-length coat which can be solid, bicolor, tricolor, merle, or sable; well-balanced, athletic body.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a dog that is often on the move. They have a lot of energy and enjoy burning it off. This breed is a great fit for families that have active children who enjoy playing outside. It is important to make sure the Australian Shepherd receives copious amounts of activity time to prevent pent up energy.  

HEIGHT: 18 to 24 inches

WEIGHT: 35 to 65 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Medium-length coat with a well-balanced body; colors include black, blue merle, red, and red merle.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is as energetic and wiry as he looks! This small breed of dog loves playtime and will most likely outplay even the most active child. From running, to playing fetch, to a game of tug of war, the Jack Russell Terrier is top dog!

HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches

WEIGHT: 13 to 10 Pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth or wiry coat with colors include white with black, brown, or tan markings

Weimaraner

Weimaraners were originally bred for hunting and are considered high-energy dogs. This breed loves to engage in outdoor activity time with family and does well with families who like to stay busy. About 60 minutes of activity time a day for this breed will help keep him happy and healthy.

HEIGHT: 23 to 29 inches

WEIGHT: 50 to 90 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Sleek body with a short coat; blue to gray color.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies were bred to pull sleds over very long distances. This breed is known for having an incredible amount of energy and loves to stay active. They do best with families who include them in outdoor activity time which can be anything from hiking to a brisk walk or a game of fetch. It is important to keep them active to prevent them from destroying indoor fixtures out of boredom.

It is important to remember that all dogs require daily exercise in order to remain fit and healthy. Dogs that are considered to be high energy dogs will require even more activity time to help them feel their best. Regardless which way you accomplish this, making sure to consistently keep your pup on a good activity schedule is very important.

They are known as man’s best friend and recent research indicates that they may have been given this title longer than we first believed. Although many dog breeds date back centuries, there are a few that date back well before that. Below is a list of the oldest dog breeds on record and a little information about each breed.

Dating Back 10,000 Years – Akita Inu

The Akita Inu is a historic breed of dog who originated in the mountains of northern Japan. The two separate varieties of Akita are a pure Japanese strain, also known as Akita-ken and a mixed American strain, commonly larger. This breed has a short double coat similar to northern spitz breeds. The Akita Inu is a very strong, loyal and focused dog who’s been around for a long time.

Dating Back 9,500 Years – Greenland Sled Dog

The Greenland Sled Dog is a sturdy, powerful and heavy-built dog with a wedge-shaped head, slightly tilted eyes and small triangular ears. This breed is covered with a thick coat which helps to prevents frostbite. This breed has a very long history of being a loyal and hardworking dog known for its incredible stamina.

Dating Back 8,000 Years – Afghan Hound

While many believe that the Afghan Hound was originally from the deserts of Egypt, its name suggests otherwise, and a more realistic theory is that they were originally bred by the nomadic people of Afghanistan and its neighboring regions. This breed was used to hunt animals such as antelopes and leopards. They are very fast and focused dogs that have a very long history.

Dating Back 8,000 Years – Greyhound

The original primary use of Greyhounds, both in the British Isles and on the Continent of Europe, was in the coursing of deer for meat and sport. Over thousands of years, this breed has become a very popular family pet due to their gentle and loving demeanor. Greyhounds are also extremely fast and are able to maintain great speeds over long distances. As of today, the Greyhound is known as the fastest breed of dog in the world clocking in at 45 mph.

Dating Back 5,000 Years – Basenji

The Basenji is an ancient dog breed tracing their lineage from pariah dogs to the Egyptians and then to hunting dogs for the tribes in the Congo. Running in silent packs, the Basenjis often wore bells to alert their human partners to their whereabouts in the deep jungle. This breed of dog was a tremendous hunter whose stamina and loyalty won the hearts of humans for thousands of years.

Dating Back 5,000 Years – Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan mastiff is a large-size dog breed that originated in China. They are often described to be as magnificent and alert as a lion. This breed was used in Tibet for thousands of years as powerful and imposing estate guard. They are very protective and loyal dogs whose appearance can be intimidating. Despite being very intelligent dogs, they can be stubborn and at times difficult to train. Many would suggest training at a young age will yield the best results.

Dating Back 5,000 Years – Saluki

The Saluki is a very old breed of dog dating back thousands of years. Images of this breed with have been found on various artifacts in the Middle East, such as tomb paintings and mosaic sculptures. The Saluki was bred to hunt and unlike many dogs that utilize scent to do so, this breed utilizes its amazing vision. These are strong, alert, and fast dogs that have a long and proven history of helping mankind.

As the saying goes, they’ll fight like cats and dogs…

Not necessarily if you find the right dog. But what qualities does a dog need in order for it to get along well with a cat? The first thing to take into consideration is the dog’s breed group. Dogs in the Terrier Group were by designed bred to hunt small game. (Such as a cat!) Dogs in the Hound Group were bred to chase and follow, which would mean a cat on the run could cause this type of breed to chase it.

Dogs that fall under the Herding Group were designed to do just that, herd. Cats are very independent animals and may not appreciate being led where to walk. Although all of these types of dog breeds are able interact well with cats, many dogs within these groups naturally may have a hard time doing so.

