Dog people and cat people have long argued about which species is more intelligent. Scientists from Vanderbilt University believe that their latest research may settle the matter once and for all.

They compared the number of cortical neurons – the “little gray cells” associated with thinking, planning and complex behavior – in the brains of several carnivores. When it came to dogs and cats, the pups won in a landslide!

Their cortical neuron count was found to be more than double that of their feline counterparts. Humans have about 16 billion of these cells in their brains; dogs have about 530 million; and cats have 250 million.

“I believe the absolute number of neurons an animal has, especially in the cerebral cortex, determines the richness of their internal mental state and their ability to predict what is about to happen in their environment based on past experience,” Suzana Herculano-Houzel, the study’s lead author said.

Herculano-Houzel is an associate professor of psychology and biological sciences at Vanderbilt University. She developed the method of accurately measuring the number of neurons in the animals’ brains.

The researchers also analyzed the neuronal content of several other species’ brains including bears, hyenas, and lions. Studying these animals helped to prove that the number of cortical neurons is not simply higher in animals with larger brains.

Bears, for example, have about the same number of neurons as cats despite the fact that their brains are about ten times larger.

“Diversity is enormous,” Herculano-Houzel said. “Not every species is made the same way. Yes, there are recognizable patterns, but there are multiple ways that nature has found of putting brains together. And we’re trying to figure out what difference that makes.”

Learn more about the Vanderbilt study here.

 

H/T to Phys.org

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Dogs depend on a reliable routine in order to feel secure. Unfortunately, chaos tends to rule when the holidays roll around, leaving many pups feeling anxious and confused.

We spend our spare seasonal hours cooking, cleaning, entertaining guests, wrapping gifts and decorating the home with strange objects (including a baffling indoor tree). All that holiday hullabaloo is enough to put any pooch into an emotional tailspin!

Unfortunately, with the extra demands on our time, it can be easy to overlook the fact that our dogs are suffering from anxiety. Pet behavior consultant, Arden Moore recommends watching for these 8 signs of seasonal distress:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Lack of energy and interest
3. Lip licking and/or yawning
4. Becoming boisterous or whining
5. Hiding, cowering or ignoring your “come” calls
6. Destructive chewing that never surfaced before the holidays
7. Turning into a “Velcro dog”, shadowing your every step in the house
8. Piddling or pooping in the house after years of stellar potty habits

A severely anxious pooch may also become physically ill. Many dogs suffer from stress-related vomiting and/or diarrhea around the holidays. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian.

To remedy your dog’s case of the holiday blues, consider these tips:

Provide lots of exercise.

Physical activity is an amazing stress reliever for dogs and humans, so take advantage of that fact with a brisk daily walk or outdoor play session. Just fifteen extra minutes of fresh air and exercise will do wonders for you both.

 

Spend some one-on-one time.

Make it a point to put down your phone and sweep aside the wrapping paper to focus on your dog each day. Whether you are brushing his coat, playing with a favorite toy, or just quietly cuddling, a bit of one-on-one time will help you both unwind from the stressors of the season.

 

Take care of yourself.

According to a 2015 survey, more than 60% of Americans experience increased levels of stress during the holiday season. Our pets are incredibly in-tune with our emotions, so it’s no wonder that many of them also display signs of the holiday blues. Taking the time to care for your own needs will allow you to be a strong, calm leader for your dog!

Limit the holiday treats.

Many dogs experience gastrointestinal symptoms during times of stress. In order to keep things running smoothly, it is best to avoid excess treats, rich table scraps, and new holiday goodies your pup is not used to eating.

 

Consider doggy daycare or a professional pet sitter.

If your holiday plans include lots of parties or extra time away from home, your dog may need some company. If he is outgoing and enjoys playing with other pups, consider dropping him off at a doggy daycare for a few hours. If he is a shy homebody, it may be best to have a friend or professional pet sitter come by the house for one-on-one attention.

 

Be proactive.

It is important to be aware that even though your dog may seem ecstatic to spend time with family and guests, he may still suffer from stress which can escalate to behavioral issues or illness if not addressed. If you know the holidays trigger anxiety in your pooch, ask your veterinarian about starting preventive medications or supplements before the festivities start!

 

Have pet emergency numbers on hand.

