In medieval times, the famed St. Bernard was bred and trained by monks in the Alps to rescue avalanche victims and others trapped in the often treacherous snow. Sadly, the avalanche itself took the lives of many of the breeding stock, so other "blood" from other breeds had to be introduced to keep this famous rescue dog going. We may never know what these original St. Bernards were like, but when most of us think of rescue dogs, the St. Bernard with the barrel around his neck is what we think of first.

The human-dog relationship has come a long way from the early days of cave dwellers, which is likely when the first dogs were domesticated. Now, dogs perform all sorts of functions, from lap companions to law enforcement officers. And police dogs are considered just that: officers. In fact, in some areas of the world, killing a canine officer is a felony. 

"Service dog" is a general term that can encompass all kinds of different canine professions. And service dogs are considered professionals - in fact, you are discouraged from petting them and treating them like pets when they are out with their owners. That's the time when the dog is "on the job" and should not be distracted. 

The wolf-like dogs of the North are what we usually think of when we think of sled dogs. And Huskies and Malamutes are common sled dog breeds. But what most of us don't know is that a great deal of know-how and expertise go into putting a sled dog team together. 

A dog can’t tell you when he is feeling sick. Paying attention to his behavior and habits will give you a clear sign when something is wrong. Here are some common canine illnesses and ways to avoid them.

Let’s assume you have a Bichon Frise at home and have decided to acquire another one as a companion. Here are some tips to help your dog get along with other pets.

If you were told that part of a dog’s diet should consist of spaghetti and meatballs (without the sauce), what would you think? Would you be surprised to learn that it can be quite good for your dog? Here are some tips for choosing the right diet for dogs.

There are certain things to look for when deciding on a dog breed. Let’s examine what those things are.Choosing a breed that compliments you and your personality is one factor. If you are choosing a dog as a family pet, ensuring the dog gets along with children is another. Selecting a breed based on the type of group it falls into is another consideration.

Not every owner can hire “The Dog Whisperer” to train their dog. When a dog’s behavior is consistently bad, however, or if you are a first time dog owner, you may want to hire a trainer to teach your pet the basics. To this end, here are 10 tips for choosing the right dog trainer.

Just as humans need to have a regular physician in case of illness, so too a dog needs to have a qualified vet to take care of him in case anything goes wrong. How to find the right veterinarian for your dog requires a bit of research and careful consideration.

The best dog toy is that which is not harmful to the dog, but affords him hours of fun. Let’s look at some do’s and don’ts when purchasing a dog toy.Depending on the breed, some dogs prefer a particular toy over others. In fact, while it may not be a toy at all, some dogs may become attached to an inanimate object much like a child will hang on to a security blanket.

The obvious advantages of getting an adult dog eliminates the amount of time and attention it takes to housetrain, although depending on the breed and age of the adult dog, the benefits are multiple. Let’s take a look at the reasons why.