In the wake of House Republicans holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress and launching an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden‚ the liberal ladies of ABC’s The View were in a tizzy Thursday Morning. They were so unhinged that they were spewing wild lies and conspiracy theories all over the place‚ including falsehoods that no one had ever defied a congressional subpoena before Republicans targeted by the January 6 committee. They even seemed to accuse former co-host Meghan McCain of committing the types of crimes Hunter allegedly committed. Moderator Whoopi Goldberg directed her anger at Republicans through the camera. “Listen‚ you can say a lot about the Democrats but they knew what they were going in for: high crimes and misdemeanors. You couldn't name one! You couldn't say‚ ‘Well‚ he's old. That's why we're mad.’ They couldn't name anything! I mean‚ what the heck?!” she shouted. Staunchly racist and anti-Semitic Sunny Hostin‚ who was once a federal prosecutor‚ suggested “people” were not who investigators focus on when prosecuting a case. “That’s very telling because when you are prosecuting a case and investigating a case‚ you're not investigating a person‚ you're investigating a crime‚” she proclaimed. Despite being a millennial in her 30s‚ faux conservative Alyssa Farah Griffin showed that she had the political history knowledge of a Zoomer (Gen Z) when she ridiculously suggested that no one had ever defied a congressional subpoena before allies of former President Trump defied the January 6 Committee (Click “expand”): FARAH GRIFFIN: And it feels like to me two things can be true at once. I personally think Hunter Biden should have complied with the congressional subpoena. I also think Jim Jordan‚ Scott Perry‚ Mo Brooks‚ McCarthy – GOLDBERG: Can you say that one more time? FARAH GRIFFIN: -- I also think Jim Jordan‚ Scott Perry‚ Mo Brooks‚ and others subpoenaed in the January 6 investigation should have complied with congressional subpoenas.     Farah Griffin might want to research former President Obama’s first attorney general‚ Eric Holder for an earlier example. “They created this precedent that allows him to blow it off‚” she further accused those Republicans. Goldberg interrupted her to spin Hunter’s defiance. “Well‚ he didn't blow it off. He says he wants to do it in public ‘cause he’s concerned‚” she defended him. The other fake Republican at the table‚ Ana Navarro tried to downplay Hunter’s alleged crimes as something everyone she knew in Washington‚ D.C. were doing and that they were no big deal. “Did he monetize on Joe Biden's last name? Yes‚ he did. That’s not a crime. Did Hunter Biden cheat on his taxes? Yes‚ he did…15 percent of Americans cheat on their taxes‚” she declared‚ without evidence. She also asserted that “people sitting at this table” were guilty of “influence peddl[ing]” based on their names. The show came to a grinding halt as the cast demanded to know who she was accusing. “I'm not talking currently‚” she quickly stated in her defense. If she wasn’t speaking about current cast members of the show‚ that really only left former Republican co-hosts Abby Huntsman and Meghan McCain. The latter took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce Navarro’s attack on her. “I don’t understand why my former colleagues @TheView @ABC bring me up and slander me on an almost weekly basis. It has been years - move on‚ I have‚” McCain wrote.   I don’t understand why my former colleagues @TheView @ABC bring me up and slander me on an almost weekly basis. It has been years - move on‚ I have. I have never been accused of a crime in my life and am a patriotic American - I would never and have never “influenced peddled”… — Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 14‚ 2023   Adding: “I have never been accused of a crime in my life and am a patriotic American - I would never and have never “influenced peddled” in my life‚ let alone with foreign adversaries. Not all politicians' children are the same - and I am no Hunter Biden.” McCain threatened legal action against the show. “All accusations are absurd‚ defamatory and slanderous. I will be consulting my lawyers regarding what was libeled against me on The View this morning‚” she said. The transcript is below. Click "expand" to read: ABC’s The View December 14‚ 2023 11:04:09 a.m. Eastern (…) WHOOPI GOLDBERG: Listen‚ you can say a lot about the Democrats but they knew what they were going in for: high crimes and misdemeanors. You couldn't name one! You couldn't say‚ ‘Well‚ he's old. That's why we're mad.’ They couldn't name anything! I mean‚ what the heck?! SUNNY HOSTIN: That’s very telling because when you are prosecuting a case and investigating a case‚ you're not investigating a person‚ you're investigating a crime. And I think – Jamie Raskin‚ who I love. Representative Raskin‚ he was a former prosecutor and he said‚ ‘the Biden impeachment investigation isn't a whodunit. It is a what is it? It’s like an Agatha Christie novel where the mystery is what's the crime?” And that gets tedious very fast. And he’s absolutely right. It’s not the way you prosecute cases‚ it’s not the way you investigate cases. And it’s just so transparent that this is just political retribution. They're playing politics. ALYSSA FARAH GRIFFIN: And it feels like to me two things can be true at once. I personally think Hunter Biden should have complied with the congressional subpoena. I also think Jim Jordan‚ Scott Perry‚ Mo Brooks‚ McCarthy – GOLDBERG: Can you say that one more time. FARAH GRIFFIN: -- I also think Jim Jordan‚ Scott Perry‚ Mo Brooks‚ and others subpoenaed in the January 6 investigation should have complied with congressional subpoenas. They created this precedent that allows him to blow it off. Additionally‚ I don’t – [Crosstalk] GOLDBERG (interrupting Farah Griffin): Well‚ he didn't blow it off. He says he wants to do it in public ‘cause he’s concerned. FARAH GRIFFIN: But their response to that‚ because I reached out to the Oversight Committee is essentially that they first always start with a deposition. They would have minority staff there – meaning the Democrats – and then they could go to an open hearing. But all that aside‚ Hunter Biden‚ yes‚ I think he was engaged in corruption. I do think the charges against him by the Department of Justice are very serious. I have not seen one shred of evidence that it's tied to Joe Biden. That's what it comes down to to me. And by the way‚ someone who is no Joe Biden fan‚ Steve Doocy on Fox News has been hammering James Comer. Give me one thing. One piece of evidence. Otherwise it's a waste of taxpayer dollars. ANA NAVARRO: Joe Biden's crime is being Hunter Biden's father and being Hunter Biden's very loving father‚ very good father‚ very supportive father. Look‚ did Hunter Biden influence peddle on his last name‚ yes‚ he did. So‚ did half of Washington. People sitting at this table did it. [Laughter] FARAH GRIFFIN: Who at this table did it? NAVARRO: Did Hunter Biden -- did Hunter Biden cheat on his taxes? Yes‚ he did. So have— FARAH GRIFFIN: Who at this table peddled on their last name? HOSTIN: I didn’t. NAVARRO: I'm not talking currently. [Laughter] FARAH GRIFFIN: We just wanted to clear our names. [Laughter] SARA HAINES: I was like: do I have a claim to fame that I am not using?! NAVARRO: Can I go back to my point now that you guys have caught on? GOLDBERG: Now that we’ve cleared it up. It took a while. NAVARRO: All right. Did he use his last name to make money to -- did he monetize on Joe Biden's last name? Yes‚ he did. That’s not a crime. Did Hunter Biden cheat on his taxes? Yes‚ he did. So‚ he has admitted it. He paid it back. He paid it back with $600‚000 penalty. 15 percent of Americans cheat on their taxes. GOLDBERG: Say that again. NAVARRO: 15.5 percent of Americans cheat on their taxes. And you know how many get prosecuted? Less than one percent. GOLDBERG: Talk about the one who used to run the country who cheated on his -- who didn't pay his taxes! (…)

Although it was once a favorite of English royalty‚ the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is now among the most popular dog breeds in the world. With an affectionate nature and unique appearance‚ it’s easy to see how these gentle pups are so hard to resist. Like many popular breeds‚ the Cavalier King Charles is prone to some medical conditions. Before you let one of these dogs steal your heart‚ check out this article to learn about six Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health issues to watch for. Top 6 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Issues 1. Mitral Valve Disease Image Credit: Nestor Rizhniak‚ Shutterstock Type of health problem: Heart Treatment: Medications Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a common heart problem and is especially troublesome in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. With MVD‚ the valve between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the dog’s heart begins to fail. Typically‚ this valve keeps blood flowing in one direction‚ out of the heart and into the body. When it fails‚ blood can reverse back into the heart‚ reducing its ability to function. While MVD can occur in any dog‚ Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to developing especially severe cases‚ often at young ages. Dogs with this issue shouldn’t be bred. Often‚ the first sign of MVD is your vet hearing a heart murmur or abnormal heart sound during your dog’s yearly exam. An echocardiogram‚ or heart ultrasound‚ will be needed to confirm a diagnosis. Mitral valve disease can’t be cured but can usually be managed with medications. 