Stress can cause dogs to act unpredictably. In case of a swallowed ornament or a scuffle with your mother-in-law’s pooch, be sure important phone numbers like those of your veterinarian, after-hours emergency veterinary clinic and Animal Poison Control are posted in an easily accessible location. The APSCA’s Animal Poison Control 24-hour hotline can be reached by calling 888-426-4435 or you can visit the website at www.aspca.org/apcc.

 

H/T to Dogster.com

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Adorable, aptly-named Teddy Bear escaped from a relative’s home in Orlando, Florida during a visit on Thanksgiving Day. His family searched for him for days but didn’t have any luck until just yesterday.

When Corporal Thorpe, an officer with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, spotted Teddy, he was in big trouble. Teddy was wandering along a busy highway during Monday morning rush hour, in danger of being hit by a passing car. Concerned for the dog, Cpl. Thorpe wasted no time at all. He not only pulled over to rescue Teddy, but ran into traffic to get the dog to safety.

Cpl. Thorpe took Teddy back to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to find where he belonged. His VCA bandana was a giveaway that he wasn’t a stray. Luckily, it had a number on it that Cpl. Thorpe used to locate Teddy’s family, who immediately went to pick him up.

See the photos of their emotional reunion here, posted by the Orange Country Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page.

His family was both thrilled and relieved to be reunited with him, and no doubt, thankful to Cpl. Thorpe. According to the OCSO’s Facebook page, Teddy has a few bumps and bruises, but no serious injuries.

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I use the term “self-rewarding behavior” quite a bit when talking about dog training!

And, although it seems logical to me as a trainer, it is sometimes difficult for the average pet owner to understand.

“Self-Rewarding Behaviors” Broken Down

A self-rewarding behavior is a behavior that naturally rewards the dog!

Eating is self-rewarding.

Drinking water is self-rewarding.

After all, we need to eat and drink to survive.

So, anything that is a primary reinforcer (something we need to survive, i.e. food, water, shelter) is something that, when taken, is self-rewarding.

This also means that ignoring these behaviors won’t make them go away.

In order to get rid of a self-rewarding behavior, you must correct it or avoid it altogether!

Behaviors That Are Self-Rewarding To Your Dog

Stealing Food

That means stealing food is the #1 most self-rewarding behavior.

It pretty much doesn’t matter how much you yell and pitch a fit, the dog was rewarded for stealing food.

Food tastes good, especially human food!

And, the problem is that the dog soon realizes that it is a race… if he can get there faster, or if he can sneak into the kitchen or trash, he can fulfill his need to taste good food and feel more full.

As you can imagine, this is a horrible thing for the dog to figure out!

It is especially bad because dogs are almost always faster, smarter, and sneakier than we are!

His life and his focus revolves around you making the mistake of leaving the pizza on the counter when you are preoccupied with what you have to do at work tomorrow.

Stealing Your Things

Stealing your things is also fun and therefore a “self-rewarding” behavior.

He glances over toward you, as he looks at the sock you left on the floor… he is gauging how much time he has to snatch that sock and go flying around the room before you give chase.

After all, there is almost nothing more fun for a dog than stealing something and being chased and yelled at by his owner.

I am sure he doesn’t enjoy the yelling as much… but he does love being chased!

This is a fun game for him.

This is also a game he feels in charge of starting.

Neither your dog finding infinite fun in inappropriate games nor initiating those games is a good thing for you!

That is why I refuse to chase a dog.

If that problem sounds familiar, please click on the link above.

Want to know another, odd, self-rewarding doggy behavior?

Jumping Up

Jumping up is self-rewarding because, despite the correction, at least the dog got close to you.

Dogs like being in our space (at least most of them).

They like when we give them our attention and they jump on each other for the same reasons, to play and receive attention.

So when your dog jumps on you, he is getting your attention and rewarding himself!

That is why so many of these behaviors are so difficult to change.

Because despite the correction (unless it is horrifying), the behavior feels good.

We’ve created a fun game to help you teach your dog to stop jumping on you:

To download the rest of the Step Away Game, please click here.

For Some Dogs

For some dogs, just getting in trouble, or beaten, or yelled at, for ANY BEHAVIOR is worth it.

Just like some children misbehave just so that their parents will pay attention to them, so will some dogs.

Dogs wander the house seeking destruction just so that their owner has some kind of interaction with them at some point during the day.

