Category: Pets

Teaching your dog to shake is a classic dog trick that most dogs learn very quickly and will thrill your friends and family.

Watch our dog trainer, Sassafras Lowrey’s step-by-step video on teaching your dog to shake:

Before your training session, gather your supplies:

• small pieces of treats your dog is excited about
• a clicker if you are clicker training
• an area with minimal distractions like a quiet room inside your home

Teach a dog to shake in 5 steps:

Step 1: Hold a treat in a closed fist out to your dog. Wait as she explores your hand sniffing, nuzzling and then eventually pawing at your hand trying to get the treat. When your dog paws at your hand, praise (click if you are clicker training) and give your dog the treat. This is the foundation for what will become the shake trick.

If your dog sniffs and licks at your hand, ignore this and be patient until she uses her paw.

Step 2: When your dog constantly paws at your hand to get the treat in your closed fist, start to introduce the verbal cue of choice like “shake” or “hello.”

Step 3: As your dog improves, phase out the treat in your hand. Hold out your empty fist to your dog and give your verbal cue. When your dog places her paw on your hand, praise and give her a treat.

Step 4: When your dog is consistently offering the shake behavior with your empty fist, hold out an open hand and give her the verbal cue to shake. When your dog’s paw connects with your hand, praise, click and treat.

As you practice, hold your hand out to your dog at her chest level so it will be comfortable for her to reach and shake your hand.

Step 5: Start to add a few seconds of duration with your dog’s paw on your hand, and gently move your hand up and down in a hand-shaking motion. Be sure to praise and reward her with treats after she finishes the trick!

Next steps

The more familiar your dog gets, practice shaking in areas with distractions like while on a walk. Also try increasing the duration of shaking your dog’s paw. If your dog is social and enjoys interactions, shaking is a great trick that other people can cue for your dog. Just remember to praise and treat her after she shakes hands!

A relative newcomer to our shores, the Dogo Argentino embodies the kind of power, strength and courage that stops you in your tracks. Chew through these noteworthy facts about this impressive South American canine.

1. Where does the Dogo Argentino come from?

The Dogo Argentino is an Argentine breed of large mastiff-type bred in the early 20th century for dog fighting and for hunting large game such as wild boars, peccaries and pumas. He originated in the province of Cordoba, in the central region of the country.

2. Who first bred the Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo’s creator was Antonio Nores Martinez, a doctor from a family that put a high value on tradition. In 1928, Dr. Nores Martinez set out to realize his vision of developing a new dog breed that he named the Dogo Argentino. He began with the now extinct Old Fighting Dog of Cordoba. He admired this breed for its power, but wanted to enhance size and strength. Other breeds were added over generations, beginning with the Bull Terrier, then followed by Great Dane, Pointer, Boxer, Bulldog, Pyrenean Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound and Spanish Mastiff.

Dr. Nores Martinez selected for white coat color, and rejected any dog with an undershot (Bulldog) mouth and jaw. He worked tirelessly on this mission, and by the 12th generation, his dogs were breeding true. In 1947 he presented his breed to the Club de Cazadores (“hunters club”) of Buenos Aires along with a breed standard. It was a labor of love for the doctor brothers Nores Martinez (the late Antonio, and his successor, Agustin) but ultimately, their dream of developing a supreme canine hunter and athlete bore fruit.

3. When was the Dogo Argentino accepted into national breed clubs?

It took until 1973 for the Dogo to be accepted as the first and only Argentine breed by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), a world organization that recognizes the breeds that may compete in its global dog shows. The breed received full American Kennel Club recognition in January 2020.

4. What is the coat color of the Dogo Argentino?

The Doctors Nores Martinez envisioned an all-white dog, and the American Kennel Club breed standard abides by their strict directives. Of color, the AKC standard allows that the “only tolerable spots are one black or dark-colored patch on the skull but which can also be located on one ear or around one eye or very small dark spots on the ears … More than one spot on the head (with the exception of small spots on the ears) is a disqualification … A black spot anywhere other than on the head is a disqualification.”

5. What is the Dogo Argentino’s temperament like?

The Dogo is loving with family,  but a very dominant, protective breed when it comes to strangers and other dogs. Under “Character & Temperament,” the breed standard tells us that the Dogo is a “strong, tenacious and rustic dog that was created to protect family and property, as well as to hunt large game and destructive predators. He is a faithful companion at home and in the field. Of all the Dogo’s attributes, he is above all else, courageous.”