2. Syringomyelia Image Credit: hedgehog94‚ Shutterstock Type of health problem: Spinal/Nervous system Treatment: Medications‚ sometimes surgery Syringomyelia‚ an unusual build-up of fluid sacs around the dog’s spine‚ is also called “neck scratcher’s disease” after the most common symptom it causes. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of several breeds that may inherit this condition. The issue is generally related to a problem called Chiari malformation‚ where the dog’s underdeveloped skull cannot contain all of the brain. When the brainstem extends outside the bottom of the skull‚ spinal fluid flow may be obstructed‚ causing syringomyelia. Besides pain and scratching at the neck‚ a Cavalier with this condition may shake their head frequently‚ have trouble walking‚ or even have seizures. If your vet suspects this condition‚ they may send you to a dog spine and brain specialist for an MRI. Treatment involves giving medication for pain control and sometimes surgery‚ although the procedure is complicated. 3. Luxating Patella Image Credit: Svetlanistaya‚ Shutterstock Type of health problem: Bone/joint Treatment: Medications‚ surgery Luxating patellas‚ or sliding kneecaps‚ are one of the most encountered joint issues of small breed dogs and Cavaliers are no exception. This condition occurs when the dog’s kneecaps don’t fit properly in their groove and slip in and out randomly. It is an inherited condition‚ and dogs diagnosed with it shouldn’t be bred. Symptoms include limping and “hopping” on the hind legs. Depending on how bad the Cavalier’s knees are‚ they may require surgery to correct the condition. Mild cases may be managed with pain medications and joint supplements. 4. Hip Dysplasia Image Credit: Nestor Rizhniak‚ Shutterstock Type of health problem: Bone/joint Treatment: Medications‚ surgery Hip dysplasia is another inherited joint problem‚ most often seen in large breed dogs‚ which can also impact the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In this condition‚ the dog’s hip bone doesn’t develop correctly‚ resulting in a loose joint. Over time‚ the dog will develop arthritis in this location. Depending on how severe the hip dysplasia is‚ you may not notice any signs until arthritis starts‚ when the dog may begin limping and have trouble getting up after resting. Severe cases may require surgery to correct‚ while milder hip dysplasia can usually be managed with joint supplements and pain medications. 5. Retinal Dysplasia Image Credit: hedgehog94‚ Shutterstock Type of health problem: Eye Treatment: None Retinal dysplasia is the incorrect development of the retina: the part of the eye that captures light and is responsible for a dog’s vision. Dogs with this condition often have folds or lesions on their retina. In purebred dogs like the Cavalier‚ this is generally an inherited condition with no visible symptoms. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to developing severe forms of this condition‚ which can eventually lead to the entire retina detaching from the eye‚ causing the dog to go blind. There is no cure for this condition‚ and it is typically only discovered if a potential breeding dog has a special eye exam to check for it. Cavaliers with retinal dysplasia should not be bred. 6. Middle Ear Infection Image Credit: Nestor Rizhniak‚ Shutterstock Type of health problem: Ear Treatment: Cleaning‚ medications‚ occasionally surgery This is the only health issue on our list that isn’t technically inherited‚ although dogs with floppy ears‚ like the Cavalier‚ are more prone to getting ear infections in general. While most ear infections involve the outer portion of the dog’s ear‚ they can cause a hole or rupture in the eardrum‚ allowing bacteria into the delicate middle ear. Symptoms include thick ear discharge‚ sudden hearing loss‚ head tilt‚ pain‚ and redness. Sometimes the infection reaches into the inner ear‚ causing symptoms like vertigo in people. Infected middle ears can be much harder to treat‚ often requiring medications by mouth as well as in the ear itself. In some cases‚ the Cavalier may even need surgery. Choosing a Healthy King Charles Cavalier Puppy Because most of the health issues on our list are inherited‚ finding a healthy puppy requires carefully researching potential breeders. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club in America maintains a list of recommended screening tests that all dogs being considered for breeding should undergo: Yearly check for a heart murmur Regular eye checks for retinal dysplasia and other conditions X-rays to check for hip dysplasia Vet check or x-rays to look for luxating patellas To be extremely thorough‚ the club also suggests that breeding dogs have an MRI to look for Chiari malformation and genetic testing for any other inherited conditions. When considering a breeder‚ ask to see the documentation that all the recommended screening tests have been performed on their dogs. Also‚ ask whether they provide a health guarantee for new puppies. As hard as it may be‚ try to resist buying a puppy from a breeder who avoids your questions or doesn’t perform the health tests. Conclusion As careful as you may be choosing a breeder‚ avoiding all health issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is not always possible. Because of this‚ it’s vital to keep up with all your dog’s preventative care and regular physical exams to catch potential problems early. Not every Cavalier will develop one or more of these health issues‚ but for those that do‚ you’ll want to start treatment as quickly as possible. Sources Syringomyelia and Chiari-like Malformation Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 5 Common King Charles Spaniel Health Problems Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Luxating Patella in Dogs Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Retinal Dysplasia Tympanic Membrane Rupture and Middle Ear Infection Featured Image Credit: KnipsKaline‚ Pixabay The post 6 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Issues to Watch For appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Common Pugs Noises How to Stop The Barking What’s not to love about a Pug? These quirky little dogs bring great joy to their family’s lives‚ not least due to being natural comics with a real sense of fun. Another perk of pug parenting is that they’re not typically big barkers‚ but that doesn’t mean they never bark or make any noise. All dogs make noise to some extent‚ it’s just that some breeds‚ including the Pug‚ are known for being less “barky” in general than others. That said‚ every dog is an individual and there’s no guarantee you won’t get a Pug with a bit more sass than expected! This post will explore some of the noises Pugs make and tips for stopping excessive barking. What Noises Do Pugs Make? Though the American Kennel Club describes Pugs as being the kinds of dogs that usually only “bark to alert”‚ you can still expect a variety of noises to come from your snuffly delight. Here are some common Pug noises and what they mean. Barking Though Pugs aren’t the noisiest of dogs in this regard as rule‚ they may still bark for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons your Pug may bark is that they want to alert you to something interesting. They may also be warning you about something‚ greeting you‚ expressing excitement or happiness‚ or attempting to warn off a perceived or real threat. According to the AKC‚ you can usually tell from the pitch of the bark whether it’s a happy bark or a “back off” kind of bark. High-pitched barks are typically welcoming in nature‚ whereas lower barks tend to be more often emitted as a warning. It’s said that a Pug’s bark sounds like a “yip” or a “yodel”. Image Credit: Ryan Garrett‚ Shutterstock Snorting Pugs are brachycephalic‚ which means they have smushed‚ flat faces and short heads. The fact that they have such short palates means they have a tendency to snort a lot and‚ when they’re asleep‚ snore a lot. Though snorting is common in Pugs due to the way they’re bred‚ it’s important to keep an eye out for more serious respiratory issues. If you have a brachycephalic breed like a Pug‚ it’s a good idea to discuss with your vet how much snorting is normal and when some kind of treatment may be required. This is also an important consideration if you decide to get a brachycephalic breed—they’re much more prone to respiratory health conditions and other issues including digestive problems and skin issues due to their folds. Reverse Sneezing Reverse sneezing looks and sounds pretty scary when it happens‚ but it’s usually nothing to be worried about. It’s common in brachycephalic breeds and happens when there’s an irritant or allergen in your Pug’s airways. It can also occur when your Pug is super excited. Reverse sneezing is when a dog inhales air quickly and repeatedly through their nose‚ which results in a loud snorting or honking sound. As long as your Pug doesn’t have an underlying health condition (like a heart condition) or is reverse sneezing way too frequently‚ they should be fine. If you suspect that reverse sneezing is caused by an allergy‚ your vet may prescribe antihistamines to help keep it under control. You can help a Pug having a reverse sneezing attack by taking them outside for some fresh air and talking to them in a soothing tone. Image Credit: Lemalisa‚ Shutterstock Whining Pugs sometimes whine to get your attention—most likely to remind you that it’s dinner time or time for a walk! If your Pug is feeling anxious or suffers from separation anxiety‚ they may whine due to feeling stressed when you leave. Dogs also whine or whimper