How sad is that?

I mean, we get dogs to spend time with them, right?

What to do About Self-Rewarding Behaviors

So how, then, do we deal with self-rewarding behaviors to keep them from getting out of control?

First

Spend time with your dog!

If you are spending time training and playing with your puppy or dog, his boredom will be less, and his desire to sleep will be more, which will help you avoid the problem completely!

It also means that he is more likely to listen to you when you ask him or tell him to STOP doing something, or use commands like “Leave It”

Next

Avoid the problem!

If you have a young, impressionable, wild puppy… don’t leave food out on the counter.

Don’t leave your pizza plate on the sofa.

Don’t let the garbage overflow and look like a buffet!

Because, after this happens, you are on the race of who is smartest and fastest!

Adult dogs, who are well-trained, are much less apt to steal food because they know it is against the rules.

What if it Happens?

So what if it happens… your dog has learned to do all these things?

PUT HIM ON LEASH and teach him manners! Help him learn to control his impulsive behaviors like jumping or stealing food.

Leashes are wonderful for containing bad behavior, controlling impulses, and teaching manners!

In the guide and service dog industry, we tether our new dogs to us so that we are forced to teach them manners and not allow these impulsive behaviors to start!

Take a tip from this flawless type of training, and do the same with your dog to teach him a lifetime of impulse control and manners in a few short weeks!

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Nitro the 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd is a rookie K9 officer with the Gulf Shores Police Department in Alabama. The physically fit pup recently showed off his push-up skills in a viral video with two of his fellow officers.

Just 7 seconds long, the clip has spread like wildfire with more than 1 million views since it was posted on November 18.

Not only is Nitro’s video adorable, it also serves an important purpose as part of the #9PMRoutine movement.

The Pasco County, Florida Sheriff’s Office started the hashtag as a way to remind citizens to perform a few simple tasks each evening to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.

The hashtag first appeared on Twitter and Facebook in September of 2016 and has since caught on nationally with police departments across the country using it in fun, creative ways.

We think Nitro and his partners definitely win the award for cutest public service announcement! Do you agree?

 

H/T to Time.com

Featured Screenshot via Facebook/Gulf Shores Police Department

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What is Twisted Spleen?

It may be hard to imagine, but it’s possible for your dog’s spleen to wrap around the blood vessels near it – this is what’s known as splenic torsion, or, more commonly, twisted spleen. The spleen can then become painfully enlarged, cutting off blood flow in the area where it occurs. It’s more common in large dogs, and can be life-threatening. It should be considered an emergency, and the twisted, enlarged spleen will need to be removed as soon as possible, or it could cause shock.

The symptoms of twisted spleen can be mistaken for another condition, so it’s necessary to have a veterinarian check your dog out to properly diagnose it.

Symptoms of Twisted Spleen in Dogs

The symptoms of a twisted spleen aren’t specific to only that condition. Your dog may be suffering from any of the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Weakness or collapse
• Pale gums
• Retching
• Rapid heart rate
• Abdominal distention
• Lethargy
• Weakness

Causes of Twisted Spleen in Dogs

Large breed dogs with deep chests like German Shepherds, Saint Bernards and Great Danes are more likely to suffer from a twisted spleen. What causes the spleen to twist and rotate remains unknown, but it’s believed to happen more often when the spleen moves around, like during physical activity. Gastric dilation might also move it into an unusual position.

Diagnosis of Twisted Spleen in Dogs

Your vet may choose to do either a physical exam or a radiograph or both if they suspect a twisted spleen. An exam may include a urinalysis or blood work as well as taking a complete medical history. Lab testing can show conditions that might be caused by a twisted spleen, like anemia or decreased hemoglobin concentration (which may cause your dog’s gums to be pale.) Although they aren’t specific to twisted spleen, they’ll help your vet determine the extent of the condition.

Your vet may be able to feel the enlarged spleen by through your dog’s abdomen. An x-ray will show if the spleen is out of it’s usual position, is C-shaped, or if there may be free-floating fluid in your dog’s abdomen. An ultrasound can confirm an enlarged spleen and show if there has been any loss of blood flow in the nearby veins.

