TailWise Dogs

German Shepherd: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A large, intelligent working breed in the AKC’s Herding Group [1, 3].
Described as courageous, confident and smart, with some natural reserve toward strangers [1, 3].
Needs early socialization, training and a job to do, not just a yard.

Overview

The German Shepherd Dog belongs to the AKC’s Herding Group. It was developed to herd sheep, and the AKC notes that those instincts remain strong today [3]. The breed was shaped from German herding dogs starting in 1899 [4]. For the surprising details of that history, see our German Shepherd fun facts.

The Complete Guide to Dog Health: Vaccines, Parasites, Dental Care and Checkups

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Key takeaways

Preventive care comes down to four habits: vaccinate on a schedule that fits your dog’s risk, use year-round parasite prevention, keep teeth clean, and keep your dog lean. Regular vet checkups tie them together.
Vaccine guidance has moved toward fewer boosters for core vaccines once a dog has finished its puppy series and first-year booster. Your vet should tailor the plan to your dog’s lifestyle and location [1].
Parasite prevention is recommended all year in many regions, not only in summer, and heartworm testing is advised yearly [3, 9].
Dental disease is extremely common in adult dogs and is largely preventable with home care and professional cleaning [4, 5].
Weight and body condition should be checked at every vet visit [7].
Most adult dogs benefit from a checkup at least once a year. Mature and senior dogs are usually seen every six to twelve months [8].

Inherited Diseases in Popular Dog Breeds: What the Research Says and How to Screen

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Key takeaways

Some health problems run in breeds because of inherited traits or body shape. Knowing your breed’s risks lets you plan screening and spot early signs, but a breed risk is not a certainty for any single dog.
Health testing helps you choose a puppy, but only if you know what the results mean. A “CHIC number” shows that testing was done, not that the results were good [10].
Five conditions come up most often in popular breeds: hip dysplasia, brachycephalic airway syndrome, intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Each has a different mix of genetics, body shape and environment.
Several of these conditions have DNA tests, but a clear result does not always mean a dog is safe. Some tests are specific to certain breeds or cover only some of the genes involved [8].
Weight, exercise and early veterinary checks reduce the impact of many of these conditions, even in dogs who carry the risk.

Labrador Retriever: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A medium-large Sporting Group dog, described as affectionate, outgoing, friendly and energetic [1].
Typically friendly with strangers and other dogs, but not a strong guard dog [1, 2].
Needs plenty of daily exercise, training and socialization [1].

Overview

The Labrador Retriever is a member of the AKC’s Sporting Group [1]. Its ancestors came from Newfoundland, not Labrador, and the breed was shaped in Britain. Read the full story in our Labrador fun facts.

Dog Nutrition Explained: What to Feed, What to Avoid, and How to Read a Label

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Key takeaways

Choose a food that is labeled “complete and balanced” for your dog’s life stage, and ask the company the questions WSAVA recommends. The best food is one your dog does well on, at a healthy weight, not the one with the most appealing ingredient list [1].
Marketing words like “natural”, “premium” or “human-grade” tell you little about nutritional quality. The nutritional adequacy statement and the company’s answers matter more [1, 3].
The grain-free and heart disease question is unresolved. The FDA reported a correlation but has not shown that these diets cause heart disease [4]. Talk to your vet before changing or keeping a diet because of it.
Raw feeding carries real risks for dogs and for the people who handle the food [5].
Some common human foods are dangerous to dogs, including xylitol, grapes and raisins, chocolate, onions and macadamia nuts.
Weight matters as much as what you feed. Ask your vet to check body condition at each visit [6].

French Bulldog: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A small, flat-faced companion that the AKC standard describes as affectionate, adaptable and playful [3].
The breed standard sets a 28-pound weight limit [3].
Flat-faced dogs need extra care with heat, exercise and breathing.

Overview

The French Bulldog is in the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group. It began with small bulldogs kept by English lace workers, and it became America’s most popular breed in the AKC’s 2022 rankings. See our French Bulldog fun facts.

Golden Retriever: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A Sporting Group retriever, described as warm, dependable and trustworthy [1].
AKC advice calls it adaptable and trainable, and eager to please its owners [2].
Needs regular exercise, grooming and company.