when in pain. Howling Howling is a way in which dogs communicate with other dogs‚ and exactly which emotions they’re conveying with howls are a bit lost on us humans. Some dogs howl when they hear a high-pitched sound like a siren or music. They may also howl to get attention‚ for example‚ to try calling you back when you leave (more likely in dogs with separation issues) or simply to let you know that they’re there. Image Credit: jojosmb‚ Shutterstock How to Stop My Pug Barking So Much If your Pug is a little more vocal than others‚ you might be worried about a potential knock on your door from a neighbor. We’ve been there. Below are some of the reasons your Pug might be barking and tips for dealing with the situation. Barking for Attention If your Pug is barking to attract your attention‚ your best bet is to ignore it—it’s hard‚ we know‚ but necessary. Whether it’s a positive response (the attention they want) or a negative response (scolding and yelling)‚ any kind of response shows your Pug that they can get your attention by barking‚ so you’ll need to reframe that mentality. When the barking starts‚ remain silent‚ stay still‚ and avoid eye contact with your Pug. Ignore the barking and‚ when it stops and your Pug is calm‚ reward them with some praise‚ cuddles‚ or a treat. Barking at People from the Window If your Pug has a habit of barking when they see people passing by from the window‚ they might be feeling anxious or fearful or trying to alert you to the fact that there’s someone there. For this kind of barking‚ you’ll need to attune yourself to the signs that your dog is going to bark. When you spot an “opportunity”‚ redirect your dog’s attention from the window to you. Get them to do something you can reward them for‚ like sitting. You can also teach your Pug to watch you instead of the passersby with a command like “watch me.” Don’t worry if you can’t do this every time your Pug is at the window—we can’t sit there all day! If you’re not going to be around for a while‚ you might want to temporarily block your Pug’s view with the curtains. Image Credit: fongleon356‚ Shutterstock Barking When You Leave It’s common for dogs with separation anxiety to bark when their humans leave the house. For mild or moderate cases of separation anxiety‚ you can try desensitizing your Pug by doing brief daily practice sessions where you leave for a short time (a few seconds at first) and re-enter when your dog is calm. Start by closing doors to rooms inside the house before progressing to you actually leaving. As they get better at being alone‚ you can gradually increase the time. If the situation does not improve‚ please contact your vet or a dog behaviorist. Barking at Other Dogs If your Pug is barking at other dogs or passersby while out walking on the leash‚ they may be experiencing frustration at not being able to go and play with the other dog or they may be fearful. In addition to socializing your Pug with other dogs gradually so they become less suspicious of them‚ here are some things you can try when your Pug starts barking out in public. Calmly turn around and walk in the opposite direction‚ away from what’s causing your Pug to bark. Avoid trying to reassure or calm them—simply turn around and walk away at a normal pace. When the other dog is out of sight‚ stand still with your Pug and wait for them to calm down. Continue on your way only when they are calm. Make sure your shoulders are pointed away from the person or dog they’re barking at to show them that there is nothing of interest. Take your fearful Pug to the park and allow them to watch other dogs from a safe distance. When a dog comes into view‚ give your Pug a treat. This teaches them to associate other dogs with something good. Try doing this in short daily sessions if possible. Try to socialize your Pug with as many different people as possible‚ though not too many at once so as not to overwhelm them. If your Pug’s barking does not improve‚ it’s best to enlist the help of a professional trainer. Image Credit: Toberoon‚ Pixabay Final Thoughts To recap‚ Pugs are typically quiet dogs barking-wise‚ but you can expect quite an array of sounds to come from them nevertheless‚ including snorting‚ honking‚ snoring‚ snuffling‚ yodeling‚ yipping‚ whining‚ and howling. Some of these‚ like snorting and snoring‚ come down to the Pug’s physiology whereas others are just the normal sounds a dog makes to communicate with their humans. Sources https://pets.webmd.com/dogs-separation-anxiety https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-happens-when-a-dog-reverse-sneezes/ https://mcdowallvets.com.au/brachycephalic-syndrome-snoring-and-snuffles-is-this-normal-how-do-you-fix-it/ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs/#:~:text=Brachycephalic%20dogs%20can%20suffer%20from‚as%20dental%20disease%20%5B1%5D. https://bondvet.com/b/digestive-issues-in-dogs-causes-prevention-and-treatment https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/skin-fold-dermatitis-in-dogs#:~:text=Skin%20fold%20dermatitis%20is%20an‚and%20dogs%20with%20short%20noses.   Featured Image Credit: Ryan Garrett‚ Shutterstock The post Do Pugs Bark a Lot? How Much &; How To Stop It appeared first on Pet Keen.

We all have that classic image in our heads of a boy growing up and getting through those often traumatic teen years with their best canine friend by their side. The benefits of having a pet are well-documented in the scientific literature for people of all ages. Students have found that we experience stress relief from interacting with dogs‚ and teenagers can especially benefit from these rewards.1 Understanding a breed’s behavior and a particular dog’s background is essential for choosing the best pet for teenagers. Meeting at least one parent and preferably some of the littermates will give you valuable intel for making an informed choice. So‚ if you’re considering getting your stressed-out teen a new furry companion‚ which breed is the best option? There are quite a few to choose from. The 20 Best Dog Breeds for Teenagers 1. Labrador Retriever Image Credit: Natalia Fedosova‚ Shutterstock Size: Large Trainability: High Energy Level: High Tolerance for Being Alone: Low It’s no surprise to anyone who has met a Labrador Retriever that it is the American Kennel Club’s second most popular breed‚ but they were in first for years before the French Bulldog recently took over.2 This dog is big enough to tag along to almost any activity. They are very friendly with just about everyone‚ and they have the energy to keep up with a teenager’s lifestyle. This breed is intelligent and can learn new tricks and commands. They are also a lovable and affectionate pet. The must-know about this pup‚ however‚ is their low tolerance for being alone. 2. Bernese Mountain Dog Image Credit: david muscroft‚ Shutterstock Size: Extra large Trainability: Moderately high Energy Level: Moderately high Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sweetheart. They are lovable canines that are affectionate with everyone‚ including children. This pup will be a hit with the teens‚ whether camping‚ hiking‚ or even going to the beach. The breed is moderately active but not as intense as some dogs that take their play very seriously. They are about as easy going as it comes. The must-know about this breed is their relatively short lifespan. That’s not unusual for dogs this large. Their bodies live at a faster pace in a shorter period‚ so make the most of the time with your canine BFF. 3. Samoyed Image Credit: Monika Hodanova‚ Shutterstock Size: Large Trainability: Moderately high Energy Level: Moderately high Tolerance for Being Alone: Moderately low The Samoyed has a long history as a sled dog with a strong relationship with their human companions. That makes these pups affectionate and playful with all family members. They are active animals that are well-suited to long walks. Of course‚ the breed is highly cold-tolerant but not as happy during hot weather. The pup’s coat requires more grooming to prevent mats and keep their shedding under control. The other must-know with this breed is its barking‚ so be sure to take this into consideration. 4. Great Dane Image Credit: mkzdillon‚ Shutterstock Size: Giant Trainability: Moderate Energy Level: Moderately high Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Great Dane embodies the term “gentle giant.” While these dogs are moderately active‚ they still appreciate time hanging around with their family and living in the moment. They are intelligent animals that need mental stimulation to be happy. A giant canine such as this one can give a shy teenager the confidence they need. Their protective nature is another benefit. Their shedding level isn’t horrible‚ but some may drool. The other thing to know about this breed is that they have much shorter lifespans compared to other breeds. 5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Image Credit: kate-amos‚ Pexels Size: Small Trainability: Moderately high Energy Level: Moderate Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the dog that always smiles. They are some of the cutest pups you’ll find. That may explain why the breed ranks 15th on the AKC popularity radar.3 Teenagers will appreciate this dog’s lovable personality that will fit in with any group. They are even good choices for teens new to pet ownership. The Cavalier will make everything as easy as possible. This breed can sometimes be a barker—a bad habit you must get in check early. They are also prone to obesity‚ undoubtedly because they look so adorable and worthy of too many treats. 