What started off as one selfie and a few words on Facebook and Instagram, very soon turned into a horrific nightmare that ended very very unexpectedly.
Time for Adoption
If there was one thing Dan wanted his entire life, it was a dog. Pure unconditional love, a reason to get out of the house and take a walk, and supposedly, a great attraction for ladies. The day had come and Dan was finally able to adopt a four-legged companion.
He never thought that spreading the word on social media and publishing photos of his new pet would eventually lead to two police officers knocking on his door.
Bumpy Ride
His passion for dogs and photos became viral and unfortunately, within no time it brought with it a lot of unexpected trouble. Things were not as simple as he hoped they'd be.
What was hiding within that photo that made people go crazy? And how didn't Dan realize this before? This is a story of courage, awareness, and unconditional love.
Dog Friendly?
Dan wasn't prepared to just adopt any dog. He didn't want to invest money, and fostering a rescue dog seemed to be the best way to do it. This was something Dan and his girlfriend were waiting for, for a long time.
One of the many problems they had, was that they were renting an apartment, and not all landlords allowed to have pets. Dan's landlord was one of them.
The Ladder of Success
But like everything in life, whatever happens, happens for a reason, and all of this occurred just as Dan was climbing the ladder of success at his work. His luck was about to change.
He was making more money, so he could finally get a place of his own, where there would be no restrictions about having pets. He could finally get himself a dog.
Dog Entry
Dan said in one interview; “We have been wanting a dog forever, but the place we were renting would not allow dogs," He said. "We just recently purchased our first home. All ours. And dogs are allowed.”
As soon as they were settled in, Dan and his girlfriend knew exactly what the next step would be. This was going to make their little family complete. Little did they know, the bad news was just around the corner.
Lonely Planet
Their next stop was the animal shelter. Dozens of lonely dogs behind bars greeted them as they entered. The barking was louder than they could ever imagine, and choosing a dog seemed like a mission impossible.
After wandering around the shelter for a while, one cute little rescue dog caught their eyes and they knew he was the one. His name was Sir Wiggleton. Dan wasn't aware that he had seen him already before.
The Perfect Three
The bonding between the three was immediate and felt as if they had been together for years. He was the perfect dog for the perfect owners. The family was now complete.
Sir Wiggleton was a two-year-old American Bulldog. He was spotted wandering the streets of Detroit and put in the shelter, waiting to be taken by a loving family.
A Face From the Past
This was not the first time Dan came across Sir Wiggleton. He followed the Animal Shelters' social media page and he saw a beautiful dog with his tongue hanging out. One thing, however, had to be changed.
Although Sir Wiggleton was a great name for some character out of a British period drama, it wasn't a great name for an American bulldog and Dan decided to change his name. Diggy! His new name was Diggy.
Life's Obstacles
What started off as a pure will to give a living soul some unconditional love, would soon turn into a relationship that had to be tested. Things were about to turn pear-shaped and the worst was yet to come.
One innocent selfie was about to shuffle the cards, and not in Dan's favor. His loyalty and love were about to be stretched to their limits.
A Man and Dog Selfie
One of the things Dan loved doing with his four-legged best friend, was taking selfies and posting them on Facebook and Instagram. The photogenic dog became a social media stud.
The posts became viral within no time and Dan, being a musician, took advantage of the buzz that followed these selfies. He had a lot of followers that were now falling in love with Diggy too.
Loyal Audience
Eventually, Dan's followers didn't stay loyal only to Dan but kept on following his accounts just to keep up with what Diggy was up to. His gentle and captivating personality was reflected through the lens.
Now, most of the followers were supportive, however, there were some that weren't, and something about the selfies got them to contact the local police station. What was going on? What were they seeing that Dan was missing out?
What Was Going on?
Before Dan knew it, a complaint was made. What reason could anyone have for complaining about a guy posting selfies with his adorable dog? Was this maybe a matter of revenge from the past?
Dan couldn't believe it when he heard someone had complained about him. And he was even more shocked when he realized the reason behind all this.
What Was Hidden From Sight?
Now, if you would have come across one of these selfies, you wouldn't think there was anything wrong with them, and Dan was the same. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing wrong with them.
Was he maybe being abusive without realizing it? Did Diggy have some kind of mark or cut on his coat that made others believe he might have some disease or something? Or perhaps there was something illegal going on?
Detroit Dog Shelter
In the first social media post he ever shared about his dog, Dan tagged "Detroit dog rescue". It was very important for him to give credit to the dog shelter since they were doing such a meaningful job.
They helped him find his new best friend, and he believed this would encourage other people to go out there and adopt a dog. There were so many lonely dogs that needed a home.
It Was Going Viral
With no intention, this post would lead to emotional pain, misunderstanding, and a few broken hearts. Dan's intention was to save a dog, not to almost get himself behind bars. He did have a dog to take care of, after all!
His post was going viral and reaching thousands of people. Followers began contacting him and asking about Diggy, sending emails, and asking for more photos.
It Was All Over the Place
Newspapers, online and off, websites, and other animal shelters all became obsessed with Dan and Diggy, so it was only a matter of time before it would reach those who were in the mood to start some trouble.
Together with all the positive feedback and all the good wishes, some nasty and negative comments began pouring in. Some aimed directly at Dan, and some, surprisingly enough, pointed straight at Diggy.
Beginners' Luck
At first, Dan was over the moon. He never expected Diggy to create such a buzz, however, when the police officers knocked on his door, he landed back down very fast.
He was shocked by the appearance of the police officers, still not understanding the whole picture. He was sure his posts were raising awareness of such an important matter.
This Was a Different Story
Stories about dogs attacking children were all over the news and became a common thing. At first, Dan thought this was the case, however, the pieces didn't fit as these stories were always about Pitbulls.
Being attacked by a dog is no joke, and Dan fully understood the concern, if anyone had any. In 2016, more than 40 people died following a dog attack, 22 of them, by Pitbulls.
A Pit Bull Tale
A lot of people don't understand that Pitbulls are not born aggressive and do not attack for no reason. These vicious dogs usually come from abusive homes or are trained to attack.
And these dogs have earned themselves such a bad reputation, that some communities have set their own local laws, and made it illegal for members of the community to own a Pitbull.
Not All Are the Same
People consider Pitbulls dangerous. However, animal experts have clarified this and said that they can be aggressive and dangerous only when brought up in a dangerous environment. The environment dan provided was nothing but loving.
That being said, Dan and Diggy's story is a bit more complicated than this. There is more to it than having, or not having, a dangerous dog.
Time for Some Police Authorities
The police officers come across Dan's post too. That's how they ended up knocking on his door. They stood there and told Dan very clearly, that he was breaking the law. They said that according to the local law of Waterford Township, which is where Dan lives, it was illegal to own a Pitbull or even a Pitbull mix.
They carried on and added that Dan could either return Diggy to the shelter where he got him from, or he could be charged with a federal offense.
They Had the Wrong Dog
Dan didn't understand what was going on. Diggy was a great dog, never threatened anyone, and he was obedient and calm. And anyway, he wasn't a Pitbull.
The police officers approached Diggy near the gate and he gave them a big wet lick on the face. He was friendly and lovely and wasn't endangering anyone. One of the police officers took a photo of him.
Here We Go Again
Dan felt as if history was repeating itself. The previous year he couldn't own a dog because his landlord didn't allow him to have any pets. Now he owns his own house and he still can't have a pet, for a reason still unclear.
This whole scenario was frustrating and breaking his heart. It was unfair and unclear and Dan had to get to the bottom of this. Diggy wasn't a Pitbull, so what was going on?
It Was Time for Some Proof
Dan took Diggy's adoption papers from out to the drawer. It clearly indicated that Diggy was an American Bulldog. There was no question about that. Dan was sure this would be enough for the police to get off his back.
Unbelievably, this wasn't the case. Dan presented the certificates and all the other papers he had. The response he got from the police officers was the last thing Dan could imagine happening.
