Articles

Home » Pet Health Articles » Articles

• Bergamasco

  Bergamascos are easygoing, balanced, and observant, and tend to bond strongly with their owners. They are patient and tolerant with children, making them excellent family guardians and companions.

• Boerboel

  Boerboels are strong and fearless with guardian instincts, but they're also very playful and affectionate toward their owners.

• Boykin Spaniel

  When governor Richard W. Riley signed into law the act making the Boykin Spaniel the state dog in South Carolina, he said it was because of the fierce dedication, stalwart loyalty, noble character, and eagerness for both hard work and lively play exemplified by this native breed.

• Cirneco dell’Etna

  Cirnechi are friendly, affectionate, and loyal – but they're also independent and incredibly intelligent. Although they're only moderate energy dogs, they need plenty of mental stimulation in order to be happy.

• Collie Eye Anomaly

  Collie eye anomaly (CEA), also called “collie eye defect,” is an inherited, developmental disease in dogs in which there is a mutation of the gene that determines the development of the eye. This mutation results in defects of many layers of the back of the eye. The most common sign of CEA is blindness.

• Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs

  Color dilution alopecia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects dogs with dilute-colored coats causing hair loss. Some dogs will also be affected by secondary bacterial infections so topical management and pruritus treatments may be needed to improve the dog's comfort. Affected dogs and their relatives should not be bred.

• Do Dogs See Color?

  Dogs are not completely color blind, as they can see yellow and blue, as well as shades of gray. Their eye structure allows them to see better in dim light compared to people. Near-sightedness is common among dogs.

• Factors to Consider in Pet Selection - Dogs

  Dogs can be amazing family members and greatly enrich our lives! Adding a dog to the family is also a serious commitment, and research before choosing a dog will help set the family and the dog up for success. This handout goes over some factors to consider when selecting a dog.

• Genetic (DNA) Testing

  Genetic (DNA) testing is readily available, whether you are using it for fun to find out what breeds your pet is made up of or if you are looking into possible medical conditions. DNA samples can be collected either from a cheek swab or a blood draw. Knowing which breeds your pet is made up of can help you and your veterinarian prevent or prepare for health issues in the future.

• Genetics Basics: Breed Determination

  All dogs evolved from a common ancestor. Humans started breeding dogs for pleasure in the 19th century and this led to an intense diversification of dog species into the nearly 400 breeds recognized today. DNA tests can be performed on mixed-breed dogs to determine their breed ancestry.