Dog Tips

They have a wonderful temperament and are good with children. But they'll slobber their love everywhere, so probably not a good choice for a guard dog. Yet they're highly intelligent - No. 4 among all dogs. Many stick with this breed their whole life, despite some shortcomings.

Because of their uncanny intelligence, they have what some owners describe as a sixth sense. They can assess a situation and know when their unique skills are needed. And that makes them worth their bulk in gold to the owners who depend upon them for their livelihoods.

One of their unique traits is their propensity for theft, including swiping food from right under your nose. They've been known to push their owners out of bed, and other antics. They're independent, but not dumb. They just need some firm, gentle handling.

If your dog shows signs of early graying, even as young as age 1, you're not alone. A recent study tried to find the common denominators in early graying dogs. And what they found is as fascinating as it is disturbing. Here's what you need to know now, even if your dog isn't gray yet.