Overview

The Golden Retriever is a member of the AKC’s Sporting Group [1]. It was bred in nineteenth-century Scotland as a working gun dog. Read more in our Golden Retriever fun facts, including the debunked circus-dog legend.

How Much Exercise and Mental Stimulation Does Your Dog Really Need?

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Key takeaways

There is no scientifically validated number of minutes a dog needs each day. The familiar “about 30 minutes” figure is a rough guideline based largely on expert opinion, not on research into dog health outcomes. Treat any exact number with caution.
A well-exercised dog gets four things: physical activity, mental work, social contact and rest. Walking alone usually covers only part of that.
Too much can be as risky as too little. In a large UK study, exertion was the most common trigger of heat-related illness in dogs, ahead of hot cars [1].
Puppies and flat-faced dogs need special care. Puppies need exercise, but not repetitive high-impact activity or daily stairs when very young [3]. Flat-faced dogs overheat more easily [1, 2].
Mental stimulation (sniffing, puzzle feeders, training) is part of exercise, not an optional extra [4, 5].
If a dog shows a sudden change in energy or behavior, check with your vet before assuming it is boredom.

Dachshund: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A Hound Group breed that comes in two sizes, standard and miniature [1, 2].
The standard describes it as clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness [1].
Its long back needs protecting.

Overview

The Dachshund is in the AKC’s Hound Group, and the AKC notes it is a more active breed than people expect [2]. It was developed in Germany to hunt badgers [3]. Our Dachshund fun facts cover the Olympic mascot and more.

The Science-Based Dog Training Handbook: Positive Reinforcement from Puppy to Adult

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Key takeaways

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends that only reward-based methods are used for all dog training, including behavior problems, and says there is no evidence that aversive methods work better [1].
Reviews and studies link aversive methods (shock, prong or choke collars, leash jerks, shouting, physical corrections) with more stress and more behavior problems, and have not found them more effective [2, 3, 4].
Training works best when you reward the behavior you want, quickly, and make it easy for your dog to be right. Most “bad” behavior is a normal dog behavior at the wrong time or place, or a skill the dog has not been taught.
A well-timed marker (a clicker or a word like “yes”) helps your dog understand exactly what earned the reward, but the evidence does not show that a clicker beats a well-timed word [6].
Short, frequent sessions beat long ones. Build skills in easy settings, then add duration, distance and distractions gradually.
Some problems, such as aggression, severe fear and separation anxiety, need help from your vet and a qualified behavior professional, not a DIY approach.

10 DIY Dog Enrichment Games Using Things You Already Own

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

Enrichment means giving your dog chances to sniff, think, chew, forage and play. Purdue’s welfare researchers describe five types: physical, sensory, social, nutritional and cognitive [2].
Training and problem-solving can help dogs feel calmer, and novel scents can increase engagement and reduce stress-related behaviors, according to the RSPCA’s summary of the research [1]. Much of that research comes from kennels and shelters, so how well it carries over to pet dogs at home is less certain.
Enrichment is not a replacement for rest, training or veterinary care [1]. Always supervise new games.

Border Collie: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A medium-sized Herding Group dog, described as energetic, intelligent, keen and alert [1].
A very high-energy breed that the AKC says is extremely hard-working and does best with a job [2].
Mental work matters as much as physical exercise.

Overview

The Border Collie is in the AKC’s Herding Group [2]. It is famous for its working ability. One Border Collie, Chaser, learned the names of more than 1,000 objects. See our Border Collie fun facts for what the research does and doesn’t show.

Poodle: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

Three size varieties: Standard, Miniature and Toy [1].
The AKC calls the breed best known for its high intelligence and learning skills, and says all varieties are very active dogs that need plenty of stimulation [3].
Coat care is a regular commitment.

Overview

The Poodle comes in three varieties. The Standard and Miniature belong to the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group, and the Toy variety, recognized as the third variety in 1943, belongs to the Toy Group [1, 3]. The AKC’s history of the breed traces it from a water retriever to a versatile companion [4].