6. French Bulldog Image Credit: Irina Nedikova‚ Shutterstock Size: Small Trainability: Moderately high Energy Level: Moderate Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The French Bulldog is something of a surprise among popular dog breeds‚ shooting up to the top spot in the AKC. They have many qualities that make them an excellent choice for teens. They are playful dogs with moderate energy to match. They are also highly adaptable and well-suited to apartment dwellings. However‚ they are intolerant of cold and hot weather and being left alone. The French Bulldog is one of many brachycephalic dog breeds characterized by their flat faces. That also makes them prone to respiratory conditions. 7. English Springer Spaniel Image Credit: Chiemsee2016‚ Pixabay Size: Medium Trainability: High Energy Level: Moderately high Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The English Springer Spaniel is an excellent choice for a teenager who wants to take the lead in dog training. This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please. They are also well-suited to active teens who want a pet to keep up with their activity. This dog loves people and will enjoy meeting new friends. The breed can be sensitive‚ requiring positive reinforcement during training. The must-know with this dog applies to any canine with high intelligence. They need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and the destruction that sometimes accompanies this condition. 8. Siberian Husky Image Credit: Edalin Photography‚ Shutterstock Size: Medium Trainability: Moderate Energy Level: High Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Siberian Husky is one of the best dogs you can get for a teenager who wants an active pet. This one fits the bill to the tee! They may even outpace your child. This pup is well-suited to kids who have experience with pets and want to take it to the next level. They are also good choices for teens who enjoy the outdoors and winter activities. This pup is adaptable and open to making new friends. However‚ they are barkers‚ which isn’t unusual‚ given their job as sled dogs. 9. Newfoundland Image Credit: Pandas‚ Shutterstock Size: Giant Trainability: Moderate Energy Level: Moderate Tolerance for Being Alone: Low You’d be hard-pressed to find a sweeter dog than the Newfoundland. This pup adores people‚ even children. Their gentle nature makes them great family pets. They are easy going animals that take life as it comes. They are protective of their family but aren’t barkers. However‚ when they speak‚ it’s time to listen. The breed is relatively healthy with moderate exercise needs. They’re long-lived for their larger size. Positive reinforcement is vital for this sometimes-sensitive dog. They are adaptable‚ yet they don’t like to be left alone for long stretches. 10. West Highland White Terrier Image Credit: anetapics‚ Shutterstock Size: Small Trainability: Moderately high Energy Level: Moderately high Tolerance for Being Alone: Moderately low The West Highland White Terrier is adorable with an entertaining personality to boot. This pup proves that wonderful things can come in small packages. They are happy dogs‚ as is apparent when looking at their smiling faces. However‚ a vein of toughness runs deep in these dogs‚ making them good choices for teenagers. Active teens will appreciate this breed’s playfulness. This breed is good with children and other family members. With other dogs‚ though‚ not so much. They do‚ however‚ require regular grooming to keep their coats white and mat-free. 11. German Shorthaired Pointer Image Credit: Vitalii Mamchuk‚ Shutterstock Size: Medium Trainability: High Energy Level: High Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The German Short-Haired Pointer is an excellent choice for a teen who wants to hunt. This pup succeeds at this kind of task‚ whether on land or water. They have the energy and intelligence to make superb companions in the field. They are nothing short of canine athletes. These dogs are also eager to please‚ although they are best suited to a teenager with pet experience. Pointers need a job‚ so they are better choices for teens who are willing and able to put them to work. Mental stimulation is also imperative for their well-being. 12. Pug Image Credit: Antin82‚ Shutterstock Size: Small Trainability: Moderately high Energy Level: Moderate Tolerance for Being Alone: Low If a teen wants an animal companion that will entertain them and shower them with boundless love‚ look no further than the Pug. This pup takes cocking its head to a new level that is sure to make you laugh. Everyone is their friend‚ both canine and human. They make it so easy to fall in love with them. The Pug is an excellent choice for families with small children. The Pug is an ancient breed that endeared itself to royalty with their unwavering affection. However‚ the dog is another of the many brachycephalic dog breeds that may require special care. 13. Cairn Terrier Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko‚ Shutterstock Size: Small Trainability: Moderate Energy Level: Moderate Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Cairn Terrier always seems to be alert‚ undoubtedly a carry-over from their days as ratters. This pup succeeds admirably at this task with their weather tolerance‚ trainability‚ and intelligence. The breed is a good choice for teens new to pet ownership‚ although diligence is necessary to reinforce canine manners and keep their barking under control. Like many dogs‚ Cairn Terriers love to dig. It comes instinctively with them. It’s worth keeping this trait in mind if your teen leaves your dog in the backyard for extended periods. 14. Weimaraner Image Credit: VKarlov‚ Shutterstock Size: Large Trainability: High Energy Level: High Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Weimaraner is an obedient dog that will respond well to responsible training. They are highly intelligent and need a strong owner who uses positive reinforcement‚ so while some teens can handle them‚ not all can. The breed’s history is intertwined with hunting and sportsmanship‚ although it’s unlikely many use this dog for big game hunting as in the past. Unsurprisingly‚ they are high energy and must have mental stimulation. Understanding this breed’s unique needs is essential to make sure it’s a good fit for your teenager. This pup requires a commitment to training and reinforcement. 15. Boxer Image Credit: Photobac‚ Shutterstock Size: Large Trainability: Moderately high Energy Level: High Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The most important thing to understand about the Boxer is that they are full of energy. This pup needs regular activity to stay healthy both mentally and physically. They are indeed a commitment. We all think they are like big kids who have never grown up‚ making them good choices for teenagers. A teen must understand this dog’s needs before getting one for a pet. You’ll never have a dull moment with a Boxer in your household. However‚ this pup needs their playtime to stay happy and prevent boredom. 16. Portuguese Water Dog Image Credit: Brook Robinson‚ Shutterstock Size: Medium Trainability: High Energy Level: High Tolerance for Being Alone: Moderately low A Portuguese Water Dog is a bundle of energy‚ always ready to play. This pup is synonymous with play and fun. They are high energy and eager to please. That can make it easy for a teenager to own and train one. Despite their dense coats‚ these dogs don’t shed a lot. However‚ they require regular grooming‚ which adds to their care and maintenance. We consider these dogs a rewarding energy commitment because they always want to play and interact. They also don’t like to be left alone‚ meaning they could easily take to your teenager. 17. Airedale Terrier Image Credit: PROMA1‚ Shutterstock Size: Large Trainability: Moderate Energy Level: Moderate Tolerance for Being Alone: Moderately low The Airedale Terrier is a dog you can’t fail to notice. Their intelligence and fearless disposition command attention. They began life as hunters of waterfowl and rodents. That accounts for their independent streak. It also explains their moniker as the “King of Terriers.” These dogs more than exceeded their capacity to take on various jobs. Regular grooming is part of the maintenance a teenager owning one will face. This pup needs an owner who can appreciate the animal’s intelligence and requirements for mental stimulation. 