Considering all breeds evolved from a single subspecies, the gray wolf, dogs certainly are a varied lot. Differences in dog breeds range from body size and shape to facial features. Some are better at hunting and others are better at agility, while some cunning little canines seem to be masters at manipulation. With all these obvious differences between breeds, you might wonder about differences you can’t see, such as brain size.

Some Size Variation

There is some variation in brain size among different dog breeds, but that is mostly due to variation in body size. W. Tecumseh Fitch’s 2010 book “The Evolution of Language” explains that, in general, larger animals have larger brains — you couldn’t very well encase a humpback whale’s 10-pound brain in your skull. But if you’re comparing brain size relative to body size, as the breed’s body size gets smaller, dog brain size doesn’t necessarily shrink in exact proportion. Smaller dogs tend to have brains that seem huge in proportion to their bodies when compared to the brain/body ratio of larger dogs.

Brain Size and Intelligence

You might be tempted to jump to the conclusion that your Yorkie’s relatively large brain makes him a genius. While his individual intelligence may be high, as a rule large brains don’t necessarily equal high intellect. In the article “Bigger Not Necessarily Better, When it Comes to Brains” for Science Daily, Professor Lars Chittka says that many times a bigger brain can be like a computer with a bigger hard drive, but not better processors. W. Tecumseh Fitch reinforces “bigger not always better” by pointing out that there is no evidence that smaller breed dogs with their comparatively larger brains are smarter than larger dogs with relatively smaller brains.

Selective Breeding Effects

The selective breeding of dogs has undoubtedly affected the sizes of dogs’ brains, and it’s now thought to have even affected the structure of certain breeds’ brains. The Scientific American article “Changing Minds: Has Selective Breeding Restructured Some Dog Brains?” reveals that dog breeds with shorter skulls and snouts such as pit bulls, shih tzus and pugs have their olfactory lobes located toward the back, near the base of the skull. This differs greatly from long-snouted dogs whose olfactory lobes are at the front of their brains. Even though the position of the olfactory lobes is different, lobe size is still the same.

Brainy Breeds

If there’s a difference in the size of brains among dog breeds, but bigger doesn’t mean smarter, you might wonder which breeds are considered the smartest. The first thing to note is that individual dogs of any breed might show a higher intelligence than any other dog. Also, a dog who has a natural talent for agility isn’t necessarily smarter than another breed of dog who can scent-track or hunt. But if you’re looking for an official list of the top smartest dogs, it’s satisfying to see that WebMD includes large, small and mid-sized dogs in their top 10: border collies, poodles, German shepherds, golden and Labrador retrievers, Doberman pinschers, Shetland sheepdogs, Papillons, rottweilers and Australian cattle dogs.

It doesn’t really matter if you are house training a dog that is younger or older than 5 months. With either scenario, your training activities will be rather like potty training a human baby. The more time you devote to the task, the faster you will achieve your desired result, according to the Pet Place website. It is actually easier in some ways to train an older puppy because its ability to “hold it in” is greater. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Know What to Do

The tricks to properly potty training a dog are to know what you are doing, be patient and invest some time and attention to the process, according to the Pet Place website. It is easier to train a dog that is older than 5 months than a younger puppy because an older dog requires fewer potty times.

Control

The younger the dog, the less control it has, which means that you need to take it out more often. A good rule of thumb is to figure that your dog can hold its urine for one hour longer than its age in months. So, for example, a 5-month-old dog should be able to hold its urine for six hours. If you crate your 5-month-old dog longer than six hours, you are asking for trouble, according to the Pet Place website. If your dog is in the crate too long and has to urinate there, this will create problems later in life because the dog has soiled an area that it instinctively wants to keep clean. You do not want to interfere with this instinct, if possible.

Procedure

To train your dog, take it outside first thing in the morning and encourage it to urinate and defecate. It may be easier to do this while your dog is on a leash so that your dog doesn’t become involved in more interesting activities. Use a word cue, such as “go potty,” “hurry up,” “make,” or whatever word you choose to signify this action. Take your dog to the same area each time because dogs thrive on routines and consistency. Adult dogs can be set in their ways, though, so be patient during this adjustment time.

Schedule

If you took your 5-month-old dog out at 8 a.m., the next time your dog will need to go out will be at 2 p.m. at the latest. You should repeat the same routine in the afternoon that you did in the morning. You will need to take your dog out again at 8 p.m.

The Bathroom and Eating Connection

Another rule of thumb to successfully potty train your older dog is to do it about 10 to 15 minutes after your dog eats. Eating stimulates the reflex to go to the bathroom. Not all dogs need to go in 10 or 15 minutes. You will learn how long it takes your dog over time. After your dog goes to the bathroom, praise it enthusiastically and give your dog a treat.