6. What is the Dogo Argentino height and weight?

The Dogo is a large-sized dog breed with a height of 24 to 26.5 inches at the shoulder and the weight going from 88 to 100 pounds.

7. How long does the Dogo Argentino live?

The life expectancy of the Dogo is 9 to 15 years.

8. How active is the Dogo?

High energy level. Adaptable, trainable and eager to please so obedience, agility and rally are all possible with a well-socialized Dogo.

9. Is the Dogo Agentino good for first-time owners?

Typically, no. This breed is much too strong and dominant for most situations.

10. Is the Dogo Aregentino a good family pet?

He can be. A good Dogo breeder who socializes the puppies from an early age, followed up by ongoing socialization in his new home is essential. If there are other pets in the home, give careful consideration to the dynamics involved; this is a dominant breed.

11. Is the Dogo a good apartment dog?

In most cases, no. This is an active, dominant breed with a high watchdog/protective nature.

12. How easy is it to train a Dogo?

High trainability. This breed is eager to please.

13. Is the Dogo given to excessive barking?

Medium to high barking level. Don’t get the Dogo Argentino if you are looking for  quiet dog.

14. Does the Dogo make a good traveler?

Typically, yes. Get him accustomed to car travel early. Crate training is essential for safe car travel, hotel and motel stays, overnight stays at the veterinarian, etc.

15. Is the Dogo easy to groom?

Yes. The Dogo Argentino has a medium to high shedding level, so occasional brushing reduces unwanted white hair left on furniture, floors and carpets. The breed has a smooth, short coat.

16. How popular is the Dogo Argentino?

This breed comes in as No. 88 in the American Kennel Club list of the most popular breeds in 2022, based on annual registrations. (There are 200 recognized breeds in all.)

17. Is there deafness in the Dogo Argentino breed?

Like the Dalmatian, the white Bull Terrier and the white Boxer, the Dogo may experience pigment-related deafness. There is the possibility of an approximate 10 percent deafness rate overall with some dogs afflicted unilaterally (deaf in one ear) and some bilaterally (deaf in both ears). Studies have shown that the incidence of deafness is drastically reduced when the only Dogos bred are those with bilaterally normal hearing. Insist on seeing the results of health testing for both parents and puppies if you are looking to add a Dogo to your home.

18. Are Dogo Argentinos included in breed bans?

The Dogo has a fighting-dog heritage. Coupled with his size, strength and natural dominance, this has resulted in bans or ownership restrictions in certain countries, including the Cayman Islands, Denmark, Norway, Fiji, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Turkey. In the United Kingdom, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is illegal to own a Dogo Argentino without lawful authority. In the USA, some cities may ban the breed, and there may be insurance company policies and housing restrictions that impact breed ownership.

Does your dog follow you everywhere you go? If your pup is always stuck to your side, you have what is commonly called a velcro dog. The name comes from the hook-and-loop fastener used to hold fabric together. These dogs always want to be with their people, and depending on the breed, they can be very protective. Although some people get annoyed with how needy velcro dogs are, this clingy behavior is natural and with some breeds, desirable.

Top 9 velcro dog breeds:

Any dog can display velcro dog behaviors, but there are dog breeds who have a solid reputation for their velcro tendencies. Here are the most affectionate dog breeds:

Affectionate dog behavior explained

Dogs breeds with a velcro personality were developed specifically to be close to their people. Some of these dogs were bred as companion dogs and attentive to people’s feelings; other breeds were created to work side-by-side with humans. For these dogs, clingy behavior is a breed-specific trait and is desirable. This is something to consider before getting a dog. If you want a more independent companion, these dogs are not the breed for you. A true velcro dog is confident and well socialized, but given the option, he’ll always choose to be close to you.

Our dog breeds section gives insight into finding the right dog for your lifestyle.

Velcro dogs and safety hazards

If your dog always wants to be with you, it’s wonderful, but it can also pose a safety issue. If you find yourself tripping over your dog who is literally underfoot, create a training plan to keep both you and your dog safe. Here’s how:

• Teach your dog to go to his bed or another designated area that is out of the way.
• Lure him there with a treat or toy.
• Then, reward your dog with praise and treats for being on his bed or designated spot.
• Repeat these steps until your dog can go to his bed on cue.