18. Vizsla Image Credit: Barna Tanko‚ Shutterstock Size: Medium Trainability: High Energy Level: High Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Vizsla is one of many European breeds that almost became a casualty of the world wars because of their association with royalty. The breed’s history is as an all-purpose hunting dog‚ although its speed and endurance are other defining traits. A teenager owning this pup must commit to regular exercise and mental stimulation. Doing so will create a formidable bond between the two. You probably won’t find a dog more affectionate and loyal to their family. This dog isn’t just a time commitment; it’s an emotional one. 19. Standard Poodle Image Credit: everydoghasastory‚ Shutterstock Size: Large Trainability: High Energy Level: High Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Standard Poodle is the Swiss Army Knife of dogs. It’s not a matter of what this dog can do but rather what it can’t accomplish. This breed is a far cry from the image of the perfectly groomed canine. This pup hunts and swims like nobody’s business. It is one of the most intelligent breeds‚ second only to the Border Collie. This dog requires a highly committed teenager willing to work with this pup. While the Standard Poodle sheds minimally‚ they require regular grooming to stay mat-free. Mental stimulation is imperative to keep this pup mentally fit. 20. Golden Retriever Image Credit: Neelsky‚ Shutterstock Size: Large Trainability: High Energy Level: Moderately high Tolerance for Being Alone: Low The Golden Retriever is the quintessential kid’s dog. They are cute and friendly while being very tolerant of roughhousing during play. Those are all good reasons for the breed being number three on AKC’s list. This pup loves everyone‚ which makes them popular at dog parks. Their intelligence makes them easy to train as house pets or hunting companions. A teenager considering this breed must understand the dog’s energy needs. This pup wants to run and play‚ and they are not animals to leave at home alone. Conclusion As you’ve seen‚ many dog breeds make great choices for teens‚ no matter what their personality‚ social needs‚ or activity levels. You’re sure to find a pup that can step up to the plate. Pet ownership is also an excellent way to teach your kids about responsibility. All canines require daily care. Therefore‚ we suggest supervising your teenager to ensure your family pet gets what they need. Sources https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2332858419852592 https://akc.org https://www.akc.org/most-popular-breeds/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201701/why-do-large-dogs-have-shorter-life-spans-small-dogs https://www.hsvma.org/brachycephalic https://www.stanleycoren.com/smartest-dog-breeds/ Featured Image Credit: Oleg Mitkevych‚ Shutterstock The post 20 Best Dog Breeds for Teenagers &; Reasons Why (With Pictures) appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Classification Details Top 8 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Drool For some‚ their love of certain types of dogs is strong enough that the drooling isn’t a big deal. For others‚ it’s just not something they’re prepared to deal with at all due to personal preference or allergies. If you are in the latter category but love big dogs‚ you might consider adopting a dog that doesn’t slobber much. In this post‚ we’ll introduce you to some of the possibilities. How Are Non-Drooling Dogs Classified? Some breeds are notorious for drooling because of the type of mouth they have. Some dogs have jowls‚ and the slobber tends to collect them. Examples include Bloodhounds‚ Bulldogs‚ Saint Bernards‚ Dogue de Bordeaux‚ and Great Danes. This kind of facial structure is especially common in large breeds. On the other hand‚ some breeds are known for being minimal droolers. That said‚ just because a dog doesn’t drool much doesn’t mean they won’t ever drool at all—it happens to pretty much every dog now and again. It can happen during eating or drinking or when a dog is stressed‚ excited‚ or has just exercised. Top 8 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Drool 1. Afghan Hound Image Credit: David Raihelgauz‚ Shutterstock Origin: Afghanistan Lifespan: 12–18 years Height: 25–27 inches Shedding: Minimal Temperament: Dignified‚ comical‚ sweet‚ independent As one of the world’s oldest breeds‚ the Afghan Hound has been around so long that it’s impossible to know exactly when they first came about. We do know‚ however‚ that they were developed in the area that is today made up of three countries: Afghanistan‚ Pakistan‚ and India‚ but Afghan Hounds are most commonly associated with Afghanistan. Here‚ they’ve long been developed in mountainous regions. Afghan Hounds aren’t known for being big droolers‚ and they don’t shed much‚ either‚ but they do need to be brushed regularly to prevent their long coats from getting matted and tangled. The elegant and dignified Afghan Hound exterior hides a sweet nature and a real sense of fun. 2. Doberman Pinscher Image Credit: DragoNika‚ Shutterstock Origin: Germany Lifespan: 10–12 years Height: 24–28 inches Shedding: Moderate Temperament: Loyal‚ alert‚ affectionate‚ courageous Doberman Pinschers originated in Germany in the 19th century where they were developed as protection dogs. The idea came from a breeder named Louis Dobermann who was also a taxman and needed a dog of impressive size and awe-inspiring appearance to make sure people paid up and didn’t give him any trouble on his rounds. In spite of their imposing looks‚ Dobermans are known for being very affectionate‚ devoted dogs that get along well with everyone in the family when properly socialized. They’re moderate shedders but don’t need to be brushed often and don’t tend to get smelly easily. Dobermans also have a low tendency to drool. 3. German Shorthaired Pointer Image Credit: Westwood‚ Shutterstock Origin: Germany Lifespan: 12–14 years Height: Up to 25 inches Shedding: Moderate Temperament: Friendly‚ eager to please‚ energetic‚ playful German Shorthaired Pointers were originally bred as gun dogs‚ and‚ after generations of work‚ the breed was finally considered “finished” in the 19th century. As hunting dogs‚ GSPs were developed to be agile‚ energetic‚ and eager to please—traits today’s GSPs have inherited from their ancestors. As such‚ if you’re looking for a dog with moderate exercise needs‚ a GSP isn’t the breed for you; these athletic‚ smart dogs need a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. They give an awful lot back‚ though—GSPs are often said to be very affectionate‚ happy-go-lucky dogs‚ and they’re not big droolers. However‚ you can expect them to shed moderately. 4. Briard Image Credit: kyliskova.cz‚ Shutterstock Origin: France Lifespan: 12 years Height: 22–27 inches Shedding: Minimal Temperament: Courageous‚ loyal‚ alert‚ adventurous A French pasture dog‚ the shaggy Briard was bred as a dependable herder and guardian. The breed’s name was inspired by Brie‚ a region famous for dairy—especially cheese. Though they may appear heavily set‚ Briards are remarkably agile and have stamina to spare‚ so they need to be with a family who will keep them busy. With a committed family‚ the Briard is faithful and loving‚ but with an independent streak. Since their long‚ wavy coats are prone to matting and tangling‚ Briards need frequent and thorough brushing‚ but they don’t shed much and they’re not typically slobbery. 5. Poodle (Standard) Image Credit: No-longer-here‚ Pixabay Origin: Germany Lifespan: 10–18 years Height: Over 15 inches Shedding: Minimal Temperament: Intelligent‚ energetic‚ versatile‚ family-oriented Though the Poodle is France’s national dog‚ Germany is the country of origin. Poodles were developed in Germany as water-retrieving dogs‚ which accounts for their water-resistant curly coats and webbed feet. They come in toy‚ miniature‚ and standard varieties‚ but the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes a fourth size: medium (moyen). Standard-sized Poodles are over 15 inches according to the American Kennel Club (AKC)‚ and they can grow up to around 24 inches. Poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic because they shed so little and are less likely to drool than some other medium-large dogs. Poodles are highly intelligent and are good-humored‚ spirited‚ and devoted when socialized. 6. Goldendoodle (Standard) Image Credit: Matthew Yoder‚ Shutterstock Origin: Australia &; United States Lifespan: 10–15 years Height: 20–24 inches Shedding: Minimal (usually) Temperament: Fun-loving‚ gentle‚ curious‚ goofy We shouldn’t forget that there are also plenty of mixed breeds that are medium or large in size and don’t drool or shed much. The Goldendoodle—a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle—is a fine example of this. Neither the Golden Retriever nor the Poodle are heavy droolers‚ but the Golden Retriever does shed year-round and more heavily during shedding seasons. Goldendoodle breeders tend to aim for a Poodle-like coat‚ which sheds very little‚ but some Goldendoodles are straight-haired‚ so this can vary. Goldendoodles were originally developed as service dogs‚ but they quickly became popular family companions thanks to their often gentle‚ patient‚ and fun-loving personalities. 7. Borzoi Image Credit: Bob63‚ Pixabay Origin: Russia Lifespan: 9–14 years Height: At least 26 inches Shedding: Moderate to heavy Temperament: Majestic‚ calm‚ elegant‚ independent The magnificent Borzoi comes from Russia where these dogs were commonly put to work as wolf hunters during the Romanov period. They were highly valued by the Russian royals‚ even to the extent that they were occasionally offered as special gifts by the Tzar. Queen Victoria of England may have been the recipient of Borzoi‚ which could explain how they came to Britain. Appearance-wise and in manner‚ this gigantic hound truly lives up to its regal reputation. After all‚ you can’t expect such a royal dog to be a big drooler‚ can you? That said‚ they do shed a moderate to heavy amount. The Borzoi tends to be quiet and dignified with plenty of independence but a lot of love to give. 8. Irish Wolfhound Image Credit: Jana Oudova‚ Shutterstock Origin: Ireland Lifespan: 6–10 years Height: 28–35 inches Shedding: Moderate Temperament: Graceful‚ calm‚ sensitive‚ loving The Irish Wolfhound is another ancient breed that was around before the Roman conquest of Britain. Like the Borzoi‚ Irish Wolfhounds once specialized in wolf hunting in addition to hunting large game. Today‚ however‚ the breed is one of the gentle giants of the dog world with a graceful‚ calm disposition‚ but their hunting instincts and prey drive are still present. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to meet an Irish Wolfhound‚ you’re sure to have been awe-struck. Appearing to be more around the same size as a small pony than a dog‚ a male Irish Wolfhound is a minimum of 32 inches tall‚ though females are slightly shorter. They do not drool much‚ and they shed moderately year-round. Conclusion And there we have it—eight very lovely and large breeds (and mixed breeds) that aren’t heavy droolers. If you’d like a big‚ non-drooly dog to join your family‚ we recommend looking into adoption from a shelter. Shelters are full of dogs big in both body and heart—pure breeds and mixed breeds—waiting for the perfect home. Sources https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-drool/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/afghan-hound/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/doberman-pinscher/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/briard/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/ https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/goldendoodle https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/borzois-royal-connection/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/borzoi/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/irish-wolfhound/ Featured Image Credit: kyliskova.cz‚ Shutterstock The post 8 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Drool: History‚ Pictures‚ &; Info appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Classification Details? The 12 Wrinkly Dog Breeds Wrinkles might mean we spend more time making sure our dog’s skin is free from dirt and other skin irritants‚ but those skin folds are also wonderfully adorable. There are all sorts of wrinkly breeds‚ from scent hounds to ancient war dogs and friendly companion breeds. They all have unique histories and personalities. Here are 12 wrinkly dog breeds that are adored the world over. How Are Wrinkly Breeds Classified? Determining whether a dog is a wrinkly breed or not is quite simple. As long as they have deep skin folds somewhere‚ wrinkly dog breeds can be wrinkly all over like the Shar Pei‚ only have wrinkles on their face and legs like the Basset Hound‚ or just have a wrinkly face like the Bullmastiff. Many breeds have wrinkles for reasons other than how cute it makes them look. For scent-hounds like the Bloodhound‚ deep face wrinkles play a huge part in helping their noses work better. Bulldogs owe their wrinkles to their pit-fighting ancestors‚ where the loose skin served to protect their internal organs from damage. Sometimes‚ though‚ the deep wrinkles are indeed because they make the breed even more adorable. The 12 Wrinkly Dog Breeds 1. Shar Pei Image Credit: Cavan-Images‚ Shutterstock Origin: Han Dynasty‚ China Lifespan: 8–12 years Height: 18–20 inches The wrinkliest breed of them all is the Shar Pei. Developed in China as far back as the Han Dynasty over 2‚000 years ago‚ their appearance is a result of the unique culture that China developed while it was closed to foreign influences.1 As a breed that was developed by farmers‚ the Shar Pei is intelligent and versatile. They excel as hunters‚ guardians‚ herders‚ and companions. During the 1900s‚ the breed almost went extinct due to the Communist regime‚ but they were saved by U.S. breeders in the 1960s and 1970s. While they’re calm and even tempered‚ their protective nature makes them wary around strangers. Toward their family members‚ though‚ they’re loyal companions. 2. Neapolitan Mastiff Image Credit: Christian Mueller‚Shutterstock Origin: 700 B.C.‚ Italy Lifespan: 7–9 years Height: 24–31 inches With deep wrinkles all over their body‚ the Neapolitan Mastiff is an excellent guard dog through their appearance alone. They’re huge dogs‚ and despite their placid nature toward their loved ones‚ their wrinkles give them a dour expression that convinces everyone else to stand clear. They’re descended from the ancient war dogs of the Roman Empire‚ and Mastiff-like dogs were recorded as early as 700 B.C. The Neapolitan Mastiff and other dogs like them were used as gladiators‚ war dogs‚ and guardians before they were introduced to farm work‚ cart pulling‚ and hunting. 3. Basset Hound Image Credit: Bill Anastasiou‚ Shutterstock Origin: 16th century‚ France Lifespan: 12–13 years Height: Up to 15 inches Thought to be descended from the St. Hubert Hound‚ the Basset Hound is a friendly and wrinkly goofball. They were first introduced during the 16th century in France as a slow‚ small hound breed. While they were initially favored by aristocrats‚ their plodding gait made them a good hunting partner for lower classes that couldn’t afford horses. Unlike some other wrinkly dog breeds‚ the Basset Hound’s wrinkles serve a second purpose beyond making them look adorable. Along with their long drooping ears and short legs‚ their deep wrinkles help collect scents and give the Basset Hound more time to analyze them during a hunt. After the Bloodhound‚ they’re one of the best scent-hounds in the dog world. They’re not the most affectionate of breeds‚ but they are incredibly friendly and have a fondness for adults‚ children‚ and other dogs. The Basset Hound also loves to make people laugh with their antics. 4. Bloodhound Image Credit: Glikiri‚ Shutterstock Origin: 12th century‚ Europe Lifespan: 10–12 years Height: 23–27 inches The oldest and most efficient scent hound is a wrinkly dog breed. Known for their powerful nose‚ the Bloodhound was first developed in the 12th century and is both a loyal companion and a dedicated hunter. Their roots can be traced back to the monks in charge of breeding hounds for the bishops‚ and they were known as “blooded hounds” due to their “aristocratic blood.” They were bred to work in a pack alongside humans‚ other dogs‚ and horses‚ so they adore having company even if they’re not the most affectionate of breeds. Along with their powerful noses‚ they’re stubborn and determined‚ with a single-minded focus on following scents‚ which often gets them into trouble. When it comes to their scenting abilities‚ their wrinkles play a huge part in the breed’s skills. While their ears stir up scents‚ their facial wrinkles capture and hold smells so the Bloodhound can analyze them longer. 5. Bulldog Image Credit: ChickenStock Images‚ Shutterstock Origin: 13th century‚ England Lifespan: 8–10 years Height: 14–15 inches One of the most well-loved and easily recognized wrinkly-faced breeds is the Bulldog. As the national symbol of England‚ they’re a breed that’s been around since the 13th century. The first ancestors of the breed were a far cry from what they are today‚ though. Bigger‚ stronger‚ and more brutish‚ the original Bulldog was a fighter bred for bullbaiting in the U.K. before the sport was banned in the 19th century. With the illegal sport going underground‚ the breed was transformed into a smaller and quicker dog‚ which led to several other Bulldog-type breeds‚ including the Bulldog that we know today. As they lost their original purpose‚ the Bulldog was saved from extinction by breed fanatics who began to develop a friendlier‚ companionable breed. Today‚ the Bulldog shares the deep wrinkles of their ancestors but has a friendlier and more loyal and docile disposition. 6. Bullmastiff Image Credit: BORINA OLGA‚ Shutterstock Origin: Mid-19th century‚ U.K. Lifespan: 7–9 years Height: 24–27 inches In the U.K. during the 19th century‚ the country estates belonging to aristocrats covered massive areas of land. While poaching was illegal‚ estates were a frequent target for many opportunistic thieves. This led to the development of “The Gamekeeper’s Night Dog‚” or the Bullmastiff. These big‚ wrinkled dogs were a mix of the English Bulldog and the Mastiff. They were heavy‚ quick-footed‚ intimidating‚ and fearless. With their growing popularity as guard dogs‚ the Bullmastiff was further perfected due to the growing rivalry between the gamekeepers. Eventually‚ this led to these dogs entering the show ring. Along with their tall‚ muscled bodies‚ the Bullmastiff owes much of their intimidating appearance to their wrinkled face. At heart‚ though‚ these dogs are loyal and incredibly affectionate. 7. Chow Chow Image Credit: Flower_Garden‚ Shutterstock Origin: Han Dynasty‚ China Lifespan: 8–12 years Height: 17–20 inches Their fur might hide most of their wrinkles‚ but the Chow Chow certainly deserves a place on this list. As one of the oldest ancient breeds‚ the Chow Chow can be traced back to before China’s Han Dynasty in 206 B.C. Believed to be the breed that helped develop spitz-type dogs‚ the Chow Chow has been companions to emperors and worked as hunters‚ guardians‚ and haulers. Chow Chows were also once known as the “Edible Dog” in the distant past‚ when their ancestors were used as a protein-rich food source. While they’ve since left their edible days behind‚ they were only introduced to the rest of the world in the early 19th century. They were part of an exhibit in the London Zoo but didn’t become popular until Queen Victoria took an interest in the breed. 8. Dogue De Bordeaux Image Credit: Jan Dix‚ Shutterstock Origin: 12th century‚ France Lifespan: 5–8 years Height: 23–27 inches The oldest French dog breed is also a wrinkly one. Similar in appearance to the Bullmastiff‚ the Dogue De Bordeaux is tall and muscular and has a deeply wrinkled face and neck. They’re an ancient breed‚ so it’s challenging to determine when exactly these dogs were introduced‚ but they’re believed to be descended from Roman Mastiff-type dogs. While their Roman ancestors were used as gladiators and war dogs‚ the Dogue De Bordeaux was used on farms and as hunters‚ haulers‚ and guardians. Their use as guardians extended to French estates until the Revolution‚ when many members of the aristocracy were imprisoned or executed. They became popular again following the 1989 movie‚ “Turner &; Hooch‚” and they are dedicated‚ loyal companions to all sorts of families. 