Plan B

If your dog does not go to the bathroom when you are outside with it, take your dog inside, but keep it with you. If you let your dog run free, it is likely to urinate or defecate in your house. After 15 minutes of watching your dog, take it out again for another try. Repeat this process until you have success.

Puggles are a hybrid dog breed created by crossing pugs and beagles. They are small, heavy-bodied dogs with a great deal of energy, and when well-trained, they can be excellent family pets and companions. Puggles are not a problem-free breed, however, and recognizing some of their issues is an important part of deciding whether a puggle is right for you.

Heavy Shedding

The puggle has a coat that is easy to care for, but it does have thick fur that sheds heavily, especially during the warm months. Weekly brushing is necessary to ensure that all of the loose hair is shed. Though the puggle’s coat is not very long, it is not considered a hypoallergenic dog and is a poor choice for people with allergies.

Sensitive to Climate Change

Puggles are sensitive to climate changes due to their pug ancestry. They cannot tolerate overheating, and when the weather turns chilly they are prone to catching colds. They can also be sensitive to humid climates, and taking them outdoors in extremely hot or cold weather can tire them or cause illness.

Respiratory Problems

The puggle was bred to have a longer muzzle than the pug, and though they do not have the same extreme respiratory issues that fully brachycephalic pugs do, some puggles do have breathing problems. These issues may be limited to snoring or they may reverse-sneeze or wheeze after they have exerted themselves. Due to their beagle lineage they are extremely energetic, and they may want to play more than is good for them, which can exacerbate their breathing problems. Nostril enlargement and palate trimming surgery can work wonders for brachycephalic dogs like pugs and puggles.

Barking

Unless they are well-trained, puggles can be loud dogs. They are alert and will tend to bark to announce strangers or visitors to the home, though their friendliness prevents them from being good guard dogs. Some puggles may also howl, a trait that is common in beagles. Early training is essential to make sure that a puggle does not turn into a noisy nuisance.

Skin Infections

Some puggles, especially the ones that have more wrinkles in their face, are prone to skin infections. While a puggle’s muzzle is not as short and wrinkled as the muzzle of a pug, the wrinkles in its face still need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Dirt and debris can get caught in the wrinkles, which will abrade the skin and sometimes develop into a fungal and/or bacterial infection. Skin infections can be avoided by cleaning the wrinkles with a damp cloth once a day. You can use a gentle liquid cleaning and drying agent specially for this purpose.

The pug, described by the Pug Dog Club of America as “one of the most wonderful dogs in the world,” is a breed known for being playful, even-tempered and extraordinarily loyal. Though relatively compact in size, pugs are also quite hearty and strong and it is estimated that the average life span of a healthy pug is from the mid- to high teens.

Helping Your Pug Live a Long Life

One important fact to keep in mind, according to PetMD.com, is that pugs are “prone to major health problems,” particularly in terms of the skin and respiratory system. Therefore, to help your pug live a long life, it is necessary to keep a watchful eye on your pug’s physical well-being. Regular visits to the vet are critical, nails should be kept short, eyes and ears should be kept clean, and the face, particularly the “nose roll,” should be washed every day.

More Health Tips

Diet, too, is extremely important. Pugs love to eat and, as a result, many pugs become overweight. Overeating and excessive weight may present serious problems. Overfeeding should be avoided. Also, pugs are very sensitive to temperature extremes. This means that your pug should be kept as cool as possible in the hotter months and should not be exposed to frigid weather for extended periods of time. Being conscientious about health means a higher likelihood of a happy 12 to 18 years.

The small but spunky silky terrier is generally a healthy breed. Like any purebred dog, they are predisposed to certain genetic diseases and conditions. This Australian native bears a close resemblance to his relatives, the Australian terrier and the Yorkshire terrier. Like other small terriers, the silky thinks he’s a big dog in a little canine’s body.

Eye Diseases

Silky terriers are prone to certain eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA develops gradually, but eventually results in total blindness. Early signs include inability to see in weak light, characterized by walking into objects and unwillingness to go outdoors at night. Eventually, the eyes develop cataracts, or opaque white areas around the pupil. Silky terriers can also develop cataracts without PRA. There is no treatment for PRA, but most dogs adjust to their loss of vision, with help of dedicated owners. Dogs suffering only from cataracts can have them surgically removed.

Silky Terrier Endocrine Diseases

Hypothyroidism, or insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, can affect silky terriers. Symptoms include weight gain although the dog isn’t eating more food, behavioral changes, hair loss and dull coat and skin infections. The lively silky terrier becomes lethargic. Fortunately, your vet can prescribe daily thyroid medication to restore your silky terrier to health. Another endocrine disorder, Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, also occurs in older silkies. In this condition, the dog’s adrenal glands produce excess cortisol. Symptoms of Cushing’s disease resemble those of hypothyroidism, along with excessive eating and drinking. Your vet can prescribe medication for disease control.

