Dog Decoded

As dog breeds populate over generations, they start to pick up distinct behaviors and characteristics. These breed traits can develop as a response to both genetic and environmental factors. We’ll explain this process with a review of 6 specific breed traits as well as the conditions that caused them. Norwegian Lundehund Breed trait: Double-jointed neck...

When asked about dog shedding, many people looking to bring home a new pet would say they have a preference for non-shedding dogs. Between allergies and keeping the house clean, shedding dogs get a bit of a bad reputation. But the fact is most dogs shed. According to an Embark health survey, nearly half of...

You may have heard of the widely held belief that dogs look a lot like their owners—or vice versa, that people look a lot like their dogs. This idea has shown up in many different ways in pop culture, from the movie 101 Dalmatians to the game “Do You Look Like Your Dog?,” featuring matching...

Military working dogs have a long history that dates back to ancient times. They are trained in combat to become scouts, sentries, trackers, and more. Military working dogs are typically, but not always, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and Dutch Shepherds. Here are 10 things to know about military working dogs: The first official military working...

Have you ever wondered if your dog can truly see all the colors we can? We’re sure you’ve heard it before, the idea that they might only see in black and white? This is merely an oft-repeated myth according to studies done by Dr. Jay Neitz, professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After...

Children and their pup companions can make the best of pals. We know that families the world over have found comfort and joy in countless dog types. So check out this list of 5 surprising breeds, mentioned by the American Kennel Club, that might also make great playmates and wonderful besties for your kids. The...

Life is better with animals, and we don’t just mean dogs. If you have a pup at home and you would like to expand your furry family to include a cat, or if it’s the other way around, you’ve come to the right place. Many dogs can live with cat companions if they are socialized...

I adopted my mutt Penny from an animal shelter in Rochester, NY. The shelter labeled her as a “Terrier-Basenji” mix. She certainly had the curly tail of a Basenji, but many dogs have curly tails. As a dog geneticist, I knew that if she truly was part Basenji, it would become very clear with a...