You've heard of them and no doubt you've seen them time and again. Tabby cats are adored all over the world, but do you know where their name comes from or what are the marks of a true tabby cat? Find out all this and more here. From stripes to whorls and spots, the tabby cats strut their patterned fur all over the globe. But as familiar as they are to us, there are plenty of tabby cat facts far from the ordinary. In fact, once you get to know them, there is nothing dull about these kitties. Here are a few reasons why. What is a tabby cat? Many people think that tabby cats are a particular breed, but actually Tabby refers to the coat pattern, which can be present on lots of different breeds. In fact tabby cats will not let themselves be easily crammed into definitions. They sport different colours and sizes, exist across many breeds and wear different coat patterns. But there are groups of tabby cats - the secret is the coat pattern. There is the mackerel tabby cat with long narrow parallel stripes running up and down the sides that are said to resemble a fish skeleton, which is where the pattern's name comes from. It is believed that this pattern was the original one for tabby cats. The classic tabby is the most common of all the tabby cats. They have wider stripes that tend to curve to form circular patterns and three large stripes running from the shoulders to the base of the tail. Similar to the mackerel type, this pattern hasn't escaped food comparisons either as many people liken it to a marble cake. The next two tabby cat types have decided to do without the stripes (or the food comparisons). The spotty tabby shows off their distinct round spots against a background of lighter fur and might even display a faint necklace line. And in contrast to all the tabby cats, a ticked tabby cat exhibits hardly any stripes or spots. Although their coat stripes are very thin and barely visible on legs, face or tail, these are tabby cats through and through. It's not the coat but the hairs themselves that are striped.

Utility dog breeds are a somewhat miscellaneous category, created to group together dogs that don't fit into other dog groups. Here is why they don't belong to a particular group and how to discover the personality traits of a utility dog. Some of the most loved and well-recognised dogs sit in this category, so chances are this is where you'll find your perfect companion. A utility dog's job description This is the group that consists of all the breeds that don't fit anywhere else! Usually they are the 'ultra-specialists' that have been developed in a very specific geographical area, situation or to work within a unique profession. As such, there aren't breed characteristics and so owners have to look at their individual jobs to find out what these dogs are going to be like to live with. Utility dog breeds include dogs with jobs as diverse as running alongside fire engines and the carriages of nobility, attracting ducks, an early warning system for barge owners and monks, companions, fighting, and being an emergency Sunday dinner or fur coat!

Dogs are forever loyal to their people and always willing to help us in times of need. This fierce loyalty and love to please means they make great assistance dogs for those with disabilities, impairments or mental health disorders. Read our guide to find out more about the different types of service dogs and the incredible jobs they do. Dogs are truly amazing. They're our faithful companions and provide us with companionship and love, all throughout their lives. This impressive loyalty and love of humans also means that they make wonderful aids to those with special needs and disabilities, as they're always willing to lend a helping paw to those who need it. Service and assistance dogs are often a lifeline to their handlers, offering more freedom and a boost to overall wellbeing. Keep reading to find out more about the types of service dogs and the amazing jobs they do.

Toy dog breeds are the ultimate companions in the canine world. But there is more to them than their tiny demeanour. If you're considering adding a toy dog to the family, here is what you need to know. Toy dog breeds have the unique ability to make us fall in love with them at first sight. They're tiny, never too far behind their owner and with a resolute determination to spend hours in their lap if given the chance. They're the perfect companion by nature, but there are a few things to know before adding them as a new member to the family. A toy dog's job description Unlike most of the other groups, toy breeds were not generally bred to work. While dogs such as the pastoral breeds or the gundogs were developed by utilising their natural canine hunting/scavenging behaviours to do various jobs, this group was developed from the natural social needs of the dog - especially their ability to bond closely to humans. This group is formed of small to tiny dogs from around the world who have been bred as companions - even if a few may have come from originally working ancestors. In most cases they were companions to wealthy ladies or royalty (or in some instances, religious orders). Toy dog sizes and coat types Given their cute name, there is no surprise that toy dogs are rather small companions. They come in various coat types - from the long and flowing like the silky Maltese to the wiry and unkempt Bichon with just about everything in-between. Toy dog breeds natural instincts Toy breeds were not expected to work in any other capacity than as companions (and in a few cases as an early warning system) and so generally have a fairly weak predatory instinct, being happy instead to be close companions. Those that were developed from working dogs (in some cases terriers) may however still retain these instincts.

Dogs are super intelligent animals, they can learn a huge amount of human language and can even understand your moods! But did you know that some dog breeds are smarter than others? Keep reading to find out what the top 5 smartest dog breeds are. Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals. Not only can our dogs learn and react to a wealth of human language, they also seem to be able to understand our moods. But did you know that some breeds are smarter than others? When it comes to deciding which dogs are smart and which are bottom of the class, it isn't as simple as you'd think. Dog IQ tests are mostly based on a dog's desire to get treats or toys, so the results are often coloured by how treat-driven the dog is. Over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years, dogs have been bred to be specialists at doing certain jobs, so some breeds excel at certain skills more than others. For example, Bloodhounds can follow a week-old scent for over 100 miles, while Border Collies are incredibly talented when it comes to showing off their tricks and agility. However, some dog breeds are particularly good at learning new things, including tricks and commands. So, we've put together a list of the top five smartest dog breeds from around the world.