It's Never Enough
The adoption papers weren't enough, apparently. They said that as far as they were concerned, Diggy was a pit bull and they didn't care less about what the papers indicated.
Lt. Todd Hasselbach, who represented the police station, said: “It looks like a pit to me.’’ The adoption papers were useless. There was nothing Dan could do. Would he now have to part from his would companion?
The Clock Was Ticking
Three days. That's what the authorities gave him. He had three days to take Diggy back to the shelters and put him back in a cage. Dan had to find a way out of this. There was no way he was going to let this happen.
Diggy probably resembled a pit bull and this made some of the people in the community around him uncomfortable. However, was this enough to accuse Dan of having an illegal breed of dog, when he clearly didn't have one?
Not Everything Is What You Expect
The photo that Dan posted on social media might have brought along with it the police's alert, however, it also brought to the attention of others, that Diggy was about to be taken away.
Animal rights organizations, animal lovers, and anyone who came across Dan's new post were touched by the devastating news, and they weren't planning on staying quiet about it.
Everyone Tried to Help
Everyone was trying to get the authorities to change their minds about Diggy's fate, and Scott Underwood, the police department's chief had something to say about it.
“From our standpoint, it’s a pretty clear case of an ordinance that makes it clear what’s permissible and what’s not. Our job is to enforce the ordinance.” This made his statement pretty clear.
Dan's Choice
Now Dan had to choose between paying a fine of $500, taking the risk of being put behind bars, or, taking Diggy back to the shelter, where he was first found.
Dan loved Diggy to bits, however, the thought of going to jail was not something he could deal with. And besides, if Dan were locked up, Diggy would have to go back to the shelter anyway.
Let There Be Light
With all that was going on, there was still a bit of light at the end of the very dark tunnel. Dan's followers were not going to sit back and see Diggy's life turning sour.
They all knew Dan did nothing wrong, they all saw what was written on the adoption papers, and mostly, they all knew Diggy did absolutely nothing wrong.
Petitions Always Work
An online petition was next in line. No one was going to leave Dan to deal with this on his own. In the meantime, Dan was trying to find a legal way out of this situation.
He was prepared to take this as far as needed, and if it meant going to court then that was what he was prepared to do. No one was going to separate him from Diggy.
They Were Going All the Way
There was more to the petition than just helping Dan and Diggy out. The people behind it wanted the local laws in their hometown to be changed.
This would bring Dan's troubles to an end, and it would also prevent others from experiencing the heartbreak and frustration Dan did. Dan was certain about his position in a court of law.
And He Didn't Do It Alone
Dan went public and said on social media that he will go all the way if going all the way was needed. He thanked everyone for their support and added "I am not a quitter."
More than 100 thousand people signed the petition. Not only did the supporters sign the online form, but they also attended the town hall and demanded they bring Dan's matter to the table.
The Law Was About to Be Bent
Was the public support enough? Was the police and the authorities about to change the local law and allow Dan to keep his beloved Dog? Not everyone was very optimistic.
People felt sympathy towards Dan, but more than that, they felt for Diggy. Diggy was a rescue dog and rescue dogs are not like others. There is always a story behind them.
A Dog to the Rescue
Rescue dogs are dogs that usually go through abuse or mistreatment, which turned them into more vulnerable pets. It takes more time than usual to get them adopted, so when one finally does find a home, it must be praised.
More than three million dogs go into shelters every single year. Only half of them end up being adopted, many are euthanized so Dan's big heart and good intentions shouldn't be taken for granted. It was a life-or-death situation.
The Bad Days Were Almost Over
Dan was going through some very difficult days, however, some good luck was about to come his way. After the police and authorities went back and forth with the courts, Dan was finally about to be relieved.
The judge decided to dismiss the case. Diggy was allowed to remain at home with Dan and the sour and sad story had come to an end. The first thing Dan did, was, of course, updated his Facebook account.
He Is a Good Dog
He summarised this horrifying episode with a few simple words. "We get to keep our boy, He's a good boy." Nothing more was needed to express his enthusiasm and delight.
Their victory wasn't just theirs as soon after, his hometown decided to do a bit of law changing and instantly decided to soften its pitbull ownership ordinance. A true impact!
He Was Who He Said He Was
Dan went to a specialist to determine once and for all what breed was Diggy. He assured him then and there that Diggy was who he said he was — an American Bulldog.
And as for Dan, he gained much more than just keeping his dog. Remember those followers? Well, not only did they support and follow Diggy, but they also became huge fans of Dan. Musician Dan.
Still Making Music
These days, Dan tours all over the country and shares his talent and dreams. He is known for his unique style on stage and his audience continues to grow.
His popularity continues to rise. His devotion, not only to his passion but also to his four-legged friend (who has come to be a celeb in his own right), is shared with all, spreading the word that when you put your mind to it, anything is possible.
Dogs are widely considered to be one of the cutest animals in the world. These four-legged creatures are often called “man’s best friend” because they share all the traits that make them perfect — they’re adorable, loyal, easy to maintain and please, and would usually do anything to keep you safe.
While most dogs have unique traits and abilities, some of them possess what’s called a “genetic superpower” that is exclusively related to their own breed. These abilities range from being much better than others at picking up scents, such as the bloodhound, while others can learn very complex commands and remember them perfectly. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most unique and amazing super breeds and what makes them so special.
Border Collie
Border Collies are the superstars of the dog world. These breeds are often seen competing in animal sports competitions and taking home the prize. They can learn and understand very complex multi-level commands and can easily learn many verbal, sound, and signal commands. They are very agile, fast, and acrobatic, and they're one of the most competent shepherds you can find. Border Collies originate from other collies in the British Isles.
This breed requires a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation, due to having both a high level of physical ability as well as the highest intelligence of any dog in the world. These dogs are very demanding, which is why they are mostly owned by farmers as shepherds. Their demanding personality doesn't fit well in regular households, and they often begin to vandalize and destroy their owner's house and furniture if not properly taken care of.
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is intellectually identical to the Sheepdog and other larger herders. This breed is known for being boisterous and charismatic. It was also the dog in the 1960s television show "My Three Sons". The Bearded Collie's intelligence can make it a challenge to train, as it is an independent thinker. Bearded Collies are mostly known for being the loyal and charismatic dogs that often appeared on television shows during the '60s and '70s. It's a Scottish herding shepherd dog and weighs an average of 50 pounds.
Bearded Collies are usually called that for good reason, as most of them have a very long smooth fur coat that could double as a rug. They are very independent and excel at competitive sports, while also having a surprising amount of agility and obedience. These dogs are extremely loyal and family-friendly. They're essentially herding dogs and can be used to work on a farm to take care of cattle. You'll find many of these in the UK, especially Scotland since they mostly originated from there and really don't mind the cold.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds, otherwise known as "Aussies", actually don't come from Australia — despite their misleading name. They were developed in the 19th century on American ranches for the purpose of herding sheep and participating in dog sports and shows. These dogs are extremely agile and have fast reflexes, making them very successful search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, disaster relief dogs, and more. They are a loyal and guarding breed and are inclined to bark at trespassers, although it rarely, if ever, engages aggressively.
These are highly intelligent dogs that love games and can easily learn new tricks. They are quite independent and low maintenance, which means that they can do very well on even 45 minutes of daily exercise. Aussies love people and love to hang out and play, especially in open places. They might not be a great fit for kids under eight though, as their highly energetic and erratic behavior is prone to injuring kids below a certain size, due to accidents such as accidental tackling. They are best suited for ranches and big, open houses, and should not be raised in small and closed apartments.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are considered one of the top ten most intelligent working dogs. These gentle giants got a bad reputation over the years due to the media’s panic over several attacks by badly trained dogs. Don’t be alarmed by their giant build and terrifying teeth, as Rottweilers are some of the most loving, gentle, and protective breeds you can find. They are generally very calm, loving, and loyal, while also being very territorial. This is one of the best protection dogs you can get, but they are also a lot more than that and should be treated with a lot of love and respect.
