MJ Shaffer

MJ Shaffer graduated from Duke University and North Carolina State. She teaches High School English and runs a working Kiko goat farm with her three children. With her goats, MJ keeps Sam, an Anatolian Shepherd, and Sadie, an Anatolian/Kangal mix to guard against coyotes and other predators.

Breeds

December 16, 2024

English Cocker Spaniel: Facts, Traits, Pictures & More

Originally bred to catch small game birds, the English Cocker Spaniel is merry and athletic. See if this happy hunting…

Breeds

November 22, 2024

20 Best Service Dog Breeds & What Traits To Look For

If you or a loved one has a disability and needs assistance from day to day, consider adding a service…

Breeds

November 18, 2024

Dingo: Breed Characteristics, Personality Traits, DNA & More

Although not native to Australia, the Dingo is one of its most famous animals. Read about this fascinating relative of…

Grooming

August 22, 2024

Boxer Shedding: How Much Do Boxers Actually Shed?

Is your heart is set on a Boxer but you're worried about how much they will shed? Or maybe you…

Breeds

August 13, 2024

Xoloitzcuintli Breed Information: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

If your family feels incomplete without a canine companion, but dog hair is a problem, check out the Xoloitzcuintli. This…

Breeds

August 13, 2024

Toy Poodle Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament & More

If you're looking for an intelligent, low allergen companion who is great in almost any family, the Toy Poodle is…

Breeds

August 13, 2024

Japanese Chin: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

Delicate and regal, the Japanese Chin has a long history as the companion of nobility. Originating along the Silk Road,…

Care

July 31, 2024

How To Show Your Dog You Love Them

If you're wondering how to show your dog you love him in ways he'll understand and appreciate, consider what makes…

Grooming

January 23, 2024

Boston Terrier Shedding: How Much & Ways To Manage The Hair

With a Boston Terrier by your side, you're always well appointed. Check out these tips to keep your pup's shedding…

Breeds

January 5, 2024

16 High Energy Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a high-energy dog as part of your active lifestyle? Perhaps your family loves the outdoors and…

Breeds

November 15, 2023

Merle Pit Bull Breed Overview: Personality Traits, Temperament & More

Pit Bulls are no strangers to controversy, and the stunning merle is no exception. Some say the merle gene shouldn't…

Grooming

November 8, 2023

Dachshund Shedding: How Much Do Doxies Actually Shed?

Has a spunky, fun-loving Dachshund stolen your heart, but you're worried about how much he will shed? Let's learn about…

Breeds

November 2, 2023

Tibetan Terrier Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament & More

If you're looking for a sensitive, adaptable companion with a long and storied history, consider the Tibetan Terrier. For thousands…

Breeds

October 30, 2023

Portuguese Sheepdog Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament & More

If you need both a livestock guardian and a herding dog, look no further than the dual-purpose Portuguese Sheepdog. Let's…

Breeds

October 10, 2023

Dogo Argentino Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament & More

If you're an experienced dog owner looking for a family protector, consider the Dogo Argentino. Bred to be able to…

Grooming

September 14, 2023

Great Dane Shedding: Do They Shed A Lot?

Managing a Great Dane is a challenge, but handling his shedding doesn't have to be difficult. Consider some reasons he…

Care

September 7, 2023

How To Tell If Your Dog Loves You

Have you ever wondered if your dog loves you or is it more about the food bowl you're carrying? Scientific…

Grooming

August 25, 2023

Shih Tzu Shedding: How Much Do Shih Tzus Actually Shed?

If a Shih Tzu is your heart's desire, but you're worried about how much he will shed, let's take a…

Breeds

August 25, 2023

Best Dogs For Children With Autism

If your child is on the autism spectrum and you want to add a dog to your family, learn the…

Breeds

July 3, 2023

10 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears

If you're interested in a companion that looks more like a bear then a dog, consider one of these breeds.…

Breeds

July 3, 2023

11 Lazy Dog Breeds For A Calm & Quiet Companion

If you relish a lazy afternoon around the house, you might want a likeminded canine companion. Check out these calm…

Mixed Breeds

June 7, 2023

Shihpoo Dog Breed Information: Facts, Traits, Pictures & More

Looking for a happy-go-lucky companion with a dash of independence? Consider the handsome Shih Poo, a mix between a Toy…

Breeds

June 6, 2023

Presa Canario: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

If you're an experienced dog handler who wants a guard that is calm, loyal, and territorial, look no further than…

Breeds

May 31, 2023

Treeing Walker Coonhound: Breed Traits, Characteristics & More

Known as the People's Choice for good reason, this handsome working hound is the perfect rural companion. Good with children,…

Breeds

May 26, 2023

Australian Kelpie: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

Developed to herd sheep on vast acreage with rugged terrain, the Australian Kelpie loves his job. Check out this high…

