What do almonds, honeybees, and a spore-forming bacterium have in common? Mack, the bee dog. Mack is a 5-year-old Labrador Retriever tasked with protecting Maryland’s commercial honeybee populations from American Foulbrood (AFB) — one of the most devastating honeybee colony diseases. Mack works alongside owner and handler, Cybil Preston, the chief apiary inspector for the […]

A recent experience ringside watching a novice reminded me that while conditioning is not necessarily part of the breed standard, good condition is crucial to winning. In this case, the judge withheld ribbons, and rightfully so, on a decidedly overweight dog. The response of the handler was “But why? She fits the standard.” Here is […]

The Township Committee of Shamong, New Jersey, is expected to consider significant changes to its animal ordinances at its Tuesday, September 4, meeting.  As currently worded, the proposal contains many concerning and controversial provisions, including future prohibitions on kennels and breeders with 5 or more intact females.  The proposal also includes breeding and ownership restrictions, […]

One of the joys of owning a dog is being able to pamper him with treats and fun activities. If you're looking to give your canine companion some extra-special love and attention, here are seven ways to safely spoil him. 1. Give Your Dog a Frozen Treat on a Hot Day Just like us, dogs […]

Most pet owners have probably said at one point or another that they prefer their dog over most people. Well, thanks to a plethora of high-tech products on the market, spoiling our pups has never been easier. Here are some cool items to check out. PETKIT Dog Bowl This digital, machine-washable feeding bowl has a […]

It takes an army to raise a champion show dog: an owner to take her home and love her when it’s not show time, a groomer to clip, trim, brush and smooth with perfect precision, a handler to highlight her best features and exhibit her to the best of her breed standards. But before any […]

Beagle Field Trials, a sport found only in the United States and Canada, started with this announcement in the Sunday Boston Herald on October 26, 1890: "A group of Beagle Owners would hold a Beagle field trial in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in a fortnight." This Group called themselves the National Beagle Club of America, and the […]

The American Kennel Club recognizes 184 dog breeds, and each was originally created for a reason whether it was to help put food on the table, guard herds, control vermin, or provide companionship. Most of these breeds are uniquely suited to do their job, and what follows is one such dog: Behold the perfect canine […]

Few aspects of pet ownership are as stressful as transporting an injured dog to the hospital. Whether your pup has been hit by a car, attacked by another animal, or has eaten something harmful, providing him with immediate medical care is crucial for a good prognosis. Getting him to the hospital, however, is easier said […]

Search and rescue dogs seem like the ultimate example of determination, working tirelessly to track their target through the roughest of conditions. But what about our pet dogs? Will they stick with a problem for as long as their working counterparts? Unlike our pet dogs that often look to us for guidance, search and rescue […]