Introduction to this website
Welcome to this website all about dogs. There are estimated to be around a billion dogs in the world. That’s about 1 for every 8 people! They were the first animal to be domesticated and the first ‘man-made’ species. They’re now the most po…
History, purpose, grey areas, and modern debates across UK and US
What does the Working group include? Working dogs are the heavy lifters of the canine world. They were bred to protect property, move loads, guard livestock and people, and support rescue and emergency tasks. In both the UK and US you will …
History, purpose, grey areas, controversies, and the Toy group’s surprising breeds
What makes a Toy dog a Toy dog rather than simply a small dog? Toy dogs are a recognised breed group defined by their small size and long tradition of living closely with people. Most major kennel clubs use a Toy group to classify small bre…
Part 1: The evolution of wolves
From the vast steppes of prehistoric Eurasia to the bustling cities of the modern world, dogs have been our constant companions, protectors and friends. They have guarded our homes, herded our livestock, hunted by our side and warmed our he…
Part 2: From enemies to companions: how wolves became dogs
It's widely accepted that domestication occurred in several places and at several times, but when it happened is unclear. Estimates range as from as recently as 8,000 years to as far back as 130,000 years, but the generally accepted time fr…
Building a solid foundation with balanced meals
Bringing a puppy home is exciting and often a little overwhelming. Among the many decisions you face, what and how to feed your new companion is one of the most important. Nutrition during the first year sets the stage for growth, behaviour…
History, purpose, grey areas, and modern debates across UK and US
What does the Working group include? Working dogs are the heavy lifters of the canine world. They were bred to protect property, move loads, guard livestock and people, and support rescue and emergency tasks. In both the UK and US you will …
History, purpose, grey areas, controversies, and the Toy group’s surprising breeds
What makes a Toy dog a Toy dog rather than simply a small dog? Toy dogs are a recognised breed group defined by their small size and long tradition of living closely with people. Most major kennel clubs use a Toy group to classify small bre…
Understanding the history, purpose and controversies of UK and US dog breed groups
For as long as people have kept dogs, they have tried to make sense of the many shapes, sizes and temperaments by grouping them. In the modern world this has been formalised by kennel clubs, with the Kennel Club (KC) in the United Kingdom a…
Introduction to this website
Welcome to this website all about dogs. There are estimated to be around a billion dogs in the world. That’s about 1 for every 8 people! They were the first animal to be domesticated and the first ‘man-made’ species. They’re now the most po…
Part 1: The evolution of wolves
From the vast steppes of prehistoric Eurasia to the bustling cities of the modern world, dogs have been our constant companions, protectors and friends. They have guarded our homes, herded our livestock, hunted by our side and warmed our he…
Part 2: From enemies to companions: how wolves became dogs
It's widely accepted that domestication occurred in several places and at several times, but when it happened is unclear. Estimates range as from as recently as 8,000 years to as far back as 130,000 years, but the generally accepted time fr…
How humans steered evolution
Following the initial domestication↗ process, the diversification of dog types began to accelerate around 5,000 or 6,000 years ago. As dogs encountered different environments and became an integral part of human societies, they entered a ne…
Building a solid foundation with balanced meals
Bringing a puppy home is exciting and often a little overwhelming. Among the many decisions you face, what and how to feed your new companion is one of the most important. Nutrition during the first year sets the stage for growth, behaviour…
Did you know dogs can 'smell time'?
Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, and most people believe they know them well. They are part of our homes, our routines and our memories, yet there are countless details about them that often go unnoticed. Away from t…
Dogs can tell when you're lying!