Rottweiler: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A large Working Group breed [1].
The standard describes a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness and a natural desire to protect home and family [1].
Early socialization and consistent, reward-based training matter.

Overview

The Rottweiler is a member of the AKC’s Working Group. The AKC added the breed to its stud book in 1931, and the breed standard was first published in 1935 and revised in 1971 and 1990 [3].

Beagle: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A Hound Group scenthound, and the AKC’s most popular Hound breed [1, 3].
Described as an energetic, happy, easygoing and lovable companion [1].
Social, and needs a good amount of mental and physical activity [1].

Overview

The Beagle belongs to the AKC’s Hound Group, where it is the most popular member [1]. As a scenthound, its nose is its main tool, which shapes how it explores the world.

10 German Shepherd Fun Facts (That Are Actually True)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Quick take

The German Shepherd is a surprisingly young breed: it was shaped from German herding dogs starting in 1899.
Its fame comes from a mix of real jobs (guide dog, police and military work) and Hollywood.
Some of the “facts” you see online are repeated without sources. These ones check out, and we say where the sources disagree.

1. It was designed by one cavalry captain

The German Shepherd was developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz, a former cavalry officer, who started shaping the breed in 1899 from traditional German herding dogs [1, 3]. His goal was a dog that could work: intelligent, trainable and sturdy.

Pug: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

The largest breed in the AKC’s Toy Group [2].
The standard describes an even-tempered dog with stability, playfulness, great charm, dignity and an outgoing, loving disposition [1].
A flat-faced breed, so heat and breathing need attention [3].

Overview

The Pug is in the AKC’s Toy Group, and the AKC describes it as the largest dog in that group [2]. Pugs were bred as companions [2].

Size

The breed standard lists a desirable weight of 14 to 18 pounds for both dogs and bitches [1]. I did not find a reliable AKC height figure, because older standards in the results conflicted with the current one, so none is given here.

6 Labrador Retriever Fun Facts (That Are Actually True)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Quick take

The Labrador Retriever is famous for its friendliness, but its history has more twists than most people expect.
Several “facts” online contradict each other. Where sources disagree, we say so instead of picking one.

1. It isn’t from Labrador

Despite the name, the Labrador Retriever’s ancestors came from Newfoundland, from a working dog called the St. John’s water dog [1, 3]. The name “Labrador” stuck anyway.

2. The breed was shaped in Britain

Modern Labradors were developed in the United Kingdom from St. John’s water dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland [3]. British aristocrats, including the Earl of Malmesbury, were involved in building the breed in the 1800s as duck-hunting retrievers. Accounts differ on exactly who did what, so we stick to the broad picture [1, 3].

Siberian Husky: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At a glance

A medium-sized Working Group sled-dog breed bred for endurance and for working in packs [1, 3].
AKC articles describe loyal, social dogs with innate friendliness, and a deep-rooted instinct to run [2].
Needs plenty of exercise and secure containment.

Overview

The Siberian Husky belongs to the AKC’s Working Group, and was bred for endurance and to work in packs [3]. The AKC’s history article follows the breed from arctic protector to active companion [3].

5 French Bulldog Fun Facts (That Are Actually True)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Quick take

The French Bulldog’s story starts in England, not France.
It is now one of the most popular dogs in the United States, and its popularity has grown fast.
It is also a flat-faced breed, and that matters for health.

1. It started with English lace workers

Small “toy” bulldogs were kept by lace makers in Nottingham, England. When industrialization displaced many of these skilled home-based workers, many moved to northern France and took their little bulldogs with them [1, 2]. The breed was then developed in France, which is how it got its name [1].

5 Golden Retriever Fun Facts (That Are Actually True)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Quick take

The Golden Retriever came from a Scottish estate in the 1800s.
The famous “Russian circus dogs” origin story turned out not to be documented.
Goldens are the subject of one of the largest dog health studies ever launched.

1. It was bred on a Scottish estate

In 1868, Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, later Lord Tweedmouth, bred a wavy-coated retriever named Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. Their puppies are considered the start of the breed [1]. The program was based at Guisachan, an estate near Beauly in Scotland [1].