Rottweilers are often used as service dogs and have been successfully helping blind and disabled people for the past few decades. They are not high maintenance, although they do require at least an hour of daily exercise to keep them happy and content, as well as a large place where they can roam without feeling too constrained.
Collie
Collies are one of the most famous and beloved breeds in the world and often appear on TV shows and films. They became extremely famous and overappreciated when a collie named Lassie was portrayed in her famous film, books, and TV shows from 1938 until today. Collies are very trainable, gentle, loyal, and intelligent pets, but you should lower your expectations if you expect to find these qualities at the same level as you did with Lassie.
Collies weigh about 60 pounds on average and have a fairly athletic build. They are considered good family pets and are very compatible with children, although not to the extent that most people believe, as they are more suited for being watchdogs. Collies don’t require too much maintenance and can get by on relatively low amounts of exercise, but you can bet that they’ll beat any person in a running match, as they have nimble legs and almost infinite energy.
English Setter
English Setters are a lot more popular than Irish Setters; they are both quite large, although the English setter is slightly smaller. Both are smart, easy to train, playful and loyal. Unlike the Irish Setter, which is mostly a quiet dog, English Settlers are very loud and tend to bark often. They are considered as strong-willed and mischievous dogs that are perfect for hunting, as they are suited for methodically finding the scent of their prey.
These dogs are truly British in both their posture and personality, so if you like them or not might have a lot to do with what you think of the English culture and behavior in general. Many people describe the English Setters as “Gentleman By Nature”, and they are best suited for active families that have the time and willingness to play with them and take them out often.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers became very popular in the United States after one of them starred as Milo, in Jim Carrey's 1994 superhero comedy film, "The Mask". They are also popular detectives in the "Jack Russell: Dog Detective" children's book series. These small terriers were originally English fox hunters, which is why they always seem sharp, focused, and ready to pounce.
These dogs are extremely energetic and require a lot of exercise and stimulation during the day, so they only work well with owners who don't mind spending time with them and putting them through the occasional physical challenge. They are perfect for owners who love to play games with their dogs, but careful, as they can get aggressive and ill-mannered if not raised properly. They generally have excellent health and a long lifespan that can reach up to sixteen years.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Red Heelers and Blue Heelers, are a unique breed of herding dogs that were developed in Australia by a 19th-century farmer from New South Wales, named Thomas Hall. The farmer crossed various dogs and managed to create a breed later called "Halls Heelers", which became available once he passed away, and turned into the Australian Cattle Dog. These dogs have a tough and sturdy build with a large and thick head, making them quite resilient despite their compact size and just 40 to 55 pounds of weight. You can basically think of this breed as the Australian Joe Pesci.
Like many other working dogs, they have a high level of energy and are quite independent. Australian Cattle Dogs are considered one of the most intelligent dogs based on obedience and trainability levels. They need a lot of exercise to vent out their high levels of energy and can get bored and easily frustrated if not paid attention to. They are great pets for active dog owners who like to hunt or spend a lot of time outdoors, otherwise, it would probably be best to go for a more home-friendly breed.
Weimaraner
The German Weimaraner is one of the most unique and easily recognizable dogs breeds. It originates from the 19th century, where it was mostly bred for hunting purposes, as these were used by royalty to hunt deer, bears, and boars. Despite having hunting dramatically declined in the past few decades, it's still the perfect dog if you're looking for a breed that is perfectly suited to assist with hunting. They are quite athletic and great swimmers, they have very unique light eyes and an almost non-existent fur which gives them a very royal appearance, as well as hardly shedding at all.
You can expect Weimaraners to reach up to 85 pounds and become quite athletic when they reach adulthood. They are energetic and have a very strong hunting instinct, which means you should keep them away from any cats, as they will chase down prey without fail. They are not independent at all and like to stay close to their owners at all times, so make sure not to leave them alone for too long or they'll begin to get separation anxiety.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are one of the most interesting dog breeds you can find. These beautiful hounds are gentle giants with smart, wise, and mature characters. These hounds originally come from the border between Italy and Switzerland and are the result of breeding many generations of talented mountain dogs and rescue dogs. They are extremely well suited to almost all environments and are some of the most relaxed dogs you can possibly find.
St. Bernards are quite large and weigh anywhere from 140 to 260 pounds (and sometimes even more). They have a short and thick coat of fur and a long, low-hanging tail. St. Bernard was named after the Great St Bernard Hospice in Switzerland, where the breed was developed during the 17th century for the purposes stated above. Many of these dogs appeared in films and TV shows, mostly comedies, although their nature is anything but funny — as they're actually built for rescuing.
Alaskan Husky
These magnificent wolf-looking canines have light blue eyes, a coat that covers them in black or light brown fur, and white fur on their faces and legs. Huskies are some of the most wolf-like animals and retain much of their pack mentality. They work best in groups and have very developed ways of communicating with each other and establishing a basic hierarchy. Alaskan Huskies are especially suited for cold temperatures and can thrive on just about any cold climate, no matter how freezing it might get. They are also known for their unique ability to vocalize their owners' words, as they have a very developed howling ability.
Alaskan Huskies aren't considered pure breeds, as they are a bred combination between Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. They have excellent athletic abilities and are world-class sled racers, with no other canine coming even close to them in terms of their towing ability. They are extremely fast and have high stamina, which makes them perfect for hunters or sled owners. You can expect your husky to reach about 50 pounds of weight and have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the world and are considered by many to be the best family dog of all time. These dogs usually require about two hours or more of daily exercise, something which most dog owners either don't know or don't pay attention to. They have a long and beautiful golden coat, which gives them ample heating during colder periods. Golden Retrievers are extremely well suited to urban living and country environments and have an instinctive love of water. They are one of the easiest dogs to train and live to about 12 years old.
One of the amazing perks in having a Golden Retriever is that they possess the ultimate family personality — they are calm, respecting, patient, loving, confident, kind, and will not allow any form of unprovoked aggression or hostility next to them, to the point of even getting along with cats and most livestock. Another amazing attribute of Golden Retrievers is that they are able to adapt to various levels of energy, and can either be extremely fun and energetic or exceptionally calm and quiet when needed.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big and beautiful canine. It’s quite larger than many other breeds, often reaching a weight of up to 100 pounds. While it may not look like the smartest dog in the pound, there are many things about the Bernese Mountain Dog that make it unique among the breeds. It’s very athletic and needs to move often, that’s why this type of dog is most suited for living in an outdoor setting, such as a farm.
“Berners” are considered excellent dogs for anyone who’s looking for a big and energetic breed that can learn a lot of commands. It’s also known for being quite gentle with children and is ideal for a family with little kids. It might even let them ride on it like a horse! One thing to note, though, is that Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to attach themselves to one owner in particular, so it's best if you establish who is its primary leader right from the start.
Poodle
The poodle was originally bred in Europe and was often associated with royalty, as the dog was owned by various kings, including Louis XVI. Nowadays, the dog is a popular breed among Hollywood celebrities and elites and was owned by various stars and famous people such as Elvis Presley, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Tailor, Lady Gaga, and many more. What's surprising about the Poodle is that despite the stigma that they are basically toy pets for the rich, Poodles are actually the second most intelligent dog in the world after the Border Collie.
Poodles are also vicious hunters and have lightning-fast reflexes and an incredible sprint. They are very good bird hunters and are even agile swimmers. Poodles are often crossbred with various other dogs, which results in some hilarious combinations, such as the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle, and the Schnoodle.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Depending on your financial status and willingness to look pompous, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, otherwise known as a "dwarf dog", are either one of your favorite breeds or one of your most despised. These are the smallest herd dogs out of all that category and are famous for being the preferred breed of the late Queen Elizabeth, who had allegedly owned over thirty of them over the years. They are also quite popular in elite circles across the United States, mainly in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are considered the 11th most intelligent dog breed according to Stanley Coren's book, "The Intelligence of Dogs". They are quite small and usually weigh no more than 30 pounds. You can expect your Corgi to be very affectionate, loving, and eager to follow. They are very alert, well-behaved and will chase anything that moves fast due to their herding instincts. You can expect a Pembroke Welsh Corgi to live for up to 15 years.