Dogs are part of our daily lives, yet there is always something new to discover about them. Many people know about their loyalty and keen senses, but research continues to uncover unusual details that even lifelong dog owners may not have h…
What they are, how they work, and how they might even be influencing you
Dogs live in a world that is far richer in scent than we can ever imagine. While we rely heavily on sight and sound, dogs use their noses to gather information about their surroundings, other animals, and even us. One of the most fascinatin…
A complete guide to one of the world’s most popular and family-friendly dog breeds
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most recognisable and well-loved dog breeds in the world... and for good reason! Known for its friendly nature, intelligence and versatility, it has earned a place in the hearts of families, working dog …
Dogs in arson and fire scene investigation
In the aftermath of a fire, the scene can be chaotic and difficult to read. Charred remains, collapsed structures and the smell of smoke can mask the clues that point to how the blaze began. For investigators, one of the most important ques…
An elegant and rare sighthound with a rich history and distinctive appearance
The Afghan Hound is one of the most distinctive and elegant dog breeds in the world. Known for its long, flowing coat, refined features and aloof yet affectionate nature, it has been admired for centuries both as a skilled hunter and as a c…
The stray who became a World War I hero
Sergeant Stubby was a stray Boston Terrier (probably; Boston Terrier was a new breed then, so he might have been something similar) who was found wandering the grounds of the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut, in July 1917, w…
A complete guide to the charming and compact French Bulldog, from history to health
The French Bulldog is one of the most recognisable small breeds in the world, known for its compact build, bat-like ears, expressive face and HUGE personality! The story of the French Bulldog begins in England during the 19th century. It wa…
Charming and pocket-sized, Miniature Dachshunds are full of personality despite their small stature
The Miniature Dachshund is a small dog with a long body, short legs and a big personality that often surprises those who meet it for the first time. Known affectionately as the sausage dog, it is a breed that combines charm, intelligence an…
Identifying triggers and formulating elimination diets for dogs
Food allergies and intolerances in dogs can be frustrating for owners and uncomfortable for the animals themselves. The signs are often subtle at first, such as occasional scratching or mild digestive upset, but they can progress into persi…
Saving the day since 1859!
The original depiction of a Collie called Lassie is found in an 1859 short story, The Half-brothers, by English author Elizabeth Gaskell. This story established the Lassie saves the day story-line that runs through all the Lassie tales. Las…
When and how to integrate dietary boosters for dogs
Supplements for dogs are a subject that often divides opinion. Some owners see them as an essential part of a healthy routine while others believe a balanced diet is enough. The truth lies somewhere in between. There are times when dietary …
Dorothy's famous companion in Oz
Toto is one of the most recognisable dogs in popular culture, thanks to his role as Dorothy Gale’s loyal companion in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its many adaptations. Created by L. Frank Baum, Toto first appeared in the original 1900 no…
The only dog ever registered as a prisoner of war
Judy is the only animal to be registered as a prisoner of war during World War II. In June 1939 she was aboard HMS Grasshopper when it was sunk during the Battle of Singapore. The surviving crew made their way to a deserted island and Judy …
A complete guide to the Cocker Spaniel, from origins and temperament to care needs and popularity
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most recognisable and well-loved breeds in Britain and America. Known for its gentle nature, expressive eyes and long silky ears, it has been a favourite both as a working gundog and as a family companion. I…
Loyal, distinctive and steeped in history, the Bulldog is a true British icon
The Bulldog is one of the most recognisable dog breeds in the world, with its stocky build, wrinkled face and distinctive pushed-in nose. Often known as the British Bulldog, it has become a national symbol, often associated with determinati…
What to look for (and avoid) in ingredient lists
Do you REALLY know what you're feeding your dog? Most dog owners glance at the label, but knowing how to read it can mean the difference between a healthy diet and hidden problems... read on to find out the whole story. Choosing the right f…
The simple, powerful training method that builds clarity, trust and lightning-fast learning
In the world of dog training, few techniques are as simple and universally effective as “mark and reward”. At its heart, it’s about communication, giving your dog a clear signal the instant they’ve done something right, and then following i…
The debate over where domestication began
The story of dog domestication is one of the most intriguing chapters in the shared history of humans and animals. For decades, researchers have tried to pinpoint where the first wolves began their transformation into dogs. The question see…
Teaching your dog where not to go
Every dog needs to know where it is welcome and where it is not. Teaching boundaries is not about punishment or harsh rules but about giving your dog clear guidance. A dog that understands limits is calmer, safer and easier to live with. Wh…
Who we are and what this site's about!
Hello! My name's Jude, and the handsome boy photo-bombing my picture is Roo, an 11-year-old Australian Kelpie. I've spent the last few years writing non-fiction books about things I'm interested in. During research for that, I've gathered a…
All about how we use cookies, and what your rights are
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better browsing experience by remembering your preferences and enabling certain website functions. This page explains in…