9. French Bulldog Image Credit: yhelfman‚ Shutterstock Origin: 19th century‚ France Lifespan: 10–12 years Height: 11–13 inches One of the most popular wrinkly-faced‚ squashed-nose breeds is the French Bulldog. They’re adored for their massive ears‚ small stature‚ and goofy personality. They are also one of the wrinkly breeds that were solely bred to be a companion for all sorts of families. Their origin story can be traced back to lace workers in England who favored toy Bulldog breeds in the mid-19th century. With the Industrial Revolution convincing many of the traditional lace workers to leave‚ the families and their toy dogs emigrated to the French countryside. It was here that the French Bulldog was developed properly‚ with the original toy Bulldogs being bred with terriers‚ Pugs‚ and other breeds to create the Bouledogue Français. By the turn of the century‚ the French Bulldog was a popular city dog for aristocrats and common folk alike. 10. Mastiff Image Credit: Urszula Drab‚ Shutterstock Origin: Before 55 B.C.‚ England Lifespan: 6–10 years Height: 27.5–30+ inches Mastiffs were originally developed in England and were used as home guardians‚ big-game hunters‚ and war dogs for thousands of years. Their early ancestors drew the eye of Julius Caesar during a Roman invasion in 55 B.C. The Mastiff’s size‚ temperament‚ and skillset helped assure them a place in Rome and the Colosseum. It wasn’t until later that the Mastiff was recognized by famous English artists and writers‚ including Chaucer and Shakespeare. Despite their popularity‚ though‚ the Mastiff almost went extinct at the end of WWII‚ and their population was restored with the help of U.S. breeders. They might be far more docile than their ancestors‚ but they share the same size and wrinkly face that give them their unique intimidation factor. 11. Pekingese Image Credit: AJ Laing‚ Shutterstock Origin: Ancient China Lifespan: 12–14 years Height: 6–9 inches The Pekingese is one of several wrinkly dog breeds that originated in China‚ though it’s difficult to say when exactly they first appeared. They were among the many flat-faced and wrinkly toy breeds that the Chinese Imperial Court and other nobles favored as companions. Although they’re a common breed all over the world today‚ the Pekingese were originally a well-kept secret in China. They weren’t introduced to the world until 1860‚ when several Pekingese dogs were given to Queen Victoria. After that‚ the breed became adored across the world for their regal bearing‚ wrinkled faces‚ and devotion to their owners. 12. Pug Image Credit: Dim Hou‚ Unsplash Origin: Ancient China Lifespan: 13–15 years Height: 10–13 inches Wrinkly toy breeds like the Pug have always been excellent companions. It might not be obvious from their small size‚ squashed nose‚ and friendly disposition‚ but the Pug is one of the oldest breeds around today‚ and their roots trace back to ancient China. Like the Pekingese and other Chinese breeds‚ the Pug was first introduced as a companion for the imperial family. While they were developed in China‚ most of the Pug’s history that we’re certain about started in the 1500s‚ with Dutch traders introducing the breed to Europe. The Pug first became a beloved companion of the House of Orange in Holland and went on to become popular in the U.K. when William and Mary of Orange began their reign. Their wrinkly face‚ squashed nose‚ goofy disposition‚ and loyalty still endear the Pug to people the world over. Conclusion Wrinkles are a big part of what makes many breeds what they are today. They’re an adorable addition to a flat-faced breed favored by Chinese nobility or serve a purpose like protecting dogs in fights or helping with scent work. While our own wrinkles are something that many of us grimace at‚ we can’t deny that the wrinkles on our favorite breeds are part of what makes them so adorable. We hope that this list of 12 wrinkly dog breeds has introduced you to a few new dogs to adore! Sources https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-facts-about-basset-hounds/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-bulldog/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chinese-shar-pei/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pug/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/mastiff/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dogue-de-bordeaux/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chow-chow/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bloodhound/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/basset-hound-history/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/neapolitan-mastiff/   Featured Image Credit: Michelle Cavanagh‚ Shutterstock The post 12 Wrinkly Dog Breeds: Pictures‚ Facts &; History appeared first on Pet Keen.

When speaking to the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence in June‚ OpenAI CEO Sam Altman urged Chinese and Western officials and tech leaders to collaborate in “mitigating” the dangers that unregulated AI development could pose to humanity. “China has some of the best AI talent in the world. ... Given the difficulties in solving alignment for advanced AI systems‚ this requires the best minds from around the world‚” Altman said. On one hand‚ given the rising geopolitical and economic tensions between the U.S. and China‚ Altman’s desire to collaborate with his country’s most significant foreign adversary is surprising. On the other‚ considering his well-documented anxieties over potential existential threats AI presents to humanity‚ it isn’t. It appears that Altman is simply trying to appeal to collective concerns about humanity‚ but therein lies the issue: He relies on a Western understanding of human nature to ingratiate his cause with explicit adversaries of Western thought. Ruling-class conventional wisdom tells us that the keys to understanding human civilization and avoiding conflict can be found in parsing complicated macroeconomic models and various theories of diplomatic relations. Frankly‚ this is bunk. Despite unprecedented economic and diplomatic interdependence‚ neither economics nor ideology provides us with the necessary tools to understand our adversaries in the 21st century. The first principles civilizations remain committed to are the cultural precepts informing their understanding of human existence that differentiate them from other civilizations. Historically‚ civilizations with dissimilar cultures are destined for conflict of some kind. In his 1993 essay “The Clash of Civilizations?” political scientist Samuel Huntington wrote‚ “[The] differences among civilizations are not only real; they are basic. Civilizations are differentiated from each other by history‚ language‚ culture‚ tradition and‚ most important‚ religion. The people of different civilizations have different views on the relations between God and man‚ the individual and the group‚ the citizen and the state‚ parents and children‚ husband and wife‚ as well as differing views of the relative importance of rights and responsibilities‚ liberty and authority‚ equality and hierarchy. These differences are the product of centuries. They will not soon disappear. They are far more fundamental than differences among political ideologies and political regimes.” In brief‚ civilizational differences in culture are fundamental aspects of human existence that inform our perspectives‚ whereas ideology and economic factors are subject to rapid change. Upon returning to England after failing to initiate trade relations with China in 1793‚ George Macartney delivered a letter to King George III from Emperor Qianlong in which Qianlong expressed that Chinese and British cultures were simply incompatible — the foundational principles of each would make meaningful exchange impossible. The emperor wrote: “If you assert that your reverence for Our Celestial dynasty fills you with a desire to acquire our civilisation‚ our ceremonies and code of laws differ so completely from your own that‚ even if your Envoy were able to acquire the rudiments of our civilisation‚ you could not possibly transplant our manners and customs to your alien soil. Therefore‚ however adept the Envoy might become‚ nothing would be gained thereby.” The British and Chinese cultural distinctions‚ the underlying ethos of Western and Confucian civilizations‚ led the emperor to reject a potentially mutually beneficial relationship. He was convinced they could not meaningfully collaborate because they simply valued different things and perceived themselves to be too different. In the 21st century‚ as large-scale conflicts predicated primarily upon things like ideology have faded and‚ in the case of fiefdom‚ generally ceased to exist‚ cultural conflicts remain. A civilizational conflict informed by cultural distinctions is at the heart of every significant contemporary issue — territorial disputes‚ trade disagreements‚ inclusion in global banking systems‚ etc. Take‚ for instance‚ the recent attack on Israel by Hamas: The Jewish state’s very existence is antithetical to the cultural priorities of political Islam. It’s no different with the U.S. and China. American benevolence in trade with China hasn’t stopped China from stealing billions of dollars in intellectual property‚ chipping away at our national security apparatus‚ or committing human rights atrocities. Diplomatic pressures have no effect on preventing these actions‚ either. The two most powerful countries — one convinced of its responsibility to globally evangelize on behalf of Western values and