Latest news with #goldenretrievers
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'I've worked with dogs for 10 years and these are the only breeds I would own'
A vet with 10 years of experience has shared the nine dog breeds she would welcome into her home with open arms after working with countless breeds throughout her career An experienced vet with a decade of working with different dog breeds has taken to social media to share the breeds she would happily have in her home. Saddy the animal expert shared a list of nine breeds she believes would be ideal companions for most prospective pet owners. In her insightful clip, Saddy expressed: "We see lots of posts about breeds vet professionals wouldn't own, and while I agree with the majority of them, I feel like it's time to see the opposite of the narrative! All breeds have their unique personalities and health issues, but that shouldn't be the end all, be all. "Again, this is personal preference based on personal experience and others don't have to agree." Pitbull terrier or bully mix Speaking of the Pitbull terrier or bully mix, Saddy suggested that owning one offers "scary dog privilege" alluding to the sense of security people feel when walking these dogs at night. She elaborated: "They're a favourite among most vet staff for a reason." Greyhound Greyhounds often end up abandoned or in rescue shelters when their racing career comes to an end, which is usually around the age of three and five. Saddy mentioned that despite their need for regular runs, they are often quite lazy once they've released their pent-up energy. She said: "They're gentle and sweet-natured. They look like they've been squished hot dog style. They're on the quieter side and great for introverts." Collie Saddy added that while collies are energetic, they're said to make great pets to all types of owners. She noted: "They're pretty boys (and girls), part of the Fab Four, even tempered, intelligent and loyal." The 'fab four' refers to the four dog breeds often utilised for work - Labradors, collies, golden retrievers and poodles. She further commented on the cuteness of their ears, which some have likened to bears. Borzoi It's not often you see a Borzoi. The large Russian breed, also known as Russian Hunting Sighthound, have been described as having a "noodle face" due to their long noses. Saddy stated: "They're actual royalty. Very fun and silly personalities. Loyal to their people. Unique breed." Golden Retriever Among the breeds she recommends, Saddy includes the golden retriever, describing them as "the definition of man's best friend" and assuring potential owners that they "can't go wrong" with these pets. The vet explained further: "They're an extremely versatile breed, eager to please and have the best smooch faces." Boxer Boxers were described by Saddy as "some of the happiest dogs alive", with many showing their excitement with a "wiggle butt." She said: "They're everyone's best friend. Active and young at heart. The goofiest of goobers." Australian shepherd The Australian shepherd has plenty of good qualities. Saddy said: "They're fluffy wiggle butts, bright and alert, very versatile." A lot of Australian shepherd owners refer to their pets as 'Aussholes" but when they're bred and trained correctly, they can make great companions. Irish Setter However, she believes these dogs are frequently underrated due to their significant grooming needs and a broad lack of public understanding about them. Irish wolfhound She said: "They're big couch potatoes, vigilant and loyal." She added that there's no cause for concern with them around, as their formidable size deters anyone from causing trouble.
Newsweek
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
40-Pound Dog Meets 0.9-Pound Kitten—His Reaction Goes Viral
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 viral TikTok video shows a big dog's hilarious reaction to seeing a tiny kitten for first time, and internet users can't stop laughing at it. The clip shared on Tuesday under the username @.pinkskates, shows the large-sized dog perching on the veterinarian's lap, looking terrified as the doctor sitting next to him holds a sleeping newborn kitten, a few feet away. "Aw, it's so terrifying, so scary …" the veterinarians can be heard saying as they try to make the pup comfortable. "A 40lb dog courageously confronts a 0.9lb kitten," the poster writes in the clip " … Harrowing," she continues in the caption. Despite the fact that they're often bigger than their feline counterparts, it is not very uncommon for dogs to be scared of cats. But what makes these small furballs terrifying to our dogs? Canada Vet says this fear is usually due to a mix of instincts, past experiences, and the felines' powerful personalities. Maybe your dog experienced a cat's claws or bites before and they still remember how it felt, which can cause fear. Not all dogs, however, are afraid of cats, and their size and breed play a part in this. Certain breeds, like smaller ones, or those bred for companionship, are more likely to be afraid of cats. When adding a dog to your cat household, or vice versa, it is important that you choose the right match. While it is true that most canines can be trained to live with felines, some breeds are better suitable to life with cats than others. Burns Court Veterinary Care explains that breeds such as Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and beagles are the canines that get along best with cats, because of their friendly manners, which not all other dogs share. For cats, the breeds that are most likely to accept a dog into their life include Maine coons, rag-dolls, and Siamese. Stock image: A dog and a cat look at each other in the yard. Stock image: A dog and a cat look at each other in the yard. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 938,000 views and more than 281,000 likes on the platform. One user, Lacy Thompson-Harper, commented: "My kitten has NO EYES and is 1 lb, and my 80 lb pittie shakes and cries." Idiot_in_space posted: "TBF [to be fair], how many people are scared of 0.5oz spiders?" Cassandra Appell added: "Look you laugh now, but that dog clearly had been in a house with a kitten before. It's all fun and games until that gray fur-ball wakes up and sinks its claws into your ankles." Newsweek reached out to @.pinkskates 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.