The goal is for your dog to see his bed as a rewarding place, so you won’t trip over him while you’re cooking or moving around your house.

The difference between velcro and anxiety behavior:

Velcro dog temperament is not the same as a dog having separation anxiety, insecurity or feeling uncomfortable on his own. Dogs with velcro dog syndrome prefer to spend time with their people, but they are also perfectly capable of being alone. Dogs with anxiety become distressed or uncomfortable when alone. For anxious dogs, connect with your veterinarian to see if there is an underlying medical issue. Work with a dog trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog learn new coping skills. Similarly, if your dog suddenly starts sticking to you like velcro and that isn’t his normal temperament, it could be an indication that he’s in pain or has some other underlying health condition.

If you notice a change in your dog’s temperament schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away to determine if there is a medical cause for the behavior changes.

When a dog’s thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism occurs. Middle-aged and older dogs are most commonly affected. Thyroid hormones help regulate many internal functions, such as metabolism and heart rate. When these hormones are low, vital functions are impaired and symptoms develop. Fortunately, with early detection and treatment, most hypothyroid dogs have a normal life expectancy.

Causes of hypothyroidism in dogs

Lymphocytic thyroiditis, an immune-mediated condition, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in dogs. It occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland, resulting in significant inflammation and low hormone production. It is unknown why the immune system decides to attack the thyroid gland, but it is thought to be hereditary.

Hypothyroidism in dogs can also occur due to thyroid gland atrophy. During this process, the functional tissue of the thyroid gland is replaced by fat. Veterinarians also don’t know why this process occurs.

A pituitary gland tumor is another cause, but it is extremely rare. The pituitary gland is located at the base of a dog’s brain and is responsible for secreting thyroid stimulating hormone. In dogs with a pituitary tumor, this process is impaired, and the thyroid gland is not stimulated. Therefore, thyroid hormones are not produced.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs

Hypothyroidism causes numerous symptoms in dogs, which may include the following:

• Weight gain despite a normal appetite
• Fat accumulation around shoulders, neck and hind end
• Lethargy
• Dull hair coat
• Slow hair regrowth
• Flaky and/or thickened skin
• Patches of alopecia (hair loss)
• Slow heart rate
• Cold intolerance
• Recurrent skin and ear infections
• Fertility issues
• Reduced tear production (dry eye)
• Nerve abnormalities

Dogs with hypothyroidism may have high cholesterol, high fat content and mild anemia on bloodwork.

How to treat hypothyroidism in dogs

Dogs with hypothyroidism require oral supplementation of a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. This medication is given daily and is relatively inexpensive. The dose, which is determined by the dog’s weight, may change over time based on his response to treatment. Periodic bloodwork helps the veterinarian assess hormone levels and adjust the dose when necessary. Supplementation is required for the remainder of the pet’s life.

Since hypothyroid dogs are already prone to high cholesterol, switching to a low-fat kibble is beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids also promote a healthier skin and coat. Your veterinarian can recommend the best type of food to meet your dog’s specific needs.

Life expectancy

Hypothyroidism is not a curable condition. However, most healthy, hypothyroid dogs live long, happy lives with the proper monitoring and treatment. Dogs with additional health issues, such as heart disease or kidney disease, may have shorter lifespans due to the difficulty in managing hypothyroidism alongside concurrent illness.

If left untreated, hypothyroidism results in a poor quality of life, an increased risk of complications and a reduced lifespan. Early diagnosis ensures your pet receives the treatment he needs to be happy and healthy. If you notice any signs of hypothyroidism in your dog, bring him to the veterinarian for evaluation.

Heated dog beds are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want to provide their pup with a warm and comfortable place to rest. But are they good for your dog’s health? According to veterinarian and author Doc Halligan, the answer is yes!

Heated beds especially benefit senior dogs with arthritis and other health issues.

“When dogs get older, they may benefit from having soft and heated bedding as their muscle mass decreases,” she says. “They may also develop calluses and sores and their joints can become stiff. Especially for older dogs or those with health issues, orthopedic and heated beds can greatly enhance their quality of life.”

