Latest news with #Siberianhusky
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Chihuahua and Dutch Shepherd Have Puppies, Viewers Not Prepared for Outcome
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In a viral TikTok video, a pup named Coco from the United Kingdom has left users on social media stunned, all thanks to her one-of-a-kind look. The clip, which was shared in June under the username @pandcocotheweedogs, shows Coco, a mix between a Chihuahua and a Dutch shepherd, hanging out at the park with her owner, performing all sorts of tricks and responding to commands. The small-sized puppy resembles a tiny version of the Dutch shepherd in the body of a Chihuahua, with the discipline of a shepherd dog, and the loud, high-pitched bark of a Chihuahua. "Cocos transition from middle to heel is starting to look soooo good," the poster writes in the caption. Mixed-breed dogs not only have unique looks and personalities that make them one of a kind, but also they are often much healthier than purebreds. The experts at Pet MD say that dogs who are a mix of two or more breeds are less likely to develop specific hereditary diseases because they are bred by parents with different genes, so they may have a longer life span, too. The most-popular crossbreeds in America include the Cockapoo, a mix between cocker spaniel and poodle; the Siberian retriever, a mix between Siberian husky and Labrador retriever; and the Chug, a mix between Chihuahua and pug. Also loved by the American public are the beagleman, a beagle mixed with a doberman pinscher; the shepherd chow, a chowchow that has been bred with a German shepherd; and the puggle, which is a beagle/pug mix. Stock image: A small-sized dog wears a blue vest while playing at the park. Stock image: A small-sized dog wears a blue vest while playing at the park. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 1.3 million views and more than 160,400 likes on the platform. One user, Abigaile McNamar, commented: "Lol [laugh out loud] that to me would be more terrifying to be chased after than a normal Dutch shepherd." Charmaine added: "I find it funny to see this mix, I have a mix Chihuahua x Belgian malinois, the nest was an accident but I love the little dog they are just tiny shepherds." Newsweek reached out to the poster @pandcocotheweedogs for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Science
- New York Post
World's oldest domesticated dog breed has cohabited with humans for 1,000 years, new study shows — but their population is plummeting
It gives new meaning to dog years. Various types of sled dogs have been used by humans across the Arctic for almost 10,000 years, but new research reveals one particular type to be the oldest continuously domesticated breed. According to a new study published in Science, Qimmit have been kept by Inuit populations in Greenland for around a millennium, whereas other sled dog subsets have been bred out. Advertisement 'They're a working dog that has been performing the same task with the same people for 1,000 years or more,' Tatiana Feuerborn, the lead study author and a paleogeneticist at the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes for Health, told Popular Science. 'That's what sets them apart from other Arctic and sled dog breeds.' However, the population of the special animal has been steadily declining as a result of 'environmental changes and cultural transitions,' according to the study. There are even fears that Qimmit could become extinct. Advertisement In 2002, there were about 25,000 in Greenland, but that number had plummeted to just 13,000 in 2020. 3 Dogs bred to live in Arctic climates are especially known for their teamwork skills and long, fluffy coats. dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images The Science study delves into the genetic history of the Qimmeq. Other dog breeds that descended from a common ancestor include the Siberian husky, Alaskan malamute, Samoyed and Canadian Inuit dog. Similarly, these canines adapted to the harsh Arctic climate, but none have remained with the same population like the Qimmeq. Advertisement The team of researchers studied 92 genomes, ranging from contemporary to ancient, to trace how far back the breed goes, and how its isolation in Greenland impacted its development, as opposed to other comparable Arctic dogs. 'We're not the first people to say this… but this is some of the first quantifiable evidence that really lends credence to it,' she added, clarifying the findings. Older DNA samples were taken from bones and fur embedded in preserved Inuit garments, which were borrowed from museums, while contemporary saliva swabs were graciously given to researchers by modern-day Qimmeq breeders in Greenland. 3 Even today, with the popularity of snowmobiles, sled dogs are utilized for their keen senses, endless energy and hunting instincts. REDA/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Advertisement Despite their lupine looks, the Qimmeq is less closely linked to wolves than previously suggested, researchers also uncovered. 'Qimmeq–wolf hybrids have been reported to form strong bonds with a single owner and often display aggression toward humans outside of their 'family,' killing dogs from outside their team,' the study reports. 'This highly territorial behavior makes it difficult to integrate them with new owners and unfamiliar animals.' 3 This chart indicates specific gene flow across time. AAAS While the study is certainly interesting food for thought for dog lovers across the world, it also provides insights into how to preserve the current Qimmit population, In many areas of Greenland, once-expansive ice sheets have become slushy seas, and researchers have marked billions of tons of ice loss in recent years. 'Dogs have been so intrinsically tied to human history as the first domesticated animal. They have been at the formation of every human society,' Feuerborn said. 'In Greenland in particular, these dogs have been there all along. Being able to preserve that cultural history alongside the genetic history is important. It has immense cultural value.'
