Shanti Ryle
Author for A-Z Animals

Shanti Ryle is a content marketer with nearly a decade's experience writing about science, real estate, business, and culture. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Global Finance and Banking, Weedmaps News/Marijuana.com, and other publications. Her favorite animal (by far) is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi!


How Deep Is the Merrimack River? Picture

Key Points: An important water source for New England, the Merrimack River provides recreation, fishing, drinking water, and transportation. Through the years, the buildup of pollution resulted in clean-up campaigns… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Treehopper Picture

Treehopper is the umbrella term for over 3,500 insects that are part of the Membracidae family of distinct-looking bugs. These unusual creatures have long-fascinated scientists due to a dazzling array… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Agkistrodon Contortrix Picture

Agkistrodon contortrix, also known as the eastern copperhead snake, is a venomous type of viper snake native to forests throughout the eastern North American continent. Easily distinguishable by its vibrant… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Turtle Frog Picture

The turtle frog is a fascinating specimen, with a body shaped like a turtle missing its shell. These animals have small beady eyes and fleshy pink skin and are often… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Long-Winged Kite Spider Picture

The long-winged kite spider, known by scientific name Gasteracantha versicolor, is a species of diurnal (meaning awake during the daytime) spiny orb-weaver spider indigenous to tropical regions of Southern Africa. … Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Bullboxer Picture

Fans of boxers and pit bulls may find a new favorite canine in the form of the bullboxer. This mix-breed dog combines two affectionate, high-energy breeds that love to put… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Prunes? Picture

Prunes are a nutritious snack that serves as an excellent source of fiber and vitamins for humans. However, are these dried snacks a good food option for our furry companions?… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Dandelions? Picture

For those wondering whether or not dogs can eat dandelions, both the flowers and greens are excellent additions your dog’s diet. These highly prevalent plants, part of the sunflower family,… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Sugar? Picture

Humans love sugar – it's in everything from our favorite sweets to dozens of pre-packed food items, such as nut butter and pasta sauce. While humans can tolerate moderate amounts… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Picture

Pineapple, the tropical fruit beloved by many, is a sweet and tangy treat that may attract the wandering eye of your furry best friend. As they beg at your side… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Oysters Picture

Oysters are a seafood delicacy in which many humans delight, prompting those who own dogs to ponder whether or not their dog might enjoy an occasional oyster. Pups will be… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Collard Greens? Picture

Collard greens are a nutritious, delicious staple of Southern cuisine in the United States. These dark, leafy greens are a member of the cabbage family, with flavors between cabbage and… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans? Picture

Those wondering whether dogs can eat kidney beans will be happy to know that when cooked, kidney beans are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that make a fine addition… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Gum? Picture

It’s an easily imaginable situation: you’re walking your dog around the block, and suddenly you catch him lapping up a piece of fallen gum off the sidewalk. The act may… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Cornbread? Picture

Cornbread is a tasty treat with enticing aromas that will certainly lure your begging pup to your side, pleading for a bite. However, is it safe to give your dog,… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Can Dogs Eat Baked Beans? Picture

Baked beans are a generally healthy part of the human diet, with plenty of fiber and delicious flavors that make them a welcome addition to a family dinner. This may… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Tosa Picture

The tosa is a member of Japan’s long tradition of dog fighting, which stretches back to the 14th century. The island of Shikoku was the nonpareil home of dogfighting before… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Wirehaired Vizsla Picture

"Most breeding records on wirehaired vizslas were lost in World War II, so no one knows for sure which genetics were involved in their creation." The wirehaired vizsla originated in… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Rhodesian Ridgeback Picture

The mighty Rhodesian ridgeback is an unmistakable hound dog, identifiable for the ridge of striping fur along the spine. The breed originated in Africa, descending from a cross of Dutch… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Silken Windhound Picture

The silken windhound was first bred in the mid-1980s after a Borzoi breeder named Francie Stull became determined to produce a smaller hound with a long coat, pleasant temperament, good… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Sarplaninac Picture

"According to some sources, the Sarplaninac (pronounced Shar-pla-nee-natz) had ten name changes before gaining its current name." Summary Sarplaninac dogs are an ancient herd-guarding breed originating in the southeastern mountains… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Pyrenean Mastiff Picture

The Pyrenean mastiff is a centuries-old breed hailing from the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain. Like its Great Pyrenees cousin, these dogs originated as livestock guardians, charged with protecting their flocks… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Maremma Sheepdog Picture

It’s a breed with many names: the Maremmano, the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog, the Cane da Pastore Abruzzese, and as we’ll call it here, the Maremma Sheepdog. This fluffy herding dog is… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Lurcher Picture

The name lurcher refers not to a specific dog breed but rather to a group of crossbred hybrid dogs. They are a result from mating a Greyhound or other hunting… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Komondor Picture

No, that’s not a mop – the Komondor is a white, dread-haired dog hailing from a long, noble, centuries-old heritage as Hungarian sheep guardians. These natural herding dogs face a… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Plott Hounds Picture

"The Plott hound is the official state dog of North Carolina, named for Johannes Plott, who brought five Hanover hounds from his home in Germany." This hound is a rugged… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Jagdterrier Picture

The jagdterrier, also known as the Deutscher (meaning German) jagdterrier, is a German hunting dog that loves its job. A high-energy, courageous, and highly trainable pup, this dog’s name literally… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


German Wirehaired Pointer Picture

German wirehaired pointers were first bred in 19th century Germany as versatile, sturdy hunting dogs that could scent and retrieve no matter the climate. The breed is a blend of… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Frug Picture

The adorable mixed frug descends from the French bulldog and the pug, two little purebred dogs with loads of personality. Also known as Frenchie pugs, these designer dogs are sweet… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Eurasier Picture

The Eurasier traces its roots back to 1960s Germany, where a small group of dog enthusiasts sought to create a breed that combined the best features of a chow chow… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Dutch Shepherd Picture

The Dutch Shepherd is a sheep-herding dog hailing from the Netherlands, in use by shepherds and farmers for keeping flocks in line. These dogs are naturally occurring shepherd dogs in… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Briard Picture

One of the shaggiest sheepdogs, the Briard is well-known and beloved for its distinctive, lengthy coat. These handsome dogs were first bred in the Brie region of France centuries ago,… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Boerboel Picture

Dutch farmers in South Africa first bred the Boerboel in the 17th century from a nameless ancestor similar to a Mastiff. Dutch South African farmers, called Boers, produced this dog… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Chi Chi Picture

The Chi Chi is a mixed breed dog created by combining the genetics of a Chinese Crested dog and a Chihuahua. These hybrid dogs are sometimes called “designer dogs” to… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago


Berger Blanc Suisse Picture

The Berger Blanc Suisse, called the White Swiss Shepherd or Snowy Shepherd in English, traces its roots back to the Thuringian shepherd dog, named for the region of Germany where… Read More

By Shanti Ryle 2 years ago