There are many options available, but here are our top picks:

PetMate’s ASPEN Pet Self-Warning Rectangular Lounger; $29.99 – $69.99

1. PetMate’s ASPEN Pet Self-Warning Rectangular Lounger: This bed doesn’t require electricity. Made with soft and plush materials, it features a special heat-reflecting technology used in space blankets to radiate the pet’s own body heat to retain warmth. Comes in the color barn red and cream in sizes small, medium and large. $29.99 – $69.99; petmate.com

K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed; $142.99-$169.99

2. K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed: This bed warms to a dog’s normal body temperature only when the animal is in the bed. It is made of soft and plush materials and has a removable cover and pillow for easy cleaning. Comes in colors gray or sage/tan and in medium and large sizes. $142.99-$169.99; khpet.com

The Pet Life Dream Smart Electronic Heating and Cooling Smart Dog Bed; $94.99-$113.99

3. The Pet Life Dream Smart Electronic Heating and Cooling Smart Dog Bed: This high-tech solution for keeping your dog comfortable year-round features a heating unit to warm the bed and a fan to cool it. It also has a machine-washable removable fleece cover. Comes in colors gray, navy, burgundy red and mocha brown, plus sizes medium and large. $94.99-$113.99; shop.petlife.com

What to look for in a heated dog bed

Not just any heated dog bed will do. Shop for the best one with the following criteria in mind.

Safety – Pick a bed with a shut-off feature so it doesn’t overheat and cause a fire. Also, an adjustable thermostat prevents burns and a chew-resistant cord prevents electrical shock.

Size and Shape – A bed that’s too small won’t be comfortable, while one that’s too big won’t provide enough warmth. Measure your dog to ensure you get the right size.

Durability – This is especially important for pups who love to chew everything in sight. Look for a bed with a removable and machine-washable cover for quick clean-up of accidents.

A heated dog bed can be a great solution to keep your dog warm and cozy. Prioritize safety, size and durability when picking the right one for your pup, and I am sure your dog will have “sweet puppy dreams” in his new warm bed.

Whether your dog simply had a battery in his mouth or fully ingested it, Dr. Anna Robinson, a small animal veterinarian in Texas, says to take swift action. The first thing to do is to flush the dog’s mouth out with tepid water, then call your veterinarian.

“Depending on the age and type of the battery ingested, there isn’t really any first aid you can do, unless your dog immediately vomits up the battery whole and unchewed,” says Dr. Robinson.

Symptoms after dog ate battery

“Batteries contain a variety of toxic metals which can generate local electrical currents causing cell damage in the body,” explains Dr. Robinson. “They have an ‘acid’ that is caustic and burns cells it encounters.”

If your dog ate a battery, it is an emergency. Don’t try to induce vomiting. Instead, contact your vet immediately. Here are some other common symptoms:

“It is important to note that unlike other poisonings, inducing vomiting to attempt to remove batteries can make these effects worse,” she warns. “Veterinarians have also found that activated charcoal is not sufficient to bind out the toxins, which would otherwise be the go-to option.”

What to expect at the veterinarian

Your veterinarian will ask you to call a poison control line, which will assign you a case number and assist the veterinarian (either your regular vet or emergency vet).

The poison control line will ask:

1. For a credit or debit card number up front.
2. Who you are and whether you are a legal owner of the pet you are calling about.
3. For your pet’s signalment (breed, age, sex and if spayed/neutered or not).
4. If you’re in route to a facility.
5. What the pet’s current symptoms are. They may direct you to symptom specific first aid based on your response.
6. The number, brand and age of batteries ingested.

Finally, the representative will give you a case number and contact information for your veterinarian to use.

Treatment plan

Expect your pet to stay with the veterinarian for the healing process, especially if the battery is lodged in the esophagus in either the throat area, around the heart or diaphragm.

“This instance will warrant endoscopic removal requiring a small camera to go through your pet so the battery can be cleanly and effectively removed,” says Dr. Robinson. “Regardless of the individual veterinarian’s skill and equipment, if the battery is deep enough, surgical removal may be attempted but this is very uncommon for esophageal foreign bodies.”

Because batteries can leak chemicals, if it reaches the lower gastrointestinal tract, surgical removal is typically recommended if any portion of a battery is seen on radiography.