6 Dachshund Fun Facts (That Are Actually True)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Quick take

The Dachshund was built for a very specific job: hunting badgers.
It has a surprising claim to Olympic fame.
That long back is charming, and it also needs care.

1. The name means “badger dog”

The Dachshund was developed in Germany to hunt badgers, and the name means “badger dog” [1, 3]. Its long body and short legs let it follow prey into burrows.

2. Its history is older than it is well documented

Some sources claim the breed’s origins go back to the 15th century, but the first verifiable references appear in books from the early 1700s [3]. If you see a confident date from further back, treat it with caution.

5 Border Collie Fun Facts (That Are Actually True)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Quick take

The most famous Border Collie in science is Chaser, who learned the names of 1,022 objects.
Border Collies top at least one well-known intelligence ranking, but that ranking measures something specific.
A brilliant dog is not automatically an easy pet. It needs a job to do.

1. Chaser knew 1,022 object names

Psychologist John Pilley and colleague Alliston Reid taught a Border Collie named Chaser to pick out 1,022 objects by name, mostly stuffed animals, balls and other toys [1, 2]. The results were published in 2011 in the journal Behavioural Processes [1].

Welcome to TailWise Dogs: What's Here Now and What's Next

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What’s new

TailWise Dogs is now live, with guides on dog health, breeds, training and fun facts.
Every guide links its sources, so you can check what we say.
This News section is where we will post updates: new guides, research notes and changes to the site.

What you can read today

Health and training guides. Five foundational guides cover dog health, inherited diseases in popular breeds, nutrition, exercise and mental stimulation and reward-based training.
Breed profiles. Eleven breed profiles give size, temperament and care notes drawn from American Kennel Club information, from the German Shepherd to the Siberian Husky.
Fun facts. Six fun-fact articles separate the true stories about popular breeds from the myths.
Games. A practical guide to DIY enrichment games for dogs that need more than a walk.

How we handle sources

We cite veterinary guidelines and peer-reviewed research where we can, and we say plainly when sources disagree or when a figure is approximate. When we could not find a reliable number, such as a lifespan or a weight range, we left it out instead of guessing. You can read our approach in the editorial policy.

Dog Aging Project Expands With About $29 Million in NIH Funding

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

The National Institute on Aging is funding the next five-year phase of the Dog Aging Project, with approximately $29 million in total and a first-year award of $6.1 million, according to Texas A&M University (announced October 27, 2026) [1].
The project says nearly 55,000 companion dogs are enrolled [1].
Tufts University is the primary award recipient and Texas A&M holds a subaward. The project is co-directed by Dr. Kate Creevy of Texas A&M and Dr. Daniel Promislow of Tufts [1].

What the next phase will study

Following dogs for longer, with a focus on cognitive and physical decline [1].
Collecting drinking-water samples, using tags that absorb airborne chemicals, and putting activity trackers on a subset of dogs [1].
Expanding research on nutrition, and on how genes and environment interact [1].
Studying exceptionally long-lived dogs, identified statistically by longevity for their size [1].

Why it matters

Studies like this follow dogs for years in ordinary homes, which lets researchers look for real-world factors linked to healthy aging. Results will come slowly, and we will report them as they are published. See also our report on the project’s June metabolite study.

Eight Discoveries Named for the 2026 Canine Health Discovery of the Year

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

The AKC Canine Health Foundation announced eight semifinalists for its 2026 Canine Health Discovery of the Year award on October 21, 2026 [1].
Three finalists are due to be announced in November, and the winner will be revealed at the foundation’s gala on December 10, 2026 [1].