On the other hand, dog breed groups known for having a less energetic and more laid-back mentality tend to do well with cats. For example, the Toy Group includes smaller lapdogs who generally spend more energy gently licking their owner’s hand than chasing them.

They also tend to be less alarming to a cat since they are almost the same size. Being that they are not as active, a cat may not feel as intimidated around them. Smaller and calmer breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for their gentle disposition and do not over-bark, which can startle a cat.

In a perfect world, the cat and dog are introduced while both are young, which allows them to grow and bond without having a territorial conflict. For those of us who add a cat to the mix after already owning a dog, it is important to remember that they first need to get familiar with one another. This will take time and initially keeping both pets spaced apart. By allowing each pet to sense (smell and hear) the other animal will allow for a gradual adjustment between the two. Eventually, both pets will need to see each other, but it is advised that they do so standing on different sides of a pet gate. This will prevent one pet from scratching or biting the other.

Below are the top five dog breeds that we believe do best with cats inside the home.

Bichon Fires

The Bichon Frise has a warm and gentle demeanor and tends to do well with cats because of this. They are not aggressive dogs and enjoy curling up next to any fur-legged friend they can find. They are also a smaller dog which may allow the cat to feel less threatened.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are extraordinarily loving and calm dogs who enjoy being close to family. They quickly warm up to people and other pets in the home and are not known for overly barking. This breed is gentle and caring and does make a great fit for those who also want a cat.

Poodle

Poodles (all three sizes) make excellent housemates for cats. Many Toy Poodles enjoy actually playing with cats. Miniature Poodles have been known to just exist with a cat and be partial. Standard Poodles seem to have a “who cares” outlook and pretend the cat isn’t even in the house. The Poodle is a very smart dog who is able to get along with just about anyone or anything.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the top dog breeds in general. They get along well with people, other dogs, and cats. The Golden Retriever enjoys his family, and if a cat is a part of that, so be it. With very pleasant and warm personalities, this breed normally does well with cats. They are also not aggressive or known to push other animals around.

Labrador Retriever

The always “pup-ular” Labrador Retriever, or “Lab,” is a very social yet not anxious or excited dog. They tend to be patient and have very warm and loving personalities. This breed tends to coexist well with other pets in the home, including cats. For many years this breed has been ranked as a top dog breed in the United States.

Regardless which dog breed you decide to introduce to a cat, the key is being patient. Remember, by nature not all animals “get along” but with time, care, and introducing the animals in steps, your puppy’s new best friend may be a cat.

Adding a dog to your family is a very fun and exciting part of life, however, does come with some challenges. Realistically, your pup is a part of your family and will be for many years. There are certainly many plusses to adding a fur-legged friend but there are also certain challenging aspects that come with this. Potty training, basic obedience and you being able to leave home for long periods of time while your pup is home alone are just a few. The key is finding a dog breed that best fits your family’s dynamics and routine. Certain dogs are a better fit for first-time dog owners because they are easier to care for. Below is a list of our top five dog breeds for those who never owned a dog before.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is more of a laidback and happy-go-lucky dog. They are easy to get along with and tend to be very simple. They also train easily and only need a moderate amount of exercise. This a big plus for families that are always on the go. They tend to do well when their family is away from the home and are not known to be destructive. This breed has been a very popular breed for many years because of this.

GROUP: Non-Sporting (AKC)

HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches

WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Curly white coat; may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is as loving as she looks. They tend to do great with children and have warm demeanors. They do well home alone and are not known to act out when their family is away for the day. This breed also trains well and is overall a very easy dog to care for. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not require excessive amounts of exercise and will be patiently waiting for you at the front door for you to come home. This breed makes a great fit for first-time dog owners.

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches (to the withers)

WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Long, sleek and silky coat with feathering around ears, feet, chest, and tail in four color varieties, tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tan LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever makes a great dog for first-time dog owners because they are very easy to train and very smart. They do require and do well with a little more activity time than some breeds, however, they also tend to occupy themselves when at home alone. This breed is also able to adapt to contemporary home or apartment living, does great with children and is overall one of the better dog breeds for first-time dog owners.

GROUP: Sporting (AKC)

HEIGHT: 20 to 24 inches

WEIGHT: 50 to 75 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length double coat; light to dark gold LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a gentle and caring lapdog who loves his family. They are easy to care for and do not require excessive exercise. They are also not known to be destructive and are good at occupying themselves when home alone. They can be at times a bit stubborn, however, do train well and make great contemporary home or apartment style living dogs. Although this good-looking dog looks high maintenance, they are anything but that and are sure to make a great fit in your home.

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 6 to 8 inches

WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat that comes in many colors, though the most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years

Poodle

Last but certainly not least is the ever so popular Poodle. Known to be the scholars of all dogs, this breed is a great fit for new dog owners because they train with ease. The Poodle does do best with one-on-one attention from his family, but is also able to adapt to being home alone when no one is home. This Poodle comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard. All are intelligent and very loving dogs.

GROUP: Non-Sporting (AKC)

HEIGHT: Over 15 inches (standard) 10 to 15 inches (miniature) 10 inches and under (toy)

WEIGHT: 45 to 70 pounds (standard) 15 to 18 pounds (miniature) 5 to 9 pounds (toy)

COAT AND COLOR: One of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, gray, brown, apricot, and particolored LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 16 years