English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are very affectionate and excited dogs who came from England in the mid-19th century. They are considered great sniffers as their sense of smell is very developed for tracking birds and prey. They have beautiful black or brown fur with white markings that make them quite a joy to look at. They are considered extremely friendly, affectionate, eager to please, obedient, and can easily learn commands and tricks.
Springers are very family-oriented and are quite low-maintenance, which makes them one of the best breeds to get if you have children at home. One thing that makes the English Springer Spaniel unique is that it loves water and tends to try and get into it as often as possible, making it a great companion for outdoor swimming and rainy days.
Papillon
Papillons, also known as Continental Toy Spaniels, are one of the most unique and interesting dogs breeds that you can find on earth. These French-Belgian dogs are mostly known for their giant bat-like ears that make them look like cute little Gremlins. They also have interesting hair at the end of their ears that make them look like a butterfly or a moth. They are quite small and weigh no more than ten pounds, but have a relatively long lifespan of almost 15 years. The history of Papillon can be traced back to various works of art dating back as far as the 16th century.
One of the most famous paintings from the 18th century was that of Queen Sophie Dorothea of Prussia with her Papillon. These dogs are smart, obedient, and loyal, which is one of the reasons why royalty and nobility had a real penchant for the breed. Papillons have a high energy level and require a lot of exercise compared to dogs their size. They are very good guard dogs, and like many other small dogs, maintain a high level of alertness at all times, often barking at the slightest provocation or sight of a new and unknown creature.
Brittany
Brittanys are a breed of gun dogs that were developed specifically for hunting birds and share a lot of the advantages of a pointer or a setter. They were developed in Brittany, France, during the 17th and 19th centuries. These are athletic dogs with long, floppy ears. They are considered very intelligent and alert, especially if you take them outdoors. Brittanys weigh an average of 38 pounds and tend to live about 12 years.
Brittanys are very easy to train and have a great and loving temperament and are very easily corrected, which means that even a first-time dog owner can quite easily manage it. They are excellent companions, family pets, and field dogs, and are considered very loyal and loving to their owners. Make sure to take them out for a vigorous training session for at least an hour every day, as they are built to hunt and need a lot of exercise to stay balanced and calm.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies share much with their relatives, the Alaskan Huskies. They are, without a doubt, one of the prettiest dog breeds in the world. Siberian Huskies are very independent canines, which makes them very poor guard dogs. They have a very different temperament than Rottweilers and German Shepherds and tend to act more like cats in terms of their loyalty and independence.
The main difference between the Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky is size and temperament. Siberian Huskies were originally meant to be working and hunting dogs, while Alaskan huskies were bred for sledding. It's preferable to get a Siberian Husky if you live somewhere without too much outdoor space, as they are much better suited for homes, although both of them aren't the most home-loving canines in general.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are one of the most popular work dogs in the world and are often used by K9 police units all across the world for search and rescue missions, as well as military action. In fact, the leader of the terrorist organization ISIS, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, was recently taken down by a veteran German Shepard of the Special Operations Command who served in more than 50 combat missions. German Shepherds often weigh between 66 to 88 pounds and are either tan, black or red. Their faces often have black masks, giving them an unshaven look.
They are one of the most trainable dogs in the world, standing third in the dog intelligence list. They can learn complex tasks relatively quickly and will retain most of their training without a problem. These are very confident and strong-willed dogs who clamor to have a strong sense of purpose. They are highly loyal and make excellent guard dogs because of their smart and suspicious nature.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters, also known as Red Setters, are recognized by the American Kennel Club as one of the leading hunting dogs in the world. They originated from Ireland back in the 16th century and were often used by hunters as they diligently searched for prey while being able to stay completely silent. Over the years, these dogs turned into a very family-friendly dog breed and are amazing with children.
Irish Setters are often used as therapy dogs due to their loving and protective nature; they can often be seen in schools and hospitals or during reading hours for children. They aren't considered great hunting dogs, since assertiveness doesn't come naturally for them, although they crave human companionship, making them ideal for social purposes. You might recognize this breed as the pet of several United States presidents, including Richard Nixon and Harry Truman.
Alaskan Malamute
Say hello to the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian and Alaskan Huskies' brother. He’s related to the two on many levels, although the Alaskan Malamute is the most different of the three. They are huge, fluffy, and cuddly animals, often reaching a weight of almost 100 pounds. They have a beautiful coat of fur that's soft to touch and incredible to look at. In terms of temperament, Alaskan Malamutes are much more loving and home-based creatures than either of their brothers.
These canines also have a rich history of living in tough environments, which makes them highly intelligent and resilient. Malamutes absolutely love people and prefer to stay with them as much as possible. One additional bonus is that they are also very quiet and rarely bark, which also means that they aren't the best guard dogs. If you have a loving and comfortable home with children who want a large and adorable pet, the Alaskan Malamute is the perfect dog breed for you.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermanns, also known as Doberman Pinschers in the US and Canada, are medium-large dogs that were originally developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector who was looking for a way to make his life a lot easier. Dobermans are some of the most trusty and terrifying guard dogs, often keeping people with bad intentions away just by the mere sight of them. Two of these dogs can easily take out a grown man, which is why they are considered extremely dangerous in aggressive situations and not to be messed with.
Underneath their heavy bodies, which weigh up to 100 pounds, these dogs have a very good heart and are very loving and devoted to their owners if trained properly. They are very stubborn and tend to have a very assertive personality, but a seasoned dog owner can dominate a Dobermann if he knows what he's doing. Dobermanns are actually considered the 5th most intelligent dog breed according to psychologist Stanley Coren.
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are medium to large-sized hunting dogs that originate from 19th century Germany. They have long, strong legs and a long muzzle, making them appear like a Roman emperor. These breeds are excellent for literally "pointing" at various animals, which makes them a favorite pick for European hunters. These dogs are also suitable for families, as they have an intelligent and eccentric temperament that allows them to communicate well with their various members. These dogs are high maintenance though! So remember to take them out for a run at least three times a day.
German Shorthaired Pointers are the best watchdogs you can find, but they do require a lot of care and attention, which means they aren’t necessarily the best fit for everyone. Also, pointers have a very strong hunting instinct, so it would be best if you keep them away from cats and other small mammals. Don’t let their serious look fool you, these are mischievous little creatures and will definitely cause trouble if you let them get bored for too long!
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was specifically developed in the Chesapeake Bay, which resides in the United States between Maryland and Virginia. These dogs were used specifically for hunting, and are excellent fish hunters, bird hunters, and are even able to rescue people out of water when needed. They are well suited for lake and forest environments and love nothing more than to help their owners hunt a good salmon or bird.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers weigh between 66 to 100 pounds, depending on gender and size, and live between 10 to 13 years. Their coat is extremely well suited for cold water and icy conditions and helps the Retriever stay warm even after being submerged in water. They are bright, intelligent, and quiet dogs that love to live with families. They will never let you down as hunters, and will quickly become a great part of the family.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs often have a beautiful leather coat around their neck, similar to that of a lion, but much smoother. They originate from Scotland and were developed in the early 20th century to act as talented herding dogs in tough conditions. The Shetland Sheepdog is mostly raised nowadays as a farm dog or a family pet, and it behaves extremely well in both cases. This little fella weighs anywhere from 11 to 24 pounds, making him a relatively lightweight dog.