Your dog may require in-hospital chelation therapy for heavy metal exposure, regardless of battery location and symptoms. Other services include pain management, gastrointestinal protectants and digital imaging monitoring for symptomatic patients or for dogs who chewed batteries as symptoms can get worse before they get better.

What do jewelry sales and animal adoption have in common? For dog lovers, everything, says award winning TV personality Allyson Spellman.

Shop and adopt is the theme of Allyson’s new Jewelry Television (JTV) live stream series, Jewelry to the Rescue, which features adoptable, homeless animals at the Young- Williams Animal Center in Tennessee and an array of animal-themed jewelry.

“Jewelry is such a connector of dog lovers,” she says. “It automatically elicits conversation and emotion.”

Allyson, who tries to promote animal advocacy whenever she can, brainstormed the idea from feedback after selling animal-centric jewelry on the various JTV shows she’s hosted for five years.

“Our viewers would connect with me and post pictures and share stories,” she says. “They’d say, ‘This (piece) reminds me of my rescue!’”

She grabbed the opportunity to combine both her passions.

Three to four adoptable animals are featured during the weekly live stream at the shelter, along with other perks, like waived rescue fees and jewelry giveaways. Viewers nationwide can submit real-time questions about the animals and share their rescue stories.

“It’s interactive,” says Allyson. “I get so inspired by our viewers.”

In the few months it’s aired, adoptions are up, including “the cutest tri-pod dog,” says Allyson. The show also recently won a Telly Award.

You really have to ask yourself, she says, “Who rescued who?”

To catch the show, visit JTV.com/Extra or follow on social media @JTV and @allysonspellman

Herding dog breeds are wicked smart and originally bred to round up and protect livestock. These high energy breeds will keep you on your toes In addition to herding livestock these breeds were bred for intelligence and working closely with humans.

Some of the most popular pet herding breeds are:

The most popular smallest herding dog breeds are:

The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes 32 herding dog breeds in the Herding Group. The AKC organizes dogs into groups based on the jobs a particular breed was originally bred to perform. Initially part of the Working Dog group, a more specific grouping for herding breeds was created in 1983.

Herding dog behavior

Instinctually, herding dogs are driven to control livestock by gathering and protecting them, so these dogs flourish working on farms. Some herding breeds, such as the Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, flourish at protection work, such as Schutzhund, and various police work roles like narcotics detection and cadaver searches.

Key traits of herding dog breeds:

• high energy
• highly intelligent
• loyal
• athletic
• active
• protective
• fun to train
• industrious
• very responsive to their handlers

Training is a must for herding dogs, and they’ll need to go beyond basic obedience skills, especially since they tend to nip as part of their instinctual behaviors. You need to work to minimize this tendency from the outset. Bored herding dogs can often be a behavior challenge and may start to herd children or even adults without solid training and proper outlets for their instinctual drive. Also called stock dogs, they are sensitive to sound and especially movement, so they may chase wildlife and even cars; therefore, training and adequate and appropriate stimulation and engagement are key.

Since herding dogs’ needs are best met by giving them a job, they do best in an active family with time to devote to meeting their mental and physical needs. But even if your working dog doesn’t have a flock to tend to, he can still get his genius groove on with mental/physical activities you can try in your backyard or with a class/group.

The best activities for herding dog breeds:

The American public came to love smart and family-oriented herding dogs like Lassie, the Collie and Rin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog. More recently we fell in love with Chaser, behavior psychologist John W. Pilley’s Border Collie, who knew over 1000 words! Today these brainy and spirited dogs are part of many families.

Herding dog breeds make great companions, but they’re not couch potatoes, spa day divas or walk-around-the-block dogs: herding dogs require a lot of mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive emotionally, physically and behaviorally. Herding is in their DNA, so finding your stock dog a job will keep you both active and happy for the long haul.

Weight: 30-38 pounds (male); 25-34 pounds (female)

Life span: 12 to 15 years

Coat: Double coated. The outer hairs have a slightly harsh texture, and the insulating undercoat is short, soft and thick.

Color: Red, sable and brindle; black, blue merle

Grooming: Easy keepers, requiring mainly weekly brushing

Shedding: Yes, especially seasonally

Best for: Active singles and families

Accurate name: In Welsh, the word Corgi loosely translates to dwarf dog.

AKC popularity rank: 66th

Equipment: The Cardigan isn’t built for strong or prolonged swimming, so get him a life jacket.