Treatment of Twisted Spleen in Dogs

Twisted spleen is usually treated with surgery. If your dog has gone into acute shock, your vet will need to stabilize him first with the use of IV fluids and a plasma or blood transfusion. The spleen can then be removed. Your dog doesn’t need his spleen to live a normal life, but some may develop an irregular heartbeat after the operation.

After surgery your dog may need to be hospitalized so that he can be monitored by his vet. They’ll make note of his blood pressure, heart rate, and other vitals for a few days. Fluid therapy will continue for dogs who were in shock until they’re stabilized and can go home. The prognosis is generally good for dogs with simple cases, but those who had acute splenic torsion might have been affected due to toxins in the blood or shock. The outcome is usually better the sooner the spleen is removed.

 

Recovery of Twisted Spleen in Dogs

When your dog can come home he’ll need a safe, quiet place to recover. Inspect his surgical incision daily to make sure it doesn’t become infected, and keep an eye out for retching, abdominal distension, diarrhea, or vomiting. His activity should be restricted while he heals, and he may need an E-collar to keep him from bothering his wound. Your vet may request a follow up to make sure he’s healing normally and to check for the development of any irregular heartbeats.

 

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Muscle spasms happen when your dog’s muscle contractions are interrupted. This is often caused by intense physical activity or a lack of sufficent fluids. These localized twitches can be a sign of muscle strain or damage, and though they aren’t life-threatening, they can be painful for your pet, especially if he’s been having them for a long period of time. They could point to a more serious condition like physical injury, slipped disc, pinched nerve, or even neurological damage that will need the attention of a medical professional.

Though the spasms may be visible as tremors beneath your dog’s skin, a visit to the vet is necessary to properly diagnose them and find the underlying cause of the spasms.

Symptoms of Muscle Spasms in Dogs

You may be able to see or feel the tremors or twitching on your dog’s body. Depending on the cause, you may also notice the following symptoms along with them:

• Lameness
• Depression
• Pain

Causes of Muscle Spasms in Dogs

Muscle spasms can be caused by a number of issues, including strains, injury, neurological disorder, allergies, dehydration, or medication. Any of these things can interrupt normal muscle contractions and cause spasms. The spasms can turn into painful cramps if they’re sustained for long enough.

Seizures can cause similar tremors, but you can tell the difference between the two – muscle spasms are localized, but seizures will cause tremors all over.

Diagnosis of Muscle Spasms in Dogs

If your dog’s muscle spasms might clear up on their own with proper rest and hydration, but if he continues to twitch or you notice any of the other symptoms above, you should take him to see his vet. The vet will be able to find the cause of the spasms and take care of it.

Your vet may ask you to provide some useful information, which may include:

• Your dog’s fitness and activity levels
• Changes in medication
• Recent sprains or physical injuries
• Amount of fluid intake

Treatment of Muscle Spasms in Dogs

Muscle spams can often be prevented just by making sure your dog isn’t over-exerting himself when he’s active and by making sure he’s drinking enough water. If he begins to spasm or cramp, you can gently stretch or massage the muscles affected and offer him a drink. Heat or cold can also relieve muscle spasms and any pain associated with them.

Ask your vet about muscle relaxants or pain relievers for your dog if he’s cramping. Supplements, like vitamins, minerals, herbal muscle relaxers and electrolytes can give your dog’s muscular system some support while also helping to heal.

Depending on the source of the muscle spasms, additional treatment may be required to address the root cause. These include physical therapy, massage, or surgery to remove the affected nerve or source of cramping.

Recovery of Muscle Spasms in Dogs

Prevention is the best way to deal with muscle spasms. Drinking water is important for your dog, so he should have access to fluids both during and after exercise, especially on hot days. Your dog should warm up before and cool down after exercise, and make sure he isn’t pushing himself hard enough to cause injury or a sprain.

A follow up probably won’t be necessary unless the spasms were caused by a more serious condition. After they’ve cleared up, you can help prevent them from coming back by strengethening your dog’s muscular system with supplements or a better diet.

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Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. 

Army MSG Gregory (Greg) Jajo of Michigan served in the Navy and Coast Guard before retiring from the Army. Greg was wounded by a roadside bomb in 2007 while serving in Iraq. He has a traumatic brain injury resulting in mobility issues and a Post-Traumatic Stress diagnosis.