The eight discoveries

Dog dementia guidelines: standard guidelines for diagnosing and monitoring canine cognitive dysfunction (Dr. Natasha Olby, NC State, and an international working group) [1]. See our report.
Tick-borne disease: genomics of Anaplasma platys (Dr. Sree Rajeev, University of Tennessee) [1].
Chagas disease: the first randomized field trial of a therapeutic vaccine for Chagas disease in dogs (Dr. Eric Dumonteil and Dr. Claudia Herrera, Tulane University) [1].
Leptospirosis: research supporting annual vaccination for all dogs (Dr. Jane Sykes, UC Davis, and colleagues) [1]. See our report.
Genetic variants across 43 breeds: an international team including researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Aarhus University, the NIH and the University of Helsinki [1].
Glycogen storage disease in Basset Hounds: linked to the RBCK1 gene (Dr. Kari Ekenstedt, University of Missouri, with colleagues at Purdue and Cornell) [1].
Stomach cancer risk in Belgian breeds (Dr. Jacquelyn Evans, Cornell) [1].
Fecal microbiota transplants for chronic gut disease (Dr. Carla Vecchiato, University of Bologna, and Dr. Jan Suchodolski, Texas A&M) [1].

Why it matters

Funded research like this is what eventually changes veterinary practice and breeding decisions. We’ll report the finalists and the winner when they are announced.

Fromm Recalls Two Canned Dog Foods Over Possible Metal Contamination

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

On August 21, 2026, Fromm announced a recall of two canned wet dog foods over possible metal contamination [1].
About 4,000 cases of Fromm Turkey Pâté Wet (12.02-ounce cans) and about 2,000 cases of Fromm Diner Classics Milo’s Meatloaf Pâté Wet (12.5-ounce cans) are covered [1].
Both products carry a best-by date of March 20, 2029, and were sold in the United States and Canada [1].
The report said no illnesses were immediately reported [1].

What owners should do

Check any Fromm canned food you have against the product names, can sizes and best-by date above. Owners were told to stop feeding the affected cans and return them to the retailer [1]. If your dog has eaten from an affected can and seems unwell, for example vomiting, drooling or reluctance to eat, call your vet.

Dog Aging Project: Blood Metabolite Patterns Linked to Lifespan, As in Humans

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

Researchers from the Dog Aging Project, led from Texas A&M University, reported that patterns of metabolites in dogs’ blood were associated with dying sooner or later [1].
The study appeared in the Journals of Gerontology and was announced on June 8, 2026 [1].
The team compared their results with five large published studies of mortality in people that used similar methods, and found similar patterns in each [1].

What it means

Metabolites are small molecules produced as the body uses food and energy. The finding suggests that dogs and humans share some biological signals of aging, which could help researchers use dogs to understand aging in both species. The researchers noted that these biomarkers do not show causation [1].

Study: 2021 Los Angeles Dog Leptospirosis Outbreak Tied to Vaccine Gaps

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

A UC Davis study, reported in May 2026, examined a leptospirosis outbreak in Los Angeles County in 2021 that sickened more than 200 dogs [1, 2].
The researchers concluded that gaps in vaccination and in infection control, including crowded boarding settings, contributed to the outbreak [1, 2].
The researchers said major veterinary organizations now recommend annual leptospirosis vaccination for all dogs, and that the infection is expected to become more common with climate change [2].

Why it matters

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can seriously affect dogs, and it can spread to people. Whether the vaccine is advised for your dog depends on local risk and lifestyle, and the recommendation varies by organization: the WSAVA guidelines, for example, treat it as a core vaccine where it is common. Our dog health guide explains core and non-core vaccines.

Raaw Energy Frozen Dog Food Recall Expanded Over Listeria

Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

The recall of Raaw Energy dog food was expanded in May 2026, following an FDA advisory issued in January 2026 [1].
State agriculture departments in Connecticut and New Jersey tested eight samples after a dog illness was reported in Connecticut, and the FDA said all eight were positive for pathogenic bacteria. The organism was identified as Listeria monocytogenes [1].
The FDA said it received additional reports of illness in animals after its January advisory [1].
The company said it would stop all dog food production effective May 21, 2026 [1].

Which products

The expanded recall covers all Raaw Energy dog food products made between July 17, 2025 and December 23, 2025, plus one additional batch [1]. The food was sold in 2-pound or 5-pound clear plastic tubes with metal clips, in cardboard boxes, in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia [1]. Owners were told to discard the product or contact the company for a refund [1].