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Owners Try and Film Husky Escaping in Backyard, but She Has Other Plans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman trying to capture a typical moment from her dog got a big—and hilarious—surprise. Her TikTok video of the moment has left the internet in stitches, showcasing her husky, who thwarted her attempt to document the dog's escape habit by stealing the camera mid-act. The footage has resonated with countless husky owners who are all too familiar with the breed's mischievous nature. "POV: You try to record how your dog has been escaping the backyard, but she had ideas of her own," the woman, @kimberlyjaidyn08, captioned the video, which shows the phone set up to film their husky's antics in the backyard. However, before the camera can capture her secret, the dog grabs the phone in her mouth and runs away. Stock photo: A Husky in an outdoor garden. Stock photo: A Husky in an outdoor garden. TRAVELARIUM/Getty Images "Oh," one commenter reacted. "I've never been carried by a dog before." TikTok users were quick to react, many acknowledging the breed's well-known intelligence and Houdini-like tendencies. "You're not supposed to show a husky where the camera is," one person wrote. "They too smart for that (I have three)," one commenter warned. Another user imagined the dog's thought process: "Mom forgot her rectangle, which is so weird, cause she takes it everywhere, I'll take it back to her." The escape artist reputation of huskies was also a recurring theme in the comments. "Once I saw that she's a husky, I knew it was over (I have a husky that also loves to escape, so I had to get a really long lead for her, so she can't miraculously hop the fence)," one user shared. Another TikToker wrote: "She's a husky. They're father-in-law's husky jumps their chicken wire and metal fence all the time, especially when it storms. He just goes to the front door though." "I was warned by my boyfriend (he has a husky and recently have a husky puppy to our little family) that they are Escape Pro," another added. "But this is so funny and cute." The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the Siberian husky as "a thickly coated, compact sled dog of medium size and great endurance." They are known for their "keen but amiable and even mischievous expression." Beyond their appearance, huskies are renowned for their high energy levels and a strong desire to explore. The AKC noted that Huskies are energetic and love a chase—secure running room is "a must," so, it seems the creator definitely provided the right environment for her sly pup. The breed's sociable nature also plays a role in their behavior. The AKC stated that as pack dogs, they enjoy quality time with their owners and other dogs. This combination of intelligence, energy and a friendly disposition makes for a dog that is both endearing and capable of surprising its owners with its antics. Newsweek reached out to @kimberlyjaidyn08 for comment via TikTok.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Dog Teaches Foster Puppy To Howl, Internet Obsessed: 'Littlest Woo'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A dog owner from Colorado captured the touching moment her canine decided to teach her foster puppy how to howl, and internet users can't cope with it. Shared on TikTok on Tuesday under the username @baxtersmountain, the video shows Baxter, a springer spaniel, golden and beagle mix, howling like a wolf, before turning to the foster puppy, as if encouraging him to do the same. The puppy enthusiastically tries to replicate the sound, as Baxton checks back on him proudly, but his soft howls still need some practice. "When your dog unexpectedly teaches your foster puppy to howl," reads layover text in the clip. And a caption reads: "The littlest woo." Dogs can howl for a variety of reasons. Pet MD says that, firstly, it is a form of communication between them that, like wolves, they use to send long-distance messages, as a signal, or as an invitation to interact. Howling can also be a way for our pups to express their emotional state, regardless whether they are stressed, excited, anxious, or just bored. It can also be a response to their environment; perhaps music is playing or other dogs are howling. Pups often howl to communicate to other dogs that a specific area belong to them, and that they are not welcome to venture in. Breeds such as the Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute are genetically more likely to howl than others. Howling can also be a sign of attention-seeking, because they know this sound will grab your attention, and, in some cases, it is separation anxiety. While howling is usually a behavioral problem, if it is excessive and accompanied by other unusual symptoms, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or pain, you should get them check by their veterinarian. Stock image: Two dogs of different breeds play together in the grass. Stock image: Two dogs of different breeds play together in the grass. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 3.5 million views and more than 919,000 likes on the platform. One user, Geoannaa, posted in the comments: My neighbors got a hound dog and he's taught THE ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD DOGS TO HOWL AND THEY ALL RANDOMLY START HOWLING." Kaela wrote: "Bro was like 'I didn't know that was an option.'" Naniidasanii added: "I love animals faces when they process information." Newsweek reached out to @baxtersmountain for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
The Age
09-05-2025
- Science
- The Age
Do dogs really look and act like their owners? The research is in
For all the talk of dogs and humans being best friends, sometimes representatives of the two species just don't click. Giving up an unsuitable family pet can be heartbreaking, but, if the animal is an expensive working dog, it can also be financially ruinous. Guide dogs, for example, can cost up to $50,000 to train, but about a third are returned because they don't bond with their allocated owner. To cut down on the number of mismatches, researchers in Germany are trying to develop more harmonious pooch-person relationships. Their work towards that goal has now confirmed what many dog owners already suspect, and what some may be reluctant to admit: dogs really do look like their humans. More relevant to the quest for lasting friendships, they have similar personalities too. 'We are interested in understanding what makes a good dog-owner match and to find out how we can find the right dog for a person,' says Yana Bender, a PhD student at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena. 'To do that, we first need to establish the status quo: are dogs and their owners generally more similar or more different?' Writing in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, Bender and her colleagues have reviewed the available evidence to show how the similarities show through. One domain concerns physical appearance. Though it might sound barking, numerous studies in recent decades have shown that people really can match pictures of dogs to their owners more often and more reliably than would be possible with guesswork alone. Loading Some sources of similarity are clear: women with short hair tend to own dogs with short ears, for example, and those with long hair tend to favour long-eared breeds. People with higher body-mass-indices also tend to have more overweight dogs. Other connections are less obvious, as shown by research revealing dogs and owners can be correctly paired from pictures in which only their eyes are visible. A similar affinity bias may be at play for invisible characteristics as well, with owners' personality traits mirrored in the way their dogs behave. Introverted owners have dogs that are more nervous around strangers, neurotics are more likely to pair with aggressive pets and conscientious people own dogs that are more motivated and easier to train. Owners of breeds classed as dangerous, such as the notorious XL Bully, rate themselves higher on traits like sensation-seeking and psychopathy. What is going on? Psychologists have known for decades that humans place more value on relationships with people who look and behave like them, and the same seems to apply to dogs. Women with short hair rate short-eared breeds such as the Siberian husky and basenji as friendlier and more intelligent. Long-haired women think the same about beagles and springer spaniels. (What the dogs think is a question for another day.)