It's important to note that he sheds a lot of hair (more than most other dogs) and does not regrow their hair if they are shaved. They are highly intelligent and stand just behind the Dobermann in Dr. Stanley Coren's dog intelligence scale, which means that your average Sheltie could understand a new command in less than five repetitions and would obey it on the first try almost 100% of the time.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are the most popular breed of dogs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. They are also the most popular disability assistance breed and are often trained as therapy and help dogs for people with various disabilities. They are one of the most obedient, fun, loving, and loyal breeds on the planet and are ideal family dogs, as well as excellent spotters and hunting dogs. This breed is also used by military and police forces to track criminals.
It's highly recommended for first-time dog owners to own a Labrador as their first pet, due to it being arguably the easiest and safest dog to train and own. They are curious, fun, and competent in many activities due to their high level of intelligence.
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs look a lot more like bears than actual dogs. These adorable things remind us of a cross between a polar bear and one of the Queen’s guards. It’s a very big and hunky dog, weighing between 60 to 100 pounds. It’s considered a very agreeable dog that knows how to follow commands very well.
The Old English Sheepdog is considered a herding breed, probably because it scares the sheep senselessly into their place when it comes close to them. If you move the fur above their nose just a bit, you'll reveal beautiful eyes that show great care and devotion to its owner. This is a great dog if you’re looking for a well-grounded herding dog that will make your family’s life easier and more entertaining.
Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a very special breed that originally came from Japan. This breed is similar in many ways to German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, but it does have a very different temperament. It's quite dominant and never afraid to let you know exactly how it feels and what it wants at all times. Akitas are very territorial, large, and strong. They are considered a tough breed to train and own, which makes them very bad pets for first-time dog owners.
They became popular in the United States after Helen Keller, the famous deaf-blind author and political activist, visited Japan in 1937 and was gifted two of these as a token of appreciation. Akitas are owned by some of the most famous people in the world, including Putin, Evander Holyfield, Cher, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Henry Cavil, and more.
A Great Pyrenees Was Elected Mayor
While it may sound crazy, a Great Pyrenees called Duke the Fluffy was chosen as mayor more than three times in a row, in the city of Cormorant, Minnesota. The citizens claim that he ran a tight campaign and made some impressive promises during his bid for mayor. Apparently, the townsfolk were quite sick of electing human politicians who ended up not fulfilling any of the promises they made while campaigning. Their rationale was, “If we’re not going to get what we want anyway, why not just vote for a dog?” And that’s exactly what the citizens of Cormorant did.
Duke has been happily presiding in his mayoral role for many years now. This is apparently not the first time that a United States city chose a dog as their mayor, it also happened in other cities such as Sunol, California, Eastsound, Washington, and Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. It seems that the recent progressive wave of diversity managed to reach not only diversity of race and gender, but also that of species. At least we know that this politician isn’t lying to anyone.
A Chicken Farmer and His Guard Dog Save Hundreds of Penguins
Penguins are one of the cutest animals on the planet, especially tiny penguins that are only about a foot tall. They are the smallest of all the penguin species and are very vulnerable to predators. There was a small colony of these penguins in Middle Island, Australia which consisted of almost 1,000 of these little cute things. Unfortunately, a pack of foxes found them and began to systematically hunt them down.
When Australian chicken farmer, Swampy Marsh, heard what was happening, he quickly got his chicken-guarding dogs and went there to keep watch over the penguins. Ever since Marsh and his faithful guard dog began protecting the penguins, not a single one has been hunted and their population has grown back to about 200 strong. Since then, many dogs have guarded these penguins over the years, allowing them to live their lives in peace.
A Jack Russell Became a Hollywood Star
One of the world’s most famous acting dogs is Hollywood’s Uggie. This beautiful and loving dog was originally rescued by animal trainer Omar von Muller when the dog was still very young. Uggie was raised by Muller and taught basic acting skills, which culminated in him getting his debut role in the 2011 Award-winning French comedy-drama, "The Artist". In the film, he plays the main character's trusty sidekick, Jack. The film was critically acclaimed and won five Academy Awards in 2012, with Uggie winning the Palm Dog award at the Cannes Film Festival!
He has since appeared in various other films, as well as a Key & Peele comedy sketch, as a racist dog. Uggie was born on February 14th, 2002, and passed away in 2015, at age 13. He was widely loved in Hollywood and even appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in 2012. He was the first dog ever to have his paws printed on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
This Colombian German Shepherd Helped Get More Than 200 Drug Traffickers Arrested
Dogs have been found to be pivotal players in the war against drugs, as they possess both the sense of smell that allows authorities to detect and track down illegal substances. Colombia is one of the world’s largest producers and traffickers of substances and has a huge problem with menacing drug cartels and their operations. This is where Sombra (which means “Shadow” in Spanish), a six-year-old German Shepherd who works for the Colombian National Police, comes in.
This brave and talented police dog helps authorities find and arrest various illegal drugs in the country’s airports. She has been extremely successful in her duties and managed to help track down and arrest over 200 criminals who tried to send drugs overseas. This work culminated in more than nine tons of illicit narcotics being found, which made her a huge target for these cartels. Sombra has apparently attracted enough attention at this point to get her very own security staff to protect her, and she often gets transferred from airport to airport in order to keep her safe from harm.
Dogs Can Fetch Tennis Balls and Baseball Bats During Official Matches
If you’ve ever watched a tennis match or a baseball game, you know the disappointing and dull moments when the tennis ball gets missed by one of the players, who then has to walk on over to get it, bending slowly with a sad face before returning to the match. The same thing happens in baseball when a bat flies, usually nobody runs there, everyone just strolls over there looking disappointed. This was solved with the simple idea of taking man’s best friend and getting him to do what he loves best — play fetch.
Apparently, various tennis courts and baseball fields began employing dogs to help them fetch the respective ball or bat whenever they fly out of a player’s hand. This is quite amazing, as you can see the dogs running straight at the object with massive enthusiasm and happiness.
This Staffordshire Bull Terrier Helps Video-Game Animators
Motion capture technology has revolutionized the animation industry in the past few years, which allowed video-game animators to rapidly create realistic motions for people and animals. Remedy Entertainment, a Finnish video game developer based in Espoo, is responsible for some of the most popular video games in the past two decades. The company employees a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Uuno, who helps them do motion capture for dog characters.
Remedy Entertainment’s animators put a motion-capture suit on him, which uses advanced camera technology to translate his movements into an animated 3D model. Uuno helps the team create various animations for their video games, which is a lot easier, simpler, and more realistic than animating a dog by hand. It’s very helpful that the Terrier is a fast learner and can easily do tricks. You can tell that he really enjoys his job and is rewarded very well based on the smile on his face.
Great Dane
Great Danes are German dogs known for being the largest canines in the world. The tallest dog that ever existed was a Great Dane called Zeus, he broke the Guinness record with a standing height of 7 ft 5 in (2.26 meters). Great Danes were bred by the nobility in Europe who tried to create big and royal hunting dogs, and they were originally called "English Dogs", only to have their name changed later. The main defining characteristic of the Great Dane is obviously its size and particularly its height, which gives the dog a length-to-height ratio of a square.
They weigh between 110 to 180 pounds and live a relatively short lifespan of up to 10 years. Despite having an imposing appearance, they are actually very gentle and loving. Great Danes aren't aggressive nor prey seeking, and are even quite polite and sociable. They appear often in films and TV shows, such as Astro from The Jetsons, Fang (Hagrid's pet) from Harry Potter, and more.
This Pitbull Supports His Owner’s Neck During Seizures
The woman in this story has trained various military dogs for most of her professional career. Unfortunately, she had gone through a traumatic head injury that caused her to start experiencing epileptic seizures that include fainting and convulsing uncontrollably. That’s where Colt, the military dog trainer’s Pitbull, comes into the picture.
As you can see from the picture, what Colt does is position himself directly under his owner's neck, effectively acting as a soft surface that will cushion the blow if she ends up smashing her head on him rather than the hard floor. Colt has also been able to predict when his owner is going to have a seizure ahead of time. This ability can’t be explained by science at the moment, but it seems to be fairly well documented by his owner as a real phenomenon.
