Behaviour & Training

It may surprise you to learn that dogs come in two different coat types: double and single. A double coated dog is where there’s a dense undercoat that usually consists of shorter hairs and a longer top coat which are referred to as guard hairs. The fluffier dogs you encounter tend to be the result of a very dense undercoat, whereas the smoother breeds are generally single coated. This double coat doesn’t just serve to make them look cute and fluffy though, it’s incredibly clever! During the cooler months it acts as insulation and keeps them warmer, whereas when it’s hotter, it allows air to circulate and prevents them from overheating. That’s not all either, it also helps to repel moisture and dirt and keeps them cleaner!

No matter how tight or fluffy the coils are, no dog lover can resist running their hands through the fancy fur of a curly-haired dog. But these irresistible curls weren’t created by nature just for petting! They also serve as a great barrier against water. No wonder curly dog breeds have been trusted assistants for fishermen and hunters for generations. Their coats also provide a lot of warmth, which unfortunately makes some of these amazing canines unsuitable for very hot climates. Voluminous curls, feathered furs and fluffy hair do´s these popular big-haired dog breeds look like they’ve been transported into our laps straight from the ‘80s and we couldn’t love them more for that. Here are the most amazing balls of fur proudly showing off their fabulous curls to the world.

Over the past few years, crossbreeds have become more and more of a popular choice for dog owners. As you can imagine, many different breed combinations are possible, and because of this, mixed breed dogs can come in all different shapes and sizes. If you are considering whether a mixed breed dog is the right fit for you and your family, it’s important to be aware that there is a lot of variation within each crossbreed. This is because each mixed breed puppy will inherent certain traits from each of their parents, and it’s impossible to tell which traits will be passed down to each puppy. In other words, one Labradoodle can look completely different to another! When it comes to behavioural traits, a dog will have their own personality regardless of which breed or crossbreed they belong to. However, specific breeds have been bred to increase their chances of having certain functional traits, for example, Border Collies have been bred as herding dogs, and so may possess traits such as intelligence and high activity levels, and an increased likelihood of possessing one of these traits may be passed onto their offspring. Below we’ve listed some of the best crossbreed dogs, along with some of the characteristics they could inherit from their purebred parents – but it’s important to be aware that there are no guarantees and mixed breed dogs can be extremely variable in looks and personality – which makes them each unique! 27 of the best crossbreed dogs

Spain is a popular tourist destination for many and it’s easy to see why with its rich art history, jaw-dropping architecture and pleasantly warm climate. But did you know that the land of flamenco dancing and tapas is also home to some of the most unique and incredible Spanish dog breeds?   7 Spanish Dog Breeds   From small and fluffy lap dogs to large and loyal guard dogs, here’s our top 7 Spanish dog breeds, some you’ve probably heard of, and others you may be discovering for the first time!

When we think of Japanese dog breeds, the Akita immediately springs to mind. But there are many other fabulous Japanese canines with fascinating histories, who make wonderful four-legged friends. Origami, fast bullet trains, cherry blossom trees and sushi are only some of the amazing things Japan is famous for. But dog lovers, did you know about the many and varied gorgeous Japanese dog breeds? Read on to find out all about them! Japanese dogs have impressive histories dating back thousands of years, and frequently make the top of the list for the most loyal and protective dog breeds on the planet. So, don’t think these pooches are just handsome to look at. If canine loyalty and love is your weak spot, dog’s native to Japan have had the starring role in many heart-warming stories over the years. All great reasons to get to know these amazing breeds better.

Is there anything cuter than a dog tilting their head from side to side? This adorable behaviour has the power to melt the heart of just about anyone – but why do dogs do it? Check out our guide and find out the story behind this common canine habit. If you’re lucky enough to have a canine companion in your life, it’s likely you’ve encountered the heart-melting head tilt. You may be telling them that it’s time to go for walkies, and they start cocking their head from side to side, and you think to yourself, “why do dogs tilt their heads? Are they listening to what I’m saying?”. At Purina, we’re just as curious about your pooch’s behaviour as you are, and that’s why we’ve taken a look into the reasons why dogs do this. Keep reading to find out more!

Feeling a bit jealous of all the naps your dog takes – but also a little worried that there might be something wrong? Here are some of the most important reasons why dogs sleep so much. Long walks in the park, slobbery kisses and games of fetch all day – if this is what you expected from your dog, you’re probably a little bit surprised by how much snoozing they manage to fit in! Of course, there’s plenty of running, walking and playing in a dog’s daily schedule, but napping all day, or at least a good part of it, can also be a normal part of the canine routine. Most of the time, there’s no need to worry about that extra shut-eye. But if you’re asking yourself ‘how much daytime snoozing is too much?’, ‘how long do dogs normally sleep for?’ or ‘when’s it time to get worried?’, keep reading to find out more.

White furbabies looking for a name to match their extra level of cuteness are in luck. We’ve scoured the internet for the best white dog names, so you can easily choose a moniker that will do your pet’s snow-white looks justice. From the whitest of white furs to pearl-like colours and every other light-coloured dogs out there, these canines have a great choice of monikers. Here are some of the most beautiful names that will perfectly suit your pup’s personality and looks.  

Russia is a land of snow-capped mountains and cities bursting with colour. But it’s not just the beauteous country which deserves a special mention, they’ve also had a hand in creating some of the best-loved dog breeds in the world today.

For centuries, dogs have been considered our best friends and most loyal companions, so it’s only natural that there are numerous pups that have risen to fame. At Purina, we’ve put together this list of our favourite famous dogs in history which includes everyone from movie stars to decorated military dogs, keep reading to find out more!

If you’re a dog owner, it’s likely you’re well versed in the sudden bursts of energy that have our dogs (and especially puppies) spinning like tornados and doing laps around the coffee table like it’s an Olympic track. But have you ever paused to wonder, what are they doing exactly? This behaviour is known as ‘dog zoomies’ and we’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about it.

Going on holiday, but planning on leaving your canine companion behind? Planning holidays are very different for pet owners. Before you can even start thinking about sandy beaches and sunny skies, you need to make sure your dog will be safe and happy while you’re away. That’s why knowing the ins and outs of pet sitting, doggy day care, and kennels, so you can find that perfect boarding facility for your dog, is so important. It can be a daunting thought to consider leaving your best friend in a place they don’t know, away from their family and familiar surroundings but before you think ‘there goes my relaxing holiday’, it’s good to remember that there are a few tried-and-tested ways to take the stress out of the boarding process. Here’s what you need to know about dog boarding so that both you and your four-legged family member can have a good time, even though you’re spending it apart. Top tips for choosing the right boarding kennel for your dog