Some Cardigans also use portable stairs to help them up on furniture.

Possible health issues: Degenerative myelopathy, hip and elbow dysplasia, canine intervertebral disc disease.

The Border Collie is the Swiss Army Knife, the Everything Bagel of the dog world. Whatever you need him to do, he can do with ease, then ask what is the next job on your to-do list. Although considered by many authorities to be the world’s most intelligent breed, nobody calls the Border Collie low maintenance.

This is a lot of dog to deal with in a medium-sized package. Not every Ford driver can handle a tanked-up Maserati, and not every casual pet owner can keep a Border Collie content and engaged. Here are seven fun facts about this super dog.

Border Collie history

The Border Collie originated in the Border country between Scotland and England, where the shepherds’ breeding selection was based on cooperative stock sense and the ability to work long days on rugged terrain. This selective breeding developed the unique working style of the Border Collie gathering and fetching the stock in a wide, sweeping manner, then controlling it with an intense gaze known as “eye,” and a stalking style of movement. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard states, “Breeding based on this working ability has made this breed the world’s premier sheep-herding dog, a job the Border Collie is still used for worldwide.”

Versatility, thy name is Border Collie

Border Collie experts and the AKC standard agree that this breed “is, and should remain, a natural and unspoiled true working sheep dog.” Not only is the Border Collie a superior herder of livestock, but he has proven himself a formidable competitor in such performance events as obedience, agility, rally, dock diving and tracking. About the only activity the Border Collie has not perfected, or even pretends to be good at, is that of a lazy couch potato.

Exercise requirements

Due to the breed’s working heritage, Border Collies are demanding and energetic. They do best in households that can give them plenty of exercise and play, with humans or with other canine companions.

Because of their great need for mental stimulation, many Border Collies will develop problematic behaviors in homes that are unable to meet these requirements. To cure their boredom, Border Collies are notorious for chewing holes in walls and furniture, digging and other destructive activity. Border Collie clubs and rescue groups advise that anyone considering the breed first make sure they can provide the exercise needed as a suitable outlet for the Border’s high energy and great stamina.

A working Border typically runs many hours a day, using his personality and intelligence to control challenging livestock. The breed becomes distressed and frustrated if left in isolation, ignored or inactive. They can be motion sensitive and may chase moving vehicles and bicycles, behavior that can be corrected with appropriate training. Border Collies will also express their strong desire to herd by herding small children, cats and dogs.

Show vs. working vs. performance

Border Collies that come from dog show bloodlines will look the most alike, as their breeders are producing dogs that meet a written standard that describes the ideal Border Collie in size, silhouette, head and body shape, and overall appearance. Those from working bloodlines will display the least uniformity, as it is the dogs’ stamina and herding ability that are most highly prized, and physical looks are of little importance. Border Collies from performance bloodlines, bred to excel in agility, rally and other dog sports, will lie somewhere in between.

More than black and white

While the vast majority of Border Collies seen are black-and-white, the breed comes in all colors, combinations and markings. The AKC standard states that “All colors are to be judged equally with no one color or pattern preferred over another.” You’ll find Border Collies in tricolor, chocolate, blue and blue merle, and red in all shades from copper to blond.

Border Collies also come in two coat lengths. Close-fitting, dense, weather- resistant double-coats are required in both, but the more common rough coat variety has feathering on the forelegs, chest and haunches, while the smooth variety has a short coat over the entire body, usually coarser in texture than the rough.

Border Collies in the media

Few breeds have been seen more often on TV and in movies than the Border Collie, and that visibility has certainly played a big role in their popularity. Besides Borders in many dozens of TV commercials, we remember Bandit from the TV series Little House on the Prairie and Shep, the star of the British children’s show Blue Peter. Border Collies to star on the big screen included Nana in Snow Dogs, Fly
in Babe, Jessie in Animal Farm, Raffles in the animated Rover Dangerfield, and Mike in Down and Out in Beverly Hills.

Celebrities cross over to the Border

Not surprisingly, plenty of actors, singers, musicians and sports figures are passionate about their Border Collies. The star-studded list includes James Dean, Anna Paquin, Tiger Woods, Dierks Bentley, Jerry Seinfeld, Ethan Hawke and Jon Bon Jovi.