These Three Musketeers Track Down Illegal Elephant Poachers
Kenya is home to many exotic animals, including those that are in danger of extinction. The country has a national park called the Amboseli National Park, which houses almost 1,000 lions, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and other unique animals. These parks are known for their elephants, who are often hunted by poachers that extract the ivory from their tusks and sell it on the black market. Fortunately, the Big Life Foundation employed these three dog handlers and their trusty dogs to help track down the criminals and stop them.
The three dogs, named Didi, Bonnie, and Clyde, and their handlers, work in shifts to keep the place secure from poachers. If any animal is illegally killed and poached, the dog will track the criminal using their scent all the way to their homes. These canines are so good at their jobs that poaching has gone down to almost nothing. When they’re not catching criminals, the dogs and their handlers often train in the Ol Jogi ranch dog unit to be prepared for their next catch.
These Dogs Jump From Helicopters to Save People
The coast guard in Newfoundland, Italy helps rescue people stuck in the ocean from drowning by sending swimming dogs via helicopters to save them. These big and fluffy dogs train for three years on the entire procedure, from jumping out of the flying chopper, to swimming and assisting those in trouble. After three years the canines are ready for their first rescue mission. The Coast Guard estimates that it saves around 3,000 people every year with these dogs.
The reason why the Coast Guard is so effective at rescuing people is that their dogs are trained to stay calm and rescue people with minimal problems. The Coast Guard specifically picked these canines for their love of water, which means that they won't panic under any circumstances. The helicopters patrol the seas and look for people in trouble and then send down these trusty dogs to help.
This Black Labrador Helps Save Bees
Bees are one of the most useful insects in the world, as a third of the world's food production depends on their pollination. Unfortunately, they are on the verge of extinction due to both human actions and various diseases that threaten their population. One of these diseases is called the American Foulbrood Disease. Luckily for us, a smart and devoted Australian beekeeper, Josh Kennet, found a potential solution for this problem that’s cheap, scalable, and quite entertaining.
The Australian beekeeper trained his dog, Bazz, who is a black Labrador, to sniff out the scent that this deadly disease produces. This helps the beekeeper quarantine bees that have contracted this disease, effectively saving the rest of them from being killed by it. Bazz is suited with a custom-made beekeeper outfit that helps him stay safe while tracking down infected bees. The two work together amazingly and prove just how productive human and dog relationships can be when used for good measures.
This Golden Retriever is a Service Dog to a Blind King Charles Spaniel
It’s not every day that we see a blind person with a service dog companion, as these are quite an uncommon sight due to the rarity of the phenomena. Golden Retrievers and Labradors are some of the most popular dogs for this purpose, due to their easy and loving nature and high receptivity to training. Imagine if instead of seeing a service dog who helps a blind person walk the street, you see a service dog who works for a blind King Charles Spaniel!
Ginger, the Golden Retriever, is owned by a loving family who has a thing for animals. A few years ago, the family decided to adopt another dog but weren’t sure which type to go for, so they decided to take Ginger along to the shelter in order to help them make a decision. She was immediately enamored by a fellow Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Kimchi, so the family also took an interest in him. The only catch? He was completely blind. This didn’t stop the family from adopting him, and they trained Ginger to help take Kimchi out on walks and make sure he doesn’t stumble or get into dangerous situations.
This Golden Retriever Helps Young Victims During Trials
If you’ve ever known anyone who was the victim of a crime, you know that the most painful and often nerve-wracking part of the whole ordeal is having to speak in front of a group of people that you don’t even know about what happened to you. When it comes to children victims, things get even tougher, as they often break down in tears and are unable to even speak due to the massive stress this experience causes. That’s where Pella, a trained therapy dog, comes in.
Pella is a therapy dog that is specifically trained to help young children in courtrooms. She sits next to them and helps them relax a bit and feel like there’s someone supportive right there next to them. Adults can’t be next to the kid because of the fear of them influencing the testimony, but everyone is fine with a dog because these animals are obviously neutral and can’t manipulate the children. However, there was some controversy around Pella, due to fears of judges and defense attorneys that the beautiful dog will end up biasing the jury in favor of the child’s testimony. But these fears have not been proven to be true.
Dogs Are Often Sent to Disaster Sights In Search of Victims and Survivors
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, one of the first things that rescue operators do is to send in tracking dogs that are specifically trained to find survivors and help rescue them. Unfortunately, another part of the search mission is also to look for cadavers so that they can be accounted for and hopefully be given a proper burial. During the recent Northern California fires, a dog named Amelia “Mia” Earhart was sent to help find survivors, missing people, and cadavers at the wildfire site in Paradise, California.
Mia was specifically trained to find cadavers and managed to help find countless people that were either survivors or victims of the horrible natural disaster. She did an amazing job and helped save many lives, as well as accounting for many missing people. Many of the dogs sent to the site were volunteers, which just goes to show how amazing the bond between humans and dogs is. At the end of the search, 67 people were discovered by the dogs, and the list of missing people dropped from a few thousand to less than thirty.
Dogs Can Find Historically Significant Artifacts
A very luxurious form of theft is that of historical artifacts. One interesting solution to this predicament was proposed by the Red Arch Cultural Heritage Law & Policy Research group. They decided to form a unit called the K-9 Artifact Finders, which is comprised of dogs who are specially trained in locating missing artifacts that were stolen from museums or archaeological sites.
These dogs use scents to find missing items. The program has only just begun, which means that there aren’t any major results just yes. Despite their initial stages, the Red Arch Cultural Heritage Law & Policy Research group is certain that its dogs will do an amazing job tracking down expensive artifacts. They plan to put these dogs in airports with the goal of intercepting the smuggling while it is occurring.
Dogs Can Help Diabetic Patients
Some dogs have the ability to smell when their diabetic owners have low blood sugar levels. This is a preventive measure and can help turn a horrible episode that should have ended in the hospital into a simple insulin injection. Scientists have puzzled around the question of how these dogs are able to smell sugar levels in a human’s blood, and their conclusion was that diabetics have more isoprene, which is a chemical compound found in a person’s blood.
This higher level of isoprene causes the dog owner’s breath to smell differently when blood sugar levels drop, a change that a great sniffing dog can instantly recognize and pick up on. That’s not to say that dogs are perfect solutions for diabetics, as they might make mistakes, such as judging an unrelated change in a person’s breath as a sign of low blood sugar. However, if you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, a service dog who can smell blood sugar levels will come in extremely handy, in addition to being adorable and making you happy, which is a huge bonus in and of itself.
Service Dogs Help The Disabled
Here’s one of the most important rules that apply when dealing with kids, elderly people, and those with disabilities — never do something for them that they can do on their own. This is critically important in all three cases, as it helps children become responsible and independent adults while helping elderly and disabled people retain their sense of identity, individuality, and competence. This is where a service dog comes in handy in a beautiful way.
Some of the incredible feats of service that these service dogs do for their owners are things like helping the dog’s owner get his or her medication, mail, or even food or drink from the fridge. They can also save them from dangerous situations, such as a wheelchair rolling on its own down a hill or incline. Some service dogs also press on elevator buttons, although they probably make a few mistakes along the way. What makes service dogs even more special, is that in addition to being free, honest, and extremely helpful, they also serve as some of the cuddliest and most loving creatures on the planet.
Sniffing Dogs Are Trained to Find Truffles Which Sell For Up to $3,000 a Pound
Truffles are a special type of fungi that grow underground and are considered a rare and expensive type of food. These are highly in demand due to their various health benefits, with white truffles reaching prices of up to $3,000 per pound. Humans used to train pigs to find these precious fungi in the past, but they eventually transitioned to using dogs due to their being easier to train, having a lot more endurance, and the lower chance of dogs eating the valuable truffles once they finally find them.
According to various sources, hunters had a lot of trouble when using pigs to hunt truffles, and would often have to literally wrestle the fungi out of the pig’s mouth upon finally finding one. The best breeds of sniffing canines for truffle hunting adventures include Springer Spaniel, Poodles, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers, with the best breed arguably being the Lagotto Romagnolo, who is specially equipped for hunting truffles.