At the April 2016 graduation held at the Patriot PAWS Service Dogs training center, Greg received service dog Bomber, a male yellow Lab mix. Bomber was a rescue dog, and Greg was in the foster care system as a child, so Greg believes that he and Bomber are kindred spirits.

“Bomber helps me to slow down my mind, to live less in the past. I pay more attention to life. I can talk to him and get things off my chest. He loves me, and because of that, I am learning to love again.”

Today, Greg and Bomber are a dynamic, active duo and enjoying life! Greg teaches country line dancing, and Bomber loves time in his big backyard!

When you buy items like the Military Green Paracord Watch from the iHeartDogs store, 20% of your purchase will help pair veterans with dogs who make their days better through Pets for Vets.

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With fall here and winter quickly arriving, we want to make sure our dogs are ready for the temperature to drop. While some dogs have been eagerly awaiting snow and ice, other breeds are sensitive to the cold and need a little extra care once winter gets here. If you live in a colder climate and have one of these dogs or are considering getting one, make sure you’re able to help them stay warm and comfortable during the winter months.

#1 – Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog named after its homeland of Chihuahua, Mexico. The breed is very old and originates in a warm, desert climate, resulting in a small, thin-coated dog that does not fare well in colder climates. Even the long-coated variety will need some extra help staying comfortable in winter weather.

#2 – Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested comes in both a hairless and powder puff variety, but neither are prepared for a harsh winter. They were originally bred for hunting rats on Chinese ships, but are now lively and affectionate family companions. Because of their thin coats or a lack of coat, they require extra care when outside in the cold.

#3 – Greyhound

The Greyhound is an ancient breed, originally bred for hunting and racing. They are tall, slender dogs that are built for fast sprinting in desert climates. This means they are not well-suited for colder temperatures as they lack body fat and proper structure to carry enough for harsh cold.

#4 – Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound, often considered a miniature version of the Greyhound. They, like the Greyhound, have long, slender bodies that carry very little body fat. Because of this, they are very sensitive to cold weather and often need sweaters to go outside in winter months. That said, they make wonderful companions and require relatively little exercise.

#5 – Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is a small dog originating from Germany. They are independent and assertive dogs that are not recommended for the novice owner, despite their small size. However, they have thin coats and little body fat and do have a hard time in colder climates.

#6 – Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier originated as a farm dog and hunting dog and is now used for both pest control and as a companion. They have a typical terrier-like personality but are more relaxed than many other breeds. Because of their thin coats and small size, they are sensitive to cold climates.

#7 – Saluki

The Saluki is a sighthound originating from Persia. These long, slender dogs are powerful and muscular, but they lack the proper body structure to do well in colder climates. That said, they still excel as hunting and racing dogs today and do best in active homes without small animals, as they are prone to chase them.

#8 – Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier is a small terrier breed descended directly from the larger Fox Terrier. They are very intelligent and active dogs that do well with a variety of training and even make suitable companions for elderly and novice owners. They are small-framed dogs with thin coats that do best in warmer climates.

#9 – Whippet

Like the other sighthounds, the Whippet is a slender dog that often needs additional support and care when in colder climates. They are active dogs when outdoors but relaxed inside. They are independent but affectionate dogs that make great family companions.

#10 – Yorkshire Terrier

The popular Yorkshire Terrier originated as a ratting dog but is more often seen now as a lovely companion. They have long coats that are thin and therefore do not offer much protection against the cold. This means the breed does well with a little extra warmth when out during the winter months. They are active and intelligent little dogs that make great companions for those ready to take on a small, feisty pup.

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A dog’s accidental escape landed him in the care of an animal control officer, and he was adopted into another home 4 days later. Now, his original family wants him back.

When a German Shepherd named Karma escaped out of a window, local animal control officer Robin Gaydos-Behanna picked him up after receiving multiple phone calls. It was not the first time she had a run-in with the pup and his family, and she took him to her kennel, which she also owns.

Watch the news story below:

Aramis Purdue and his wife, Heather Churchfield found out that their dog had been taken to the kennel and went to pick him up. Gaydos-Behanna requested a $150 kennel fee, and said that if they couldn’t come up with the money in 48 hours, they’d surrender ownership. She claimed that the dog was legally unlicensed because he wasn’t wearing the issued blue tag, despite the fact that Purdue was able to produce licensing paperwork.

