Key Points The Standard Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is recognized by the AKC and thus has restrictions and a breed standard. The main goal in breeding… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Katelynn Sobus is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on pets including dogs, cats, and exotics. She has been writing about pet care for over five years. Katelynn currently lives in Michigan with her seven senior rescue cats.
Key Points The Standard Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is recognized by the AKC and thus has restrictions and a breed standard. The main goal in breeding… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Blue Heelers and Red Heelers are both Australian Cattle Dogs. An Australian cattle dog is the result of breeding a blue merle collie with a dingo. Both Blue and Red Heelers have white… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Beaucerons and Rottweilers are both terrific guard dogs. They have beautiful short coats, protective nature, and are great for active families. The Beauceron is generally respectful but may take some… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
When it comes down to the Beauceron vs the German Shepherd, both breeds are intelligent, gorgeous, and protective. However, there are some key differences that can help you to decide… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
When it comes to the Akita vs Rottweiler, both are excellent guard dogs who love having a job to do. The Akita is a strong, independent, willful dog with a… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
There are ample differences between the Rottweiler and Boxer breeds. Most notably, they were bred for different jobs: Rotties are guard dogs, and Boxers are hunting dogs. Rottweilers are territorial,… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
When it comes to the Bullmastiff vs the Rottweiler, both are terrific guard dogs. They can be wary of strangers and have stubborn streaks! Rottweilers have short black coats, are… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Shetland Sheepdogs and Collies may look similar, but they have a few key differences that make it easy to distinguish between them. Collies are much larger dogs, and their coats… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Australian Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are two well-loved family dogs. Before adopting, you might be curious about their differences. Australian Shepherds tend to be a few inches shorter and live… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Akbash dogs and Great Pyrenees are incredibly similar dogs. Both are giant white livestock guardians, and it may be difficult to tell them apart at a glance. Akbash Dogs originated… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Maltipoos and Shih Tzus are quite similar dogs, though they vary in some ways. Maltipoos are smaller in size and can be higher energy. Shih Tzus have straight coats, are… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees dogs have so many similarities. They both have medium-length double coats, are incredibly affectionate, smart, and were bred to guard livestock. However, they also… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
The Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees are quite different from one another despite both showing strong guarding tendencies. The Anatolian Shepherd is characterized by long legs and neck, a curled-up… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Shih Tzus are purebred dogs, while Shih Poos are born when a Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle mate. This makes Shih Tzus a little more predictable than Shih Poo puppies,… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Shetland Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds have a lot in common, including cute nicknames—they’re commonly known as Shelties and Aussies, respectively. Shelties tend to have higher grooming needs due to their… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
The Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are two remarkably similar breeds, bred for guarding livestock yet remaining incredibly affectionate with family. Great Pyrs have rounder snouts and ears that sit further… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies are extremely similar—most of their differences, even, are minute. Still, a distinguished eye can tell these dogs apart. Shetland Sheepdogs make great family pets because… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Pyrenean Mastiffs and Great Pyrenees are giant, fluffy, white dogs bred for guarding livestock. They’re closely related to one another. However, these breeds have their differences. Pyrenean Mastiffs weigh up… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
The Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd are fairly similar breeds. They both have medium-length coats, require plenty of time and dedication, and are big people-pleasers. However, there are differences… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Kuvasz and Maremma dogs look almost identical. They were also bred for the same job; guarding livestock. They’re independent thinkers and not suited for new dog owners or those who… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
From the outside, it may seem like a Samoyed is simply a smaller Great Pyrenees. Despite their sturdy bodies and fuzzy, light-colored coats, however, these dogs have great differences in… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies are similar dogs, both bred for cold environments with fluffy double coats. These dogs are family-loving, active, and friendly. Samoyeds are long-haired, fluffy dogs that are… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
German Shepherds are among the most common, well-recognized dogs in the United States. You likely know someone who has one! On the other hand, Dutch Shepherds are rare in the… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Fluffy white dogs have a lot in common, but there are some notable differences between the Japanese Spitz and Samoyed. Their appearances hardly differ, with the most noticeable distinction being… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
The Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever are two beautiful, popular, beloved breeds. While they have their similarities, Huskies, and Goldens are pretty different from one another. One has a broader… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Though both originate in Alaska, the Alaskan Klee Kai and Alaskan husky are quite different dogs! They vary in some ways, despite looking almost similar at first glance. Let's learn… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Samoyeds and Chow Chows are both fluffy, medium-sized dogs—but they also have many distinguishing features. Their appearances vary, including their size, fur texture, and color. Chow Chows tend to live… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Cats and ferrets are both obligate carnivores. You might wonder if they can eat the same diet and if cat food is safe for ferrets. The answer is a little… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
When you walk into a pet store rodent section, you’re likely to see guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, and ferrets. But are all of these animals actually rodents? We’ll… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Ferret sizes range from 1-6 pounds and 18-22 inches in length, including their tail. The size of your ferret depends on genetics, gender, and whether they’re intact, spayed, or neutered.… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Ferrets are a huge responsibility. They require a large cage, a ferret-proofed free-roaming space, and plenty of enrichment. Owning a ferret also involves a lot of cleaning to keep their… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Key Points: Chipmunks don't want to attract predators - so they make designated toilet areas in their burrows to hide their poop from them. The openings of chipmunk burrows aren’t… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Key Points: Chipmunks are unlikely to damage your property. In fact, the Humane Society says there are no documented cases of this happening. Chipmunk burrow entrances are 2-3 inches in… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Chipmunks are very high-maintenance pets, and the ethics of keeping them are questionable. Pet chipmunks need plenty of running and burrowing space, so you must buy them a large enclosure,… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
It’s been found that ferrets eat twice as much per km of body weight when compared to cats! That’s a lot of food, but how do you know when you’re… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Ferrets are silly, rambunctious, adorable pets. In most states, it’s perfectly acceptable to keep ferrets as pets, but are ferrets legal in California? While escaped pets sometimes damage local wildlife,… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Ferrets are incredibly social animals, and you should never adopt just one ferret. They must be in groups of two or more. This article will discuss ferret groups, including socialization,… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Although ferrets are super bendy creatures, they are vertebrates like all mammals. Their unique skeleton allows them to slither, bend, and climb through tunnels. This was key for ferrets when… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Adrenal disease is a condition that affects 25% of ferrets in the United States—but this statistic doesn’t have to be so high. Early neutering has been found to correlate to… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Hair loss in ferrets is common. If your ferret is experiencing hair loss, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an exotic pet veterinarian. In this article, we’ll talk more… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Chipmunks are solitary animals, typically interacting physically during mating season and when caring for offspring. However, they make various vocalizations used to communicate with their colonies. Most of the sounds… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
You may have heard that any animal with teeth can bite. This is absolutely true, and ferrets have a set of sharp teeth! Ferrets might bite humans if they don't… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
You've likely seen videos of cute ferrets online. Who can resist all of their silly jumpings and running about? You might want to know more about them, or perhaps you're… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Ferrets were domesticated thousands of years ago. Their only ancestors are European polecats, likely the Mediterranean subspecies in particular. The only ferrets found in the wild are black-footed ferrets, not… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
We can't deny it—babies are adorable! Baby ferrets? So much cuteness! Ferret babies are typically born in litters of 4-8. The first weeks of life are precarious, as it's difficult… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Chipmunks are cute little critters, but they can also wreak havoc on your garden! If you'd like them to stay away, we're here to help. The most effective and humane… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Chipmunks have unique cheeks that can grow up to the size of their body! Have you ever wondered how this happens or why chipmunks stuff their cheeks? Chipmunk cheeks contain… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Chipmunks don’t hibernate, but they go into a hibernation-like state called torpor. They wake up more frequently than traditionally hibernating animals, but they sleep for days at a time. They… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
We’ve all heard people say that frogs give you warts, the same as we’ve heard that kissing a frog can net you a prince! Are either of these myths true?… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago
Whether you’re raising tadpoles for the first time at home or have come across them outdoors, you may be impatient to watch them grow! Maybe it’s taking longer than you… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 years ago