Belgian Malinois Participate in Navy SEALs Combat Missions
The U.S. Navy SEALs are the Navy's primary special operations force and one of the top branches of the military. They have one of the lowest recruit retention rates in the world due to the challenging nature of their elite missions, and it reportedly costs the United States over a million dollars to fully train just one SEAL. These kinds of elite units require all the resources they can get to complete their secret missions, which is where the trusty and competent Belgian Malinois canine breed comes in. These dogs participate in various missions with Navy SEALs, often rappelling from helicopters along with them in the dead of night or the heat of battle.
These Navy SEAL canines are trained to perform various complex functions that they are naturally better at than humans, while also preventing unnecessary deaths for these soldiers. Their missions range from finding explosives to tracking down and hunting terrorists. Navy SEALs use these dogs’ range of abilities to the max, utilizing their agility, speed, force, and sense of smell in the pursuit of the perfect mission. These dogs are often equipped with body armor and other automatic gadgets which improve their already impressive abilities.
Many Canines Can Even Detect Various Forms of Cancer With a Surprisingly High Accuracy
In recent years, there’s a strong indication from scientists that dogs can actually sniff out various types of cancer with almost 100% accuracy, which means that they are more reliable to some extent than doctors and machines. There is a myriad of tests being done at the moment to understand just what role dogs play in cancer detection.
If they are found to be effective tracers of cancer, this means that you could use your dog as a real-life cancer detector, saving you a bunch of uncomfortable doctor visits and a possible late diagnosis. It’s been suggested that dogs are able to smell cancer because it causes subtle changes in a person’s chemistry, thus making him secrete slightly different odors from his body. Perhaps in the future, dogs will become a more integral part of cancer prevention.
This Labrador Helps His Owner Lick Stamps
It’s easy to notice that dogs have much bigger tongues than humans, and are also much better at using them. If you’ve ever seen a dog drink water from a bowl in slow motion, you know just how capable these canines are at manipulating and controlling their tongues. One of the most interesting dog jobs we’ve seen recently was that of a dog named Jax, who lives on the Island of Skye, in Scotland.
His owner Ray Chandler, a postmaster, thought that his trusty dog could help him lick stamps, as he found his own tongue getting dry way too often. The first attempt was a great success, and Jax appeared to love the action, so Chandler decided to ask the black Labrador to work for him full time. Since that day, Jax is considered by the village of Portree to be its Official Stamp Licker, and he definitely enjoys the title and his work.
Turtle Trooper
Who has four water shoes, technicolor sunglasses, and is also a good boy? This dog! This happy German Shepard is more than just the best beach companion with the coolest style, he's a protector of sea turtles!
With his supreme scent-detector ability, this furry friend has been trained to find and safely dig up sea turtle nests from sandy beaches. This ensures that the vulnerable baby sea turtle nests can be incubated in an animal shelter far away from predators like crabs, birds, and lizards. A brave fluffy doggo AND baby sea turtles. Cuteness overload! Where do we sign up?
Vancouver’s Police Dogs Help the City in a Myriad of Ways
The Vancouver Police Department makes sure their specialized police dogs earn their wages by participating in various beneficial and often hilarious activities. The dogs, which include German Shepherds and Bulldogs, even pose in ‘good cop - bad cop’ poses for the city’s annual police dog calendar, which is sold to raise money for various charitable organizations.
When they’re not busy modeling for hilarious pictures, these dogs put their training to the test and help catch criminals and protect their fellow human police officers. We imagine these awesome dogs riding in the back of police cars with their paw and head out of the window while wearing aviator glasses and letting their tongues follow in the breeze.
Two Dobermans and Two Northern Inuits Helped Film a Recent Star Wars Movie
Disney recently released a spin-off film to their popular 'Star Wars' franchise, called 'Solo: A Star Wars Story'. The film revolves around one of the franchises' most iconic characters, Han Solo, and reveals various details regarding his past adventures that predated the film trilogies. Two pairs of canines, the first, a couple of Dobermans called Blackie and Boyce, and the second, two Northern Inuits named Saxon and Elsa, were used in the film production to play as “Corellian hounds”. These are alien canines from a planet called Corellia, who are basically a very deformed and fur-less version of dogs.
The dogs wore full-body costumes which turned them into hideous creatures, with the only part of their bodies that remained exposed being their paws. These costumes took a very long time to make, as they had to look realistic while also being fully functional and safe for the dogs. Saxon and Elsa, the pair of Northern Inuits, have apparently been featured in a Hollywood production before. They appeared as the dire wolves from “Game of Thrones”, so it’s good to know that they already have some experience.
Bird-Hunting Dogs Are Used to Save New Zealand's Native Bird Population
New Zealand lies somewhere along the pacific ocean and hosts some of the most exotic animals, especially birds. Unfortunately, it also hosts a lot of predators who end up devouring these precious birds, causing their population to dwindle and disappear due to their rarity. Various bird species, such as the Kiwi, a flightless bird that looks like a large piece of hair with a beak, are quickly being dispatched by various pests, such as rats and stoats.
The New Zealand government recently put together a special task unit of canines that specializes in tracking and hunting birds for the exact opposite purpose. These dogs are trained to help save New Zealand’s exotic bird population by finding them and helping clear out the predators that try to hunt them down. So far the government managed to clear about 100 islands of these predators, but the threat still exists.
Spaniels Help Track Down England's Leaky Pipes
Earlier this year, an English water company called United Utilities hired two spaniels to help them find leaky pipes. The dogs are Snipe, who’s a Cocker Spaniel, and Denzel, a Springer Spaniel. They are tasked with tracking down underground leaky pipes using the scent of chlorine. This is not an easy job, as these pipes are often deep inside the ground, but the two have been extremely successful at it and helped the firm save a lot of money.
The dogs work by first sniffing a bit of chlorine to know what smell they’re looking for. People originally used this ability of spaniels to track down scents for hunting and finding missing people. United Utilities uses a combination of advanced satellite technology and their on-the-ground dogs to find these leaky pipes and take care of them.
This Golden Retriever Received An Honorary Degree From Johns Hopkins University
It’s quite rare to meet a dog with better educational credentials than most people, but this is exactly the case with this amazing Golden Retriever called Kirsch. His owner, Carlos Mora, goes to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. This is quite an expensive university, which is why Kirsch is fortunate to be Mora’s service dog. Many high schools and universities allow for service dogs to accompany their owners, which is always an amazing sight to see due to the beauty of that kind of relationship.
Kirsch got to enjoy the double pleasure of getting to spend time with his owner Mora, while also getting educated and even getting a degree! Johns Hopkins University decided to allow Kirsch to accompany Mora to her graduation and even asked him to wear his very own graduation outfit, including the iconic graduation hat. Kirsch ended up getting an honorary degree while his owner received her Masters of Science in Counselling.
Some Dogs Help With the Laundry
Dogs can do quite a large range of activities if they are trained properly. They obviously don’t have the ability to make complex decisions when it comes to laundry such as “don’t put the white clothes with the colored ones” (it also doesn’t help that they’re color blind), but they can still do some very physical functions like taking the clothing out of the laundry basket and putting it into the washing machine. Apparently, there are service dogs who are now using a laundry machine specifically tailored for dogs to help disabled people. The idea was created by a company called JTM Service.
This dog-friendly washing machine is called the “Woof to Wash”, and as the name implies, it starts working once the dog starts barking. The entire thing is built for a dog’s abilities and body, including a rope knot that the service canine can use to open the hatch. Another cool function is that the door can be opened by using the paw pedal, which can be seen at the bottom right of the machine. The service dog puts all the clothes from the laundry basket into the machine, barks, waits for it to finish, opens it, takes out the laundry, and puts it back in the laundry basket!