If you suffer from allergies you may have given up hope of ever owning a cat, but did you know that there are certain hypoallergenic cat breeds that might not provoke your allergies? Keep reading to find out more. If you have a cat allergy, you may have completely given up on the hope of ever owning a pet cat. Some people find that the presence of a cat is enough to bring on itchy eyes and sneezing. But did you know there are actually hypoallergenic cats that might not provoke your allergies? It's important to understand that there's no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat, probably because there's no such thing as a typically allergic person! Different people are allergic to different things, so some cats that set off your allergies may not affect other people. However, there are certain cat breeds that provoke fewer reactions in people, which may be suitable for those of us who have allergies. Keep reading to find what commonly causes these allergic reactions and discover if any of these hypoallergenic cat breeds are for you. What causes cat allergies? There are many different causes of cat allergies: some people are allergic to cat hair, while others have an allergy to the household dust that is carried within the fur. But it's thought that many people are allergic to the 'Fel d 1' proteins found on cat hair, skin, saliva and dander (dried flakes of skin). All cats produce this protein and male cats actually produce more than females, especially if they're not neutered. Because there are technically no anti-allergy cats, it's recommended that if you suffer from allergies, you should spend some time around your chosen breed to find out if they trigger your allergies or not. This will give you peace of mind and then you'll safely be able to commit to share your life and home with them. Keep reading to find the most common hypoallergenic cat breeds.

If you love dogs that stay small their whole life, this article is for you. From Chihuahuas to Toy Poodles, here are the top tiny dog breeds you need to know about. As if dogs needed to get any cuter than they normally are, there are some really tiny dog breeds that will steal your heart. They're easy to look after and so small that they might even fit into your favourite handbag. But be aware that even if they don't take much physical space, these dogs that stay small all their life have huge personalities to compensate for their tiny demeanour. So be ready for their lovely spirited charisma. If you are looking to add a tiny dog breed to the family, these are some of the most adorable buddies you can wish for.

We're often relieved to see the friendly side of our feline companions, but did you know that some breeds show it off more often than others? Here are some of the friendliest cat breeds you can wish for. "Does my cat love me?" Many cat owners have asked themselves this question, feeling slightly apprehensive to find out the honest answer. But while the mystery of a cat's true feelings is likely to endure, we know that they do have a friendly, affectionate side. Felines might not win the dog's long-time title as "a human's best friend" anytime soon, but some cat breeds come pretty close. Whether you're looking for the friendliest cat breed you can bring into your life or you already have a lovely cat to come home to and want to see how they measure up against other feline friends, here are some of the most affectionate cat breeds. Abyssinian - the "You Only Live Once" cat

Despite their rather small demeanour, terriers will fill up the house with their energy and love for life. There is plenty of fun to be had with a terrier by your side, but before committing to a life together, here is what you should know about these beloved dog breeds. Terrier dog breeds are truly enthusiastic about life. They generally have a lot to say and a lot to see, but their diverse backgrounds make room for a lot of variety in their personalities and behaviour. If you think terrier breeds are a match for you, here is what to expect, in a nutshell. A terrier dog's job description Most terrier breeds have their origins in the UK and were developed to kill vermin such as rats and mice in a variety of settings from the rural to the industrial, either above or below ground. Terrier dog breed sizes With one exception (the larger Airedale), terrier breeds are small dogs with huge - and fairly strong - personalities. With different histories and working styles, some of the terriers are quite feisty and tenacious while others are softer and less challenging, but all can be accurately described as 'large dogs in a small body'! The natural instincts of terrier dog breeds Terriers' instincts have been honed to perfection by successive breeding to locate and kill vermin quickly. Terriers who don't have to stalk or chase their prey (as they are in very close proximity) are specialists in watching and killing their prey, often with a single bite. As this predatory behaviour is self-rewarding for dogs (ie it doesn't need an external reward such as a treat or praise), owners have to be aware that not only do their dogs enjoy carrying out these behaviours, they need to do them to stay healthy and happy. Often, these are also the behaviours they will resort to if they are bored, stressed, under-stimulated, excited - or just for fun. This certainly doesn't mean you should encourage your terrier be the terror of the local rodent population but it does mean that training and games should be targeted in ways that simulate hunting in order to keep them happy, healthy and fulfilled as well as improve your bond. Terrier dog breeds behaviour and personality In order to do their job successfully, a terrier breed needs certain key skills and characteristics.

We're a nation of pet lovers, and rightly so! Cats and dogs offer unconditional love, affection and friendship, as well as a host of therapeutic benefits, such as improved general health and wellbeing - after all, who doesn't like a cuddle from a furry friend at the end of a long day? Choosing between getting a cat or dog can be a tough decision, but generally speaking, dogs require more attention while cats are more independent. But if you like to have a cuddle with your furry friend - and not just when it suits your cat, then perhaps a dog is the right choice for you. Pet owners have lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure and are less likely to suffer from stress, depression and anxiety. A study by the US Department of Health has even shown that owning a pet significantly improves the chances of surviving a heart attack, while a UK study found that people who own a pet deal with stress and loss better than those that don't. So owning a pet is good for more than just cuddles!