Gaydos-Behanna further defended her position, saying that Churchfield, Purdue’s wife, told her two times to keep the dog since they couldn’t afford the kennel fee. Churchfield admits that those were her words, but claims they were said out of frustration. After spending a total of 4 days in the kennel, Karma was adopted into another home.

“She knew perfectly well whose dog it was, 100 percent. Because we’ve had run-ins a time or two before,” Purdue claimed in a story by KDKA.

Despite being told that the pup would go up for adoption if they didn’t pay the fee, Purdue feels they did not get a fair enough warning.

“Call me first and say, ‘We’ve only got so much time left; if you can’t come up with the money, I’m going to have to adopt her out.’ There was no consent from me or nothing. She just up and did it,” he said.

He added:

“Just heartless and cruel about it, you know? You don’t understand that this is my children’s dog, you know. Our family dog. It’s not just some stray dog running around.”

The family still hopes that they’ll be able to get Karma back. Gaydos-Behanna says feels bad that things unfolded the way they did, but she had to stick to her guns, since similar situations have happened with the family twice before.

There are two sides to every story. What do you think about this situation – should the family get their dog back? Let us know in the comments below! 

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Although some aren’t the biggest fans of winter, there are plenty of us out there that think it’s one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Even better, there are a handful of dog breeds that just can’t wait until it starts getting nice and cold! If you’re a winter lover and looking for the dog breed best suited for your type of weather, check out these pups.

#1 – Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a large sled dog used for hauling heavy freight across the frozen arctic. While many of these dogs still perform as working sled dogs today, others are happy participants in sports like sled dog racing, skijoring and bikejoring. Malamutes are very social with people and do best in very active homes.

#2 – Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a Northern breed, also used for pulling sleds. Originating in the harsh climate of Siberia, these dogs do very well in and even prefer colder temperatures. They require a very active home and are known for being fairly independent, although friendly. Siberian Huskies are escape artists that need supervision when left alone in the yard.

#3 – Akita

The Akita is a large Japanese breed originally used as a hunting dog. They have very thick double-coats that help protect the dogs in the cold Japanese winters. The breed is active and does best with an experienced owner. They are very loyal but often protective, being wary of strangers and sometimes aggressive toward other animals.

#4 – Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed from the Swiss Alps. Originally used as a general purpose farm dog, their size and willingness to work made them excellent draft animals. The breed is good-natured and docile towards family and strangers alike. They are active dogs that enjoy ample amounts of exercise and get along well with children.

#5 – Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a large livestock guardian dog from the Pyrenees Mountains. They have thick, heavy coats to protect from the harsh winters there, while allowing them to continue their work throughout the year. They are powerful but gentle dogs, known for being affectionate with adults and children of all ages.

#6 – St. Bernard

The St. Bernard is a large working dog from the western Alps. The breed is docile but dedicated to its work. They are the breed most famous for alpine rescues, finding people buried under snow after avalanches. To do this work, they need to be able to perform for long periods in very cold weather.

#7 – Newfoundland

The Newfoundland comes from Canada and is known for its outstanding water rescue capabilities. The breed has a very thick, water-resistant coat that protects them from the freezing Canadian waters. They are extremely gentle dogs that make excellent companions for adults and children.

#8 – Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a hunting dog coming from Norway. It has been used for hunting elk, moose, bear and wolves in the harsh Norwegian winter climates. They are powerful and hardy dogs that should be supervised around other animals due to their strong prey drive. However, they are very social dogs that enjoy spending time with their families.

#9 – Keeshond

The Keeshond is a German spitz breed created to be a family companion. This is a job the dogs do very well, as they are very playful, boisterous and fun-loving dogs. The breed enjoys spending time with its family as well as meeting new people. Their thick coats require regular grooming, but keep them comfortable in cold weather.

#10 – Samoyed

The Samoyed is a Russian breed originally used for herding Reindeer and pulling carts and sleds. They are very active and intelligent dogs that excel at a variety of dog sports but, most importantly, make wonderful family companions. Their beautiful white coats protect them from harsh winter climates and need regular grooming.

#11 – Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a very large livestock guardian dog used for protecting sheep and property from large predators such as wolves, leopards and bears. Tibet is known for its very harsh climate and these dogs posses a very thick, warm coat to help keep them comfortable during their time outdoors. Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent and independent dogs, often wary of strangers and not recommended for novice dog owners.

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