This Dog Squad Rescues People
The Vail Avalanche Rescue dogs are trained at Vail Mountain, Colorado to find people buried under snow or trapped in a storm. To the dogs, it’s a game. They’ve been trained to find toys and things under the snow, with increasing difficulty. They’ve ridden chairlifts and jumped out of helicopters. Their noses are just that useful in search and rescue missions.
A trained avalanche dog can search for two and a half acres in a quarter of the time it takes 20 people to search the same area. They sniff out human scent and stick their head in the snow when they find it, following the strength of the smell. One dog in Switzerland even found someone buried 40 feet deep.
Labradors and Other Patient Breeds Listen to Kids Reading
It’s quite heartwarming to see our young kids grow up. When your child first smiles, takes their first steps, mutters their first word, and eventually even reads. Unfortunately, many adults have busy lives and aren’t as available as they’d like to be when their children want to read to them. Fortunately, there are some dog breeds that are especially patient and don’t mind sitting for hours and listening to a child speak.
Having someone to read to makes the kids happy and excited. It's also very empowering to know that there's someone out there who lives to listen to you read. This initiative has been widely accepted by parents as a great way to motivate kids and help build their self-esteem. We only wish our library was also full of amazing dogs that can't wait to listen to us read. In fact, these types of dogs should be standard additions to every school and home!
New Guinea Singing Dog
If you're in need of a four-legged duet partner, look no further than the New Guinea singing dog. This canine breed has some vibrant vocalizations that will make anyone or any dog turn their head.
The New Guinea Singing Dog is known for its high-pitched howls. If you're a music lover, a pack of the breed is even better! Why? Well when one dog starts its distinctive howl, other new Guinea singing dogs will join in. It's known as a "Chorus Howling." We want front-row seats!
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds' most recognizable feature has to be their large floppy ears. What may come as a surprise is that hearing is not where Basset Hounds shine. Their superpower is actually their strong sense of smell.
Their ears act as scent collectors and help fan smells towards their noses. This also makes them proficient predators. They've been used as hunting dogs since the 16th century.
Bakharwal
These peculiar pooches are known for their dietary preferences. Bakharwal dogs, also known as Kashmiri Sheep Dog, are vegetarian!
You won't catch a Barkharwal snacking on a meaty treat. Instead, they prefer milk and bread. Their distaste for flesh makes them the ultimate trustworthy guard dog for farmers and animal breeders alike. You'll rest assured that your Bakharwal dog will only protect your property and not take a bite out of it.
Dalmatian
To say that this breed is fearless is an understatement. Ever wondered why Dalmatians are firefighters' best friends? It's because they aren't fire-phobic! They stay cool and collected in front of a fiery blaze.
Back in the day, when fire trucks were horse-drawn carriages, Dalmatians were brought along to keep the equines relaxed. Turns out that Dalmatians aren't afraid of horses either, in fact, they often befriend them. Talk about a fiery friendship!
Irish Wolfhound
It's not a tall tale that Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest breed on the planet. They clock in at approximately 32 inches, or 7 feet tall on their hind legs! Since Irish wolfhounds are a particularly loyal and obedient breed, if you train them correctly they can help retrieve objects that may be hard to reach.
They also have a keen hunting sense and are the perfect companion to help you hunt prey perched in high places
Pomeranian
Don't be fooled by these poofy pups! Not only are they cute and fluffy, but they're incredibly intelligent.
Pomeranians' intelligence can really be seen when the dogs learn tricks and crack problems. This breed is the perfect combination of clever and cute, which is no easy feat!
Otterhound
It's all in the name! This breeds' superpower is... you guessed it...catching otters! This breed has every feature needed to be a proficient otter hunter.
Otterhounds have waterproof fur, webbed feet, and a strong sense of smell. Not to mention they are super swimmers. Otters, beware!
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Who said only cats climb trees? The Catahoula Leopard Dogs, like their feline frenemies, are skilled tree climbers.
Their tree-scaling abilities not only make them great hunting companions but also proficient search and rescue canines. They're also easy to...spot! Why? Their spotty coats of course.
Labradoodle
This breed's superpower is not its endlessly entertaining name (although it could be). Labradoodles' special feature is that they're hypoallergenic.
It means that they don't shed their fur, which makes them the perfect poodle for those with sensitive noses and allergies.
Norwegian Lundehund
This canine breed certainly has some curious quirks! Norwegian Lundehunds are very flexible, particularly in their necks.
They have the ability to bend their necks backward. This skill comes in handy when catching birds! Lundehunds also have six toes per foot. This gives them a better grip as they run across various terrains.
Saluki
This prestigious breed has many traits that make for an outstanding four-legged companion. Salukis have excellent eyesight, even preferring to hunt prey using their sight as opposed to their sense of smell, unlike most canines. However, what the Saluki breed is best known for is their whimsical beauty.
Salukis' graceful appearance has inspired and appeared on various forms of artwork for generations, dating back approximately 6,000 years. Now that's some good-looking genes!
Czechoslovak Wolfdog
What do you get when you mix the loyal German Shepherd breed with the strong and agile Carpathian Wolf? You get the Czechoslovak Wolfdog.
These wolfdogs have a balanced blend of pack (which usually includes their owners if trained correctly) prioritization and wolf-like stamina. It's no wonder they are commonly used as search and rescue dogs.
Pekingese
Yes, these may be the cutest canines on the planet but that's not all they bring to the table, we promise. The Pekingese breed has a long lineage dating back to ancient China where they were mainly used as guard dogs.
You read that right! Despite their adorable appearance, Pekingese are proficient protectors of their human families, and will always alert their adopted parents if an intruder is near. Their small stature also makes them great guard dogs for people living in more confined spaces.
Coonhound
Have an issue with feral pigs or raccoons? Then a Coonhound might just be the canine companion for you! Coonhounds are hunting dogs, even known to pursue bobcats and bears. Their superpower has to be their unparalleled perseverance and tracking skills.
No hunt is too daunting or too treacherous for these pups! Coonhounds are also adored for their harmonious howling.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are hard to miss. Not only due to their large build, but also because of their double-thick coats. However, where this breed reigns supreme is in the strength category.
With a bite pressure of approximately 500 pounds and the ability to pull up to 7,000 pounds, this brawny breed is not to be messed with! However, that being said, they're still known to be loving and sociable animals.
Pyrenean Shepherd
As all dog lovers know, having to say goodbye to your furry friend is heartbreaking. Since most dogs have a fairly short lifespan, these goodbyes come too often.
The good news is that the Pyrenean Shepherds have a long lifespan, stretching to 17 years! That means you'll have far more time to bond with your pooch without worrying about the inevitable farewell for a while. Pyrenea Shepherds are also known for, you guessed it, their sheep-herding abilities.
Chihuahua
If you're looking for more than just a docile dog, look no further than the tiny but sassy Chihuahua breed. What these dogs lack in size they certainly make up for in personality.
They're the embodiment of the phrase "dynamite comes in small packages." Chihuahuas are known for their well-developed and unique personalities. They are more than just purse fillers for the rich and famous.
Beauceron
Beaucerons are renowned for their protective instincts, especially when it comes to their human families. They have unwavering bravery and loyalty. It comes as no surprise that they were a common breed used during the World Wars.
Nowadays, those traits make them the perfect guard dog to keep a watchful eye over your loved ones.
Daschund
Daschunds, otherwise known as sausage dogs due to their elongated shape, are proficient badger hunters! Their short stature allows them to shuffle in and out of badger burrows with ease.
Don't let their humorous hot-dog-like appearance fool you! Daschunds can be aggressive and dedicated hunters when needed.
Pug
It's no wonder that Pugs fall under the canine "toy category." Just look at these little guys! Their wrinkled skin, big eyes, and smooshed-up faces make them too adorable for words! What's particularly special about Pugs is their ultra-calm temperament which makes them the ideal dog to adopt if you have small children.
They also don't really bark or bite, instead, they love affection and hanging around their adopted family. Teach your children about caring for an animal without the risk of harming them.