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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

With winter here, we all know the challenges of staying warm and safe. We must also take into consideration the well-being of our pets as the temperature drops. Here are a few simple tips you can take to make sure your fur-legged friend stays warm, comfortable, and healthy this winter season. 

Keep a Time Limit on How Long Your Pup is Outside

The key is monitoring your pup and making sure he is not left outside for more than a few minutes at a time. Things such as frostbite can set in quickly, which can be very painful for your dog. Watch his behavior while outside, and if he begins to slow down or shiver, it’s time to bring him in. Dogs do love the outdoors but have limitations, just like we do.

Bundle Your Pup Up

Yes, most dogs have thick coats, which will help keep them somewhat warm, but a second layer of insulation, such as a dog jacket or sweater, will help keep your pup warmer. Many pet stores carry insulated jackets which will prevent your dog from losing heat. This is especially important for dog breeds that have a thin coat and or are not designed to withstand cold weather. 

Consider Your Pup’s Age and General Activity Level 

Young puppies and senior dogs tend to have more of a difficult time in cold weather. Although puppies love to play in the snow, they do not always know their limits and can find themselves in over their head (no pun intended) when a significant amount of snow falls. Dogs between two years of age and eight years of age tend to handle the cold weather better than puppies or senior pups. 

Keep Your Dog’s Paws Protected 

Dogs have very sensitive and vulnerable paws, which is why keeping their paws safe is important. Dog booties offer a layer of protection between your pup’s paws and the harsh ground. Ice and snow can quickly irritate the pads on your dog’s paws. Other things, such as rock salt, which is used in the winter, can also greatly irritate his paws. Doggy booties are an inexpensive yet effective way to keep your pup feeling his best while outside in the winter. They may take some time to get used to, but they are well worth it.

Heating Beds for After Playtime

After your pup comes in, he will need to warm up. Providing your pup with a dog heating bed is a great way to help bring his body temperature up to where it needs to be. This will also help your four-legged friend relax and rest after exerting himself while outside. Several dog heating beds come with an automatic shutoff feature for safety. If a heating bed is out of your price range, consider a dog heating pad. This less expensive item will also allow your dog to warm up after being outside in the freezing weather.

Hydrate Your Dog After Playtime 

Dogs do not only need extra water after playing in the warm months. Cold winter days will also require your pup to stay well hydrated. When the moisture in the air drops (as it often does) in the winter, your dog will need proper hydration. Providing your dog with ample amounts of room-temperature water when he returns inside will help keep him feeling his best. 

Clean His Paws

If you opt not to use dog booties, be sure to make sure his paws are wiped down when he comes in. Rock salt and other anti-ice agents may cause your pup’s paws to be in discomfort. Wiping them down will help to remove whatever he gets on them, plus it will prevent him from licking the substance off of his paws. This very quick and very easy chore will greatly benefit your dog.

We all love our dogs, and by taking a few simple precautions, we can ensure that they remain in top condition and feel great all winter long. Always remember, if it’s too cold for you to be outside, it is probably too cold for your dog to be outside. Taking the time to make sure your pup is comfortable and safe is always very important.

If you love spending time in the great outdoors and are considering adding a fur-legged friend to your family this blog is for you. Making sure you find a dog that enjoys spending time outside as much as you do is important. Although all dog breeds enjoy time outside, some are better built for this and have different characteristics which will allow them to keep up with you and your family. Below is a list of the top five dog breeds who will enjoy outdoor exploring as much as you do.

The Labrador Retriever is originally from Newfoundland and bred from a water dog. This breed was eventually brought to England to work as waterfowl retrievers thanks to their physical agility and abilities. Labrador Retrievers are very social dogs and enjoy walking side-by-side with their family. They are also very smart dogs who easily learn basic commands which will help to prevent them from straying off while you and he explore the great outdoors.

Basic Breed Facts:

Group: Working

Height: 20 to 26 inches tall at maturity

Weight: 50 to 75 pounds at maturity

Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Coat and color: The coat is short; fawn and brindle are the standard colors.

The Pomeranian is a spitz breed dog which descended from sled dogs in Lapland and Iceland. The Pomeranian is related Samoyeds and Malamutes. Although this dog breed is smaller in size, they do very well spending time outside and enjoy exploring with family. They also tend to train easily and quickly learn basic commands.

Basic Breed Facts:

Group: Toy

Height: 6 to 8 inches tall at maturity

Weight: 3 to 8 pounds at maturity

Coat and color: A long, double coat that can be found in many colors such as cream, red, orange, black, brown, blue, and sable. Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Australian Shepherds which are also known as “Aussies” are a very athletic, strong, and agile dog. This breed is very active and does great in families that enjoy long outdoor walks and exploring the wild. This breed thrives on activity time and will keep his family active. Aussies were developed in the United States, where ranchers bred them as livestock herders and farmworkers.

Basic Breed Facts:

Group: Herding

Height: 18 to 24 inches tall at maturity

Weight: 40 to 70 pounds at maturity Coat and color: Vary between medium to long coats which can be found in black, red, merle, or blue.

Jack Russell Terriers originated in the 1800s in England and were used to hunt foxes and small game. They are very active and energetic dogs who enjoy outdoor activity time with their family. This breed is known to enjoy long walks on trails with family and even enjoys swimming. If you intend to add this breed to your family get ready to stay active because this breed thrives on activity.

Basic Breed Facts:

Group: Terrier

Height: 10 to 10 inches tall at maturity

Weight: 12 to 19 pounds at maturity Coat and color: Short hair which can be found smooth or rough and in tan, brown, black or white.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog who loves to be on the move. They are high energy dogs that thrive on outdoor activity time with their family. This breed also does well with other dogs that enjoy active family time. For families that enjoy swimming, this pup should be one to consider as swimming is one of their favorite pastimes.

Basic Breed Facts:

Group: Working

Weight: 35 to 65 pounds at maturity

Height: 16 to 24 inches tall at maturity Coat and color: Tightly curled or wavy coming in a variety of colors which include black, white, brown, white and silver mixed, and black and white mixed.