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Dog Raised by Cats Has Internet in Stitches: '10/10 Loaf'
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 pit-bull named Opie has baffled social media users with his ability to act exactly like the cats who raised him, in a viral video that has received over 30.8 million views and 6.7 million likes on TikTok so far. The hilarious clip, shared on Saturday under the username @justopiethings, shows the pup effortlessly curling into a loaf, squeezing into tiny cat beds, and displaying behaviors similar to those of his feline siblings. "Do yo want to see what a pit-bull raised by cats looks like?" the poster writes in the clip. "Part cat part ... Maine coon?" she continues in the caption. Dogs and cats can not only live together peacefully, but they can also form a close bond and become the best of friends. However, that is not always the case, animal charity Dog Trust explains on its website. Some cats are nervous around dogs, who sometimes have a predatory drive so strong that it may compromise the welfare of the cat. Usually, when dogs get overly excited around cats and can't be calmed down, it isn't safe for them to live together. A cat and a dog should be introduced slowly and mindfully, starting with scent swapping and then gradually removing physical barriers when you finally know that they are comfortable together, and don't pose a risk to one another. While most dogs can be trained to live with cats, with the help of a specialized animal behaviorist if needed, some dog breeds are more suited for life with a feline than others. Burns Court Veterinary Care explains that because of their friendly manners, dogs like Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and beagles are the breeds that get along best with cats. Cat breeds that are most likely to accept dogs into their life include Maine coons, rag-dolls, and Siamese. A stock image shows a pit-bull mix looking over his shoulder at the camera. A stock image shows a pit-bull mix looking over his shoulder at the camera. getty images Newsweek reached out to @justopiethings for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. The video received over 19,000 comments from amused users. One user, Mariahargrove5, commented: "The way his facial expressions show how much he is judging you, just like a cat, is absolute perfection." Jess, the brazillionaire said: "My favorite animals are cats raised by dogs or dogs raised by cats and if you don't agree, you're wrong." T added: "Tell your dog I said pspspspsps," while Sharp Lives said: "10/10 Loaf." 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.
Mint
24-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
How to manage your dog's shedding this summer
Every morning, I wake to a fresh layer of golden fuzz covering the floor. Musafir, our golden retriever, is shedding with great enthusiasm. If you're a pet parent in India right now, chances are your home looks similar and you're wondering how to manage the shedding. Summer shedding is natural. Most dogs shed to some degree year-round, but you'll notice a marked increase when the weather changes. As temperatures rise, dogs lose their winter coats. This seasonal shedding helps them adapt to warmer weather. While we can't stop the shedding, we can manage it. Also read: How to safely enjoy your pet's day at the beach One of the simplest, most effective ways to deal with shedding is brushing. Regular brushing removes loose fur, reduces tangles, and helps distribute natural oils across your pet's coat. The type of brush and frequency will vary depending on your dog's breed and coat type. For double-coated breeds like golden retrievers, huskies and German shepherds, a slicker brush or an undercoat rake used daily or every other day during the shedding season works wonders. These breeds have a dense undercoat that sheds in clumps, and tools designed specifically to reach that layer make a huge difference. Short-haired breeds such as beagles or dachshunds benefit from a rubber curry brush or a grooming glove. Poodles and other curly coated dogs don't shed much but still require grooming to prevent matting—use a pin brush or a comb a few times a week. Vacuuming is another way of dealing with the fur. Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a good pet hair attachment and use it frequently. Wash cushion covers, throws and rugs often. You might also consider adding omega oil supplements to your pet's diet, after consulting your vet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help support skin health and coat condition, reducing dryness and dandruff, both of which can exacerbate shedding. Of course, results aren't immediate; it takes a few weeks of regular use for the effects to show. The summer shedding phase can last from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your dog's breed, age, and health. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are influenced by seasonal changes and natural light, while those kept primarily indoors in air-conditioned environments may shed more year-round. If your pet's shedding seems excessive, or if it's accompanied by bald spots, itching, redness or any signs of discomfort, it's important to dig deeper. Skin infections, allergies, hormonal imbalances or parasitic infestations can all cause abnormal shedding or poor coat quality. In India, tick-borne illnesses such as ehrlichiosis or babesiosis can also affect skin and coat health. If in doubt, visit your vet for a thorough checkup. This brings me to Ella, a golden retriever I recently met. Her parent, frustrated with her summer shedding, had shaved her coat down to the skin. It's a common enough reaction, driven by the belief that removing fur will help dogs feel cooler and reduce shedding. Unfortunately, it does neither. Shaving a double-coated dog can cause more harm than good. Their coat is designed to provide insulation—it keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer by regulating body temperature and protecting the skin from the sun. When you shave it, you disrupt this natural process. What's more, the undercoat often grows back faster and denser than the topcoat, leading to permanent damage to coat texture. It also increases the risk of sunburn and skin irritation. Instead of shaving, focus on helping your dog stay cool in other ways. Provide plenty of fresh water, ensure there are shaded spots or cool indoor areas for them to rest and avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day. Fur on the sofa, on your clothes or in your morning tea can be frustrating, but is part of the package when you have a pet, and can be managed easily. Nameeta Nadkarni is a veterinary soft tissue surgeon and pet blogger from Mumbai. Also read: Monsoon pet travel guide: hikes, tips and essentials
NDTV
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Meet Fu Zai, China's First Police Corgi With 400,000 Followers And A Nose For Trouble
Meet Fu Zai-a corgi with short legs, a big appetite, and an even bigger fan base. Once a family pet, Fu Zai is now China's first police corgi and a viral sensation, thanks to his unlikely role in law enforcement and a series of food-related antics that have endeared him to social media users. Since officially joining the Weifang Public Security Bureau in Shandong last October, the enthusiastic little dog has been working as a sniffer dog, using his sharp nose to detect explosives. But it's not just his skills that are getting attention-it's also his charm, goofiness, and a relentless obsession with food. The corgi's transformation from household pet to police recruit began when police trainer Zhao Qingshuai spotted him in a park last year. A quick call of his name had the puppy spinning on command and rushing over-especially when food was involved. "He couldn't resist food, which actually showed he had a strong drive to work," Zhao said in an interview with Chinese state media. That drive has led to both successes and comic mishaps. During a recent patrol, Fu Zai was caught on video snatching a sausage from a child's hand. His handlers have since worked on curbing his culinary temptations, but the incident only boosted his popularity. Supporters flooded social media with encouragement-and offers of more sausages. In another viral clip, Fu Zai was "disciplined" after sleeping on duty and using his food bowl as a toilet. His New Year's treats and toys were temporarily confiscated-another moment that made him an internet favourite. Despite the distractions, Fu Zai has proven to be a capable member of the force. With his small size and low center of gravity, he can access spaces larger dogs can't, like under vehicles and bus seats-making him an unexpected asset. His rise is unusual in police dog circles, where breeds like German shepherds, golden retrievers, and spaniels are preferred for their trainability and focus. Corgis, often seen as playful and easily distracted, are rarely considered. But Fu Zai has defied expectations. "Corgis are like big dogs in small bodies. They're confident but can get distracted," said Leonardo Palacio, a U.S.-based dog trainer. Still, with the right training, their drive can be channelled effectively. Fu Zai's fame has soared through Douyin, China's version of TikTok, where the Weifang police regularly post updates. A dedicated account titled *"Fu Zai and his comrades"* has over 400,000 followers. Fans tune in to watch him don doggy sunglasses, patrol festivals, and complete drills. Even his former owner remains part of the journey-making frequent visits to see him at the police base. From stealing sausages to sniffing out explosives, Fu Zai's journey shows that determination-and a love for snacks-can take you a long way.
