The poodle, also called a pudelhund or caniche, is a European dog breed. Developed as a water retriever, its characteristic grooming style was created to increase its efficiency in water. Poodles are very intelligent and have been used as working dogs in diverse settings, from hunting truffles to performing in circuses. The poodle has been bred in standard, miniature, and toy sizes... Read more
Deer are familiar mammals the world over. There are 43 species of deer, recognizable by their hoofed feet and many-pointed antlers. Deer are native to every continent except Antarctica and Australia... Read more
American pitbull terriers were originally bred in Scotland, England, and Ireland during the 1800s. Their ancestry drew on breeds known for hunting wild game and restraining feral livestock. While still not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the breed was registered by the United Kennel Club in 1898... Read more
Manatees are large aquatic mammals. They are slow swimmers that feed on underwater plants. There are three species of manatee: The West Indian or Florida manatee, the Amazonian manatee, and the West African manatee. Similar species include the extinct Steller's sea cow and the dugong, which ranges from Australia to Japan to Madagascar... Read more
Dumbo was the title character first of a children's book and subsequently of the 1941 animated film. Dumbo was born Jumbo Junior but given his moniker by other elephants making fun of his large ears... Read more
Pomeranians, also called Dwarf-Spitz or Poms for short, were named for the duke of Pomerania, a historical region in central Europe. Their ancestry can be traced to a common ancestor of sled dogs. It is said that they were bred down from a 30-pound sheepdog to their current size. They are classed as a toy breed, reaching a height of just 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 centimeters) and weighing only 3 to 7 pounds (1.5 to 3 kilograms)... Read more
The porcupine is one of the world's largest rodents. Also called a "quill pig," porcupines are known for their sharp, stiff, modified hairs which they use for protection. Contrary to popular belief, porcupines cannot "throw" or "shoot" their quills. Rather, the porcupine may back up into its attacker, leaving the sharp quills behind... Read more
The chihuahua is a popular breed of small dog known for its sassy temperament. In fact, it is the smallest recognized breed, typically weighing 1 to 6 pounds and being about 5 inches tall... Read more
The hyena is a mammal that resembles a dog. The three species of hyena are native to Africa and Asia. Hyenas live in packs and are predators as well as opportunistic scavengers. Females serve as the alpha or leader in hyena society... Read more
The wolf is an animal that has captured the imaginations of humans for millennia. Wolves are native to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. They are the ancestors of "man's best friend," the domestic dog, but they have been both respected and reproached... Read more