Mixed Breeds

May 24, 2023

Peekapoo: Pekingese Poodle Mix Traits, Facts & More

The Peekapoo, a blend of the Pekingese and toy or mini Poodle is one of the earliest designer pups. It…

Breeds

May 22, 2023

Lurcher Dog Information: Personality Traits, Temperament & More

You may have seen Lurchers in Victorian paintings with their smooth or broken coated and shaped like Greyhounds. Created by…

Breeds

May 22, 2023

German Longhaired Pointer Breed Information: Traits, Temperament & More

If you need a trusty companion who switches seamlessly from field to couch, consider the loyal German Longhaired Pointer. Let's…

Breeds

May 22, 2023

Kangal: Dog Breed History, Facts, Traits, And More

If you're looking for a devoted guardian to look after your family or livestock, the Kangal may be a good…

Breeds

May 22, 2023

Catahoula Leopard Dog: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

Are you looking for a unique, All-American dog that's perfect for an experienced handler? Check out the Catahoula Leopard Dog…

Breeds

May 22, 2023

Herding Dog Breeds: Discover 12 Of The Best

Shepherds have used herding dogs to help them move livestock for millennia. Well suited to dog sports, one of these…

Breeds

May 19, 2023

Hamiltonstovare: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

If you're interested in a breed that few others in the United States have or have even heard of, the…

Breeds

May 12, 2023

Huntaway Information: Breed Facts, Traits, And More

The Huntaway is a loyal and rugged herding breed. If you are considering adding this dog to your family, you…

Breeds

April 30, 2023

American Bulldog Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament & More

Are you an adventurer looking for a canine soulmate? Are you an experienced dog owner and trainer? The American Bulldog…

Breeds

April 18, 2023

Bedlington Terrier: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

The Bedlington Terrier has one of the most distinctive "looks" in dogdom. Far removed from his origins in coal mines,…

Breeds

April 6, 2023

German Wirehaired Pointer: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

If you have a high energy family who loves to hunt on land and in water, the German Wirehaired Pointer…

Breeds

April 6, 2023

Hunting Dog Breeds: Popular Canines For Tracking, Smelling & Retrieving

Hunting for meat has been part of the human experience longer than we've been recording our stories. Historically, humans actually…

Breeds

March 20, 2023

Brussels Griffon Breed Information: Facts, Traits, Pictures & More

If you spend lots of time at home and are looking for a breed that thrives on attention, look no…

Breeds

March 20, 2023

Miniature Pinscher: Breed Facts, Traits, And More

If you're looking for a stylish and proud companion for your small space, the Miniature Pinscher may be your perfect…

Breeds

March 20, 2023

Affenpinscher: Breed Characteristics, Personality Traits & More

Affenpinschers are known as sassy, self-confident, and charming dogs. And their pint-size bodies and silly mustached faces make them a…

Breeds

March 14, 2023

11 Dog Breeds That Look Like Foxes

If you love foxes and would enjoy a canine companion that resembles these clever creatures, there are several breeds with…

Breeds

March 13, 2023

Beauceron: Breed Characteristics, Temperament & More

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the noble Beauceron combines good looks with great character and work ethic. Learn more…

Breeds

December 6, 2022

Hardest Dogs To Train: What Are The Top 10 Most Difficult Breeds?

Are your friends suggesting you pass up the pup of your dreams because they're difficult to train? Learn more about…

Mixed Breeds

November 20, 2022

Blue Heeler Corgi Mix: Facts, Traits, & More

Blending two breeds traditionally popular with equestrians, the Blue Heeler Corgi mix is a high-energy blend. If you're looking for…

Care

November 11, 2022

Pomeranian Shedding: Do They Shed A Lot?

Considering a foxy Pomeranian? If you're worried about how much he sheds, check out this information about how to keep…

Mixed Breeds

October 24, 2022

Corgi German Shepherd Mix: Facts, Traits, & More

If you're interested in a German Shepherd but worried about size, consider the Corman Shepherd. Fluffy down to his breeches,…

Mixed Breeds

October 3, 2022

Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Information: Facts, Traits & More

The Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix, also called the Ratcha, combines the best traits of the cheerful Chihuahua and the tenacious…

Breeds

September 26, 2022

Flat-Coated Retriever Information: Breed Facts, Traits, And More

If you're looking for a sidekick with a sense of mischief who retains his puppyish high spirits through adulthood, look…

Resources

September 16, 2022

Easiest Dogs To Train: 12 Highly Intelligent Breeds

What makes one breed of dog more trainable than another? Explore the most trainable dog breeds and learn the strengths…

Crates

September 15, 2022

Best Dog Crates For Beagles: Ratings, Reviews & Sizes

Are you planning to add a Beagle to your family? Explore what dog crates might be best to keep your…