Orthopedic Issues

Leggs-Calve-Perthes disease, a common hereditary orthopedic condition in small breed dogs, often occurs in the silky terrier. Initial signs consist of rear leg lameness in a young animal. With this condition, the blood supply to the femur’s head is inadequate, leading to its necrosis. Treatment consists of surgery to remove the “dead head.” Patellar luxation, or dislocated kneecaps, frequently affect small breeds and the silky terrier is no exception. Most dogs require surgery to correct the dislocation.

Silky Terrier Epilepsy

Some silkies might suffer from epilepsy, a neurological disorder resulting in seizures. Such episodes are terrible to watch, as affected dogs lose balance and fall over, often with legs flailing, body shaking and teeth biting at the air. Most seizures last just a minute or so, with those in excess of five minutes often causing some permanent damage. Depending on the frequency of the seizures, your vet might prescribe phenobarbital or potassium bromide for prevention and control.

An English bulldog requires a number of daily procedure to keep it clean and healthy. While you can generally do these with commonly used items like cotton swabs and washcloths, it is possible to buy particular products for this purpose. Bulldogs need to be washed and brushed, and certain body parts, like the face and ears, must be cleaned separately.

Brushing

An English bulldog should be brushed at least three times per week, especially when the dog is shedding its hair in the spring and summer. Do the brushing with a soft bristle or rubber brush, first against the grain of the hair and then with the grain.

Washing

Although a bath doesn’t have to be a daily procedure, it is good to wash your bulldog often. Block the dog’s ears with cotton balls before the bath and apply drops of mineral oil to its eyes. Then wash the dog with water and mild soap, or with a pH-balanced pet shampoo. Lather everywhere, including between the toes and under the tail and genitals. Rinse the soap off well and dry the dog with a towel.

Ear Care

English bulldogs have sensitive ears that need to be carefully cleaned to avoid damaging them. You can do this with a warm washcloth, cotton ball or, if done very carefully, a cotton swab. It is also possible to buy a solution from a veterinarian made specifically to clean the dog’s ears.

Face Care

English bulldogs have wrinkly faces; they require special cleaning that, in some cases, has to be done daily. The older the dog becomes, the more wrinkles it has. Rub the dog’s wrinkles with petroleum jelly to keep the skin soft. Clean them with a wet cloth or baby wipes and then dry them well. The nose wrinkle is particularly important, and may require the application of diaparene ointment, a form of zinc oxide.

You want to feed your dog the best diet possible. Maybe you think giving him homemade food, consisting of healthy, fresh ingredients, is the way to go. It could be, as long as you make sure that your homemade diet is nutritionally complete for your best friend. Ask your own vet for recommendations, as she knows any health issues facing your dog.

Necessities

Commercial dog foods contain the proper balance of nutrients for your pet. That balance is something you must employ when making your own meals for Fido. According to WebMD.com, homemade dog foods must contain a protein and carbohydrate source, the correct amount of vitamins and minerals, along with a small amount of fat. Once you find the right recipe, keep making and feeding it to your dog, rather than constantly switching ingredients. Good protein sources include chicken, turkey, lamb or hamburger, along with boned fish. You can also use eggs and low-fat cottage cheese as a protein sources. Sources of carbohydrates include rice, potatoes and pasta. You can offer your dog cooked green beans, peas and carrots.

Supplements

Read the ingredients list on a commercial dog food can or package. It likely contains all kinds of vitamin and mineral supplements. Webvet recommends purchasing supplements containing micronutrients “essential for maintaining pet health and almost certainly missing from your ingredient list.” Dr. Michael Fox suggests kelp or spirulina added to your dog’s food a few times a week.

Foods to Avoid

Although a raw meat diet is popular in some quarters, as that’s what the domestic dog’s wild canine ancestors ate, most veterinarians don’t endorse it. That’s because raw meat can contain bacteria that’s destroyed when cooking, including salmonella and E. coli. Other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts, all of which can be toxic to canines. Chocolate is also a no-no, in case you’re tempted to give your dog dessert after his home-cooked meal.

Sample Recipe

The California-based Founders Veterinary Clinic offers a sample recipe for feeding a 20-pound canine. It consists of 1/4 pound of skinless chicken; 1 cup cooked brown rice; 1/2 to 1 pound of peas and carrots; 1/4 teaspoon of potassium chloride, used as a salt substitute; 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil; 250 milligrams of calcium citrate and a daily multiple vitamin supplement. For a 10-pound dog, cut the ingredients in half, while doubling them for a 40-pound animal.