French Bulldog Stays No. 1 in the AKC's 2025 Popularity Rankings

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

The French Bulldog was the most popular breed in the American Kennel Club’s rankings for 2025, the fourth year in a row it has held No. 1 [1].
The top ten, in order: French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Dachshund, Poodle, Beagle, Rottweiler, German Shorthaired Pointer and Bulldog [1].
The Dachshund rose from sixth to fifth, pushing the Poodle out of the top five. The German Shorthaired Pointer moved up to ninth and the Bulldog fell to tenth [1].

Other movements

The Wirehaired Vizsla made the biggest climb, rising 29 places to 130th, and the Cane Corso moved from 14th to 11th [1]. The AKC counted 202 breeds in the 2025 rankings [1].

Bruin the Clumber Spaniel Wins Best in Show at Crufts 2026

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

Bruin, a four-year-old Clumber Spaniel from Somerset, won Best in Show at Crufts on the final day of the show, March 8, 2026 [1, 2].
Crufts ran from March 5 to 8 at the NEC in Birmingham, and Bruin had earlier won the Gundog group [1, 2].
He was handled by Lee Cox [2].

Why it’s interesting

News reports described it as the first Clumber Spaniel Best in Show win at Crufts since 1991, though we saw that claim in only one source, so treat it as reported rather than confirmed [2].

Penny the Doberman Pinscher Wins Best in Show at the 150th Westminster

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

A Doberman Pinscher named Penny won Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 3, 2026 [1, 2].
Her show name is GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds [2].
The Reserve Best in Show went to Cota, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, who had won the Sporting Group [1].

Why it’s interesting

Westminster is one of the best-known dog shows in the United States, and the 2026 edition was its 150th. Best in Show is judged against each breed’s written standard, so a win says a dog is an excellent example of its breed’s ideal. It says nothing about whether that breed suits your household.

New Expert Guidelines Aim to Standardize Diagnosis of Dog Dementia

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

An international working group led by Dr. Natasha Olby of North Carolina State University published guidelines for diagnosing and monitoring canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), often called dog dementia. They appeared in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association on December 24, 2025 [1, 2, 3].
The aim is to give veterinarians and researchers a shared definition and practical criteria [1, 3].

What the guidelines include

The condition is defined as a chronic, progressive, age-associated neurodegenerative syndrome with cognitive and behavioral changes, comparable in some ways to Alzheimer’s disease in people [1].
A flowchart helps veterinarians reach a diagnosis with two levels of certainty, and severity is graded on three levels from mild to debilitating impairment [1].
Caregiver questionnaires, including the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES) and the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating (CCDR) scale, are recommended as screening tools [1].
Blood biomarkers and cognitive testing batteries are listed as priorities for future work [1].

What owners can do

Changes such as disorientation, altered sleep, loss of house-training or new anxiety can have many causes, including pain and other illness, so a vet visit comes first. Our guide to dog health explains why senior dogs benefit from more frequent checkups, and our enrichment games suit older dogs when adapted.

AKC Recognizes Three New Breeds for 2026

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happened

Three breeds became eligible to compete in American Kennel Club conformation and other events on January 1, 2026: the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier [1].
The AKC says its registry now includes 205 breeds [1, 2].

The three breeds

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka: a dark, curly-coated toy breed from Russia [1].
Basset Fauve de Bretagne: a hound with royal heritage [1].
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: a terrier named in honor of the U.S. president [1].

How a breed gets recognized

The AKC describes the process as requiring an established national breed club and an active following among owners and breeders in the United States, typically moving through its Foundation Stock Service before full recognition [1]. The three breeds will debut in the AKC’s popularity rankings for 2026 [2].

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We rely on peer-reviewed research, veterinary school resources, and guidelines from bodies such as the AVMA, WSAVA, AAHA and AVSAB. We do not cite pet-food brands, forums or other blogs as evidence. Where we have had to rely on a summary of a study instead of the original paper, we aim to replace it with the original.

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Terms of Use

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last updated: November 2026

Educational use only

Content on TailWise Dogs is for general information. It is not veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it does not create a veterinarian-client relationship. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your dog’s health. If your dog is in distress, seek emergency care immediately.

Accuracy

We work to keep information accurate and up to date, but we do not guarantee it is complete or current. Veterinary knowledge changes.