the other perceiving itself to occupy the space between the heavens and the earth — hail from diametrically opposed civilizational traditions. They cannot meaningfully collaborate in ways that are truly sustainable because their civilizational visions are incompatible. While analyzing American and Chinese cultural norms and approaches to governance in 2017‚ Graham Allison‚ author of "Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap?" further juxtaposed these contradictory civilizational visions. America’s core value is freedom; China’s is order. The American exemplar is a missionary; the Chinese exemplar is inimitable. America seeks immediate solutions; China delays gratification. America pursues societal change through invention; China pursues it through a process of cultural restoration and evolution. American foreign policy relies on cooperative international order; China’s relies on harmonious hierarchy in which its rivals understand they are ultimately subservient. Writing for the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center in 2015‚ former Australian PM Kevin Rudd said‚ “China has also generated a self-referential body of philosophical thought and way of thinking that does not readily yield to the epistemological demands and intellectual taxonomies of the Western academy. And within this philosophical system‚ Confucianism in its various forms lies at the core.” The Chinese and American visions for the future are simply incompatible. China perceives its adversaries as perpetually uncivilized and “barbaric‚” while the United States insists on an open civilization in which everyone operates in good faith. China is our greatest geopolitical adversary and is explicitly working to undermine the U.S. both at home and abroad. But even if we ignore rising tensions between the U.S. and China and what currently appears to be an inevitable clash‚ it is naive to assume we could mutually benefit from collaborating on something as existential as artificial intelligence. AI has the power not just to reshape the global economy but to redefine humanity’s very relationship with nature and nature’s God. Any relationship the U.S. and tech leaders pursue abroad‚ pertaining to its regulation and development‚ must be with those who are civilizationally aligned.

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection to an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Ohio.On September 1‚ more than a month before Hamas' vicious attacks on Israel‚ the Stark County Sheriff’s Office got word that a 13-year-old boy had supposedly been making plans to commit a mass shooting at Temple Israel in Canton. The Canton Repository reported that the "threat was discovered ... in Plain Township‚" eight miles or so north of Canton‚ though it is unknown where the boy lives.According to reports‚ the juvenile‚ who has not been named because of his age‚ shared his plans on the online message server Discord. Once deputies learned about the allegedly violent plot‚ they felt compelled to share it with various people and agencies‚ court documents said‚ perhaps to warn them. As might be expected‚ the news caused some to panic.The "detailed plan to complete a mass shooting at the Temple Israel on the Discord platform ... required an immediate investigatory response and notification of public individuals and agencies including the school system in which caused significant public alarm within those agencies‚" court documents claimed. Stark County teen accused of planning mass shooting at Canton synagogue www.youtube.com The boy was arrested and charged with misdemeanor counts of inducing panic and disorderly conduct. The New York Post noted that it is unclear whether the boy ever truly intended to carry out the shooting or whether weapons were ever recovered at his residence when he was arrested.The boy is scheduled to appear in Stark County Family Court on December 20.The Anti-Defamation League of Cleveland released a statement‚ saying it was “horrified that a young teen has been arrested and accused of planning a mass shooting at a synagogue in Canton‚ Ohio. We thank law enforcement for its thorough investigation."And for young people like this suspect‚ we hope this can be a teachable moment. Hate and threats on social media‚ as in real life‚ cannot and will not be tolerated‚" the group added.Rabbi David Komerofsky of Temple Israel declined to comment on the allegations because they involve a minor.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

On Tuesday‚ a group of Virginia elementary students fell ill and needed medical attention after they ingested gummy bears from a bag that contained residue that tested positive for fentanyl.Seven fourth-grade students at Central Elementary School in Amherst "experienced a reaction to ingesting gummy bears‚" according to the Amherst County Sheriff's Office. Five of the students required medical attention.Amherst County Public Schools Superintendent William Wells stated that the students experienced symptoms including nausea‚ vomiting‚ headache‚ and muscle spasms.ACPS sent a notice to parents on Tuesday afternoon alerting them about the incident‚ stating that the students "experienced an allergic reaction to something they ingested at school.""Of the seven affected students‚ five sought medical treatment‚" the notice read. "Two students were transported by Amherst County EMS and three students were transported by their parents."On Wednesday‚ Wells said that law enforcement found that the gummy bears tested negative for any foreign substances‚ but residue inside the plastic sandwich bag tested positive for fentanyl."At this point‚ we believe the bag containing the fentanyl got contaminated either at home or on route to school as the student was being transported by their caregiver to school‚" Wells continued. "There's no indication there's any other fentanyl at the school." One of the students reportedly brought the bag from home and shared the gummy bears with six classmates during lunch. Amherst County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Lt. Dallas Hill noted that the sibling of the student who brought the candy also brought a bag of gummy bears to school; however‚ that bag did not test positive for fentanyl‚ ABC News reported.Kristina Wright‚ the mother of one student who consumed the gummy bears‚ wrote in a post on Facebook that her son's "tests all came back normal with no traces of fentanyl."Wright's 10-year-old son told WSET‚ "I tried one; it tasted weird.""Then it tasted good. The aftertaste‚ it tasted really good‚" he said.Wright's son‚ who said he ate 10 gummy bears‚ explained that he and the other students felt ill afterward."We felt nauseous‚ sick in our stomachs‚ hot‚" he added.Two adults were later arrested in connection with the incident.Clifford Dugan was arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Nicole Sanders was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of a controlled substance. Additional charges are possible‚ according to Hill.At this time‚ the relationship between the students and the suspects is unclear.All of the students were released from the hospital and returned home Tuesday. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) said she "was completely heartbroken" by Democrats who voted to censure her over comments about the Israel-Palestine war.The representative from Michigan spoke to MSNBC's Joy Reid and referred to herself as a person who wants peace and likes to conduct "heart-to-heart" talks with her colleagues about issues.As reported by Breitbart‚ Tlaib also referred to Republicans as fascists and expressed disappointment in Democrats who voted alongside them."I did not know that they were going to stand with the fascist side of the aisle and silence the only Palestinian-American‚ even after we’ve had heart-to-heart conversations‚" Tlaib explained.In a vote to censure her‚ 22 Democrats joined 212 Republicans for a total vote of 234-188 in favor of censuring. A censure is described by the Senate as a "condemnation or denouncement‚" as well as a "formal statement of disapproval in the form of a resolution that is adopted by majority vote.""I tell them that I have as much at stake than any other person that continues to believe in certain policies when it comes to Israel and Palestine‚ because my family is there‚" Tlaib continued."I believe in coexistence. … I really believe we can have a country that was like when my grandparents were born‚ honestly‚ where every faith was welcome‚ where my grandfather picked olives next to his Jewish neighbor. And that’s the dream that I have for the Palestinian people and the Israeli people. And I know we’re going to be able to get that‚ but not in silencing a Palestinian-American in Congress‚" the congresswoman argued.Tlaib cried in the House of Representatives as she defended her position‚ one of many times she has done so in the public eye.Tlaib cried during a public speech in November 2023 when she condemned the Biden administration for its response to Palestine's attack on Israel.The politician received support from fellow Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) when she cried on the House floor in February 2021 while describing death threats she had received. She cried later that year during a press conference when she called for the punishment of Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) for "invoking violence on Muslims."In August 2019‚ Tlaib also cried alongside Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) while giving a speech about growing up in the "blackest city in the country."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!