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've always wanted to have your very own mini-tiger to snuggle with, the cat kingdom has plenty of friendly alternatives ready to purr the day away in their owner's lap. Here are some of the most popular tiger-like cats. Although they parted ways with their larger feline cousins millions of years ago, cats haven't completely forgotten their wild side. Whether it's little "gifts" in the form of mice casually left on our doorsteps or witnessing their expert-level stalking routine during playtime, every so often we get a reminder of the skilled predator hiding behind all that cuteness. Thanks to distant relatives such as tigers, the hardwired hunting instincts are present across all cat breeds. But if you want a pet that also comes with looks to match, these cats that look like tigers differ from their undomesticated siblings in one big way. They will love nothing more than to move into your home and be part of the family. Cats that look like tigers, leopards and other wild cats Bengal With a name derived from its wild ancestor and a beautiful coat that mirrors the leopard's spotted look, the Bengal cat might as well have come straight from a grassland savanna. Their coat has distinctive brown rosettes, but can also have stripes, turning the Bengal into a stunning tiger-like cat. Created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat, the Bengal is an agile, energetic and quite vocal companion. It's a great match for owners who love exotic-looking cats and have the energy required to keep up with this miniature leopard.

Intelligent, strong but obedient, these gorgeous wolf-dog breeds will be happy to become part of the family. Find out more about their personalities and what it takes to be their owner. Wolves are majestic creatures that never cease to fascinate us. Perhaps because we've always had them in our homes, wrapped in the myth and mystery of our bedtime stories, art and film, we want wolf-dog breeds physically in our lives too. After all, they are the wild alter-ego of a pet pooch - powerful and fearless. The good news is that you don't need to be Little Red Riding Hood to have a wolf in your home, with these gorgeous wolf-dog breeds. There are many dogs that look like wolves, with long pointed muzzles, thick fur and bushy tails. And the good news is that they make great family pets. They're quite energetic and love long walks and playing games with their owners. Dog breeds that look like wolves 1. Siberian Husky The striking looks of Siberian Huskies have made them one of the most recognisable canines out there. Their stunning eyes, compact bodies and upright ears remind us of their wolf ancestors, but their playful and friendly personality helps them make fast friends with anyone. Siberian Huskies are athletic, full of energy and love to have a job to do. That's no surprise considering they used to be reliable sleigh dogs. So before taking a Husky home, make sure you have a solid plan for daily exercise, fun games and brain-teasing challenges to keep them occupied. 2. Alaskan Malamute Another strong-headed dog that looks like a wolf, the Alaskan Malamute is just as handsome as the Husky. Bigger and slightly fluffier, Alaskans will also know their way around a sled. But if you don't have one, they will be happy to spend their energy doing plenty of running, hiking and exploring all the world has to offer. Their double coat might seem an unstoppable fur machine, but these wolf dogs are such friendly and joyful pets that you will quickly forgive them for the extra house work. Their muscular build makes them very strong. After all, Alaskan Malamutes were bred to pull heavy weights for long distances. Keep this in mind when you walk them on a leash or they will end up pulling you along instead of the other way around.

We love all the different names people give their dogs. So here's our fun and entirely unscientific guide to the characters of some of the most popular ones.

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

Choosing the perfect cat name for your furry friend can be a difficult choice. If you're struggling to get inspired with your feline's new moniker, check out our top 20. From mesmerising male cat names to quirky female cat names, we've got you covered. Coming up with the perfect cat name that suits your furry companion can be quite the challenge. The moniker needs to be one that fits them throughout their life and one you don't mind yelling when it comes to their dinner time! Whether you've just got a new kitten or have rehomed one from a rescue centre, we've got male and female cat names to suit both young and senior felines alike. Keep reading to discover our top 20 purrfect names. Male cat names 1. Smoky This cat name is the perfect option for a Russian Blue or as a grey cat name as it pays tribute to their wonderfully smoky hue. 2. Oreo If you're looking for a male cat name for a black and white cat, Oreo could be the perfect fit. Taking the name from the delicious biscuit, this is a name that'll fit your adorable kitty throughout his life. 3. Monty This wonderfully versatile cat name suits kitties of all hues and breeds. Usually a diminutive of Montague or Montgomery, the name is actually French for 'pointy hill'! We think it's best for cats with a posh personality. 4. Pumpkin This male cat name isn't just a winter squash, but it's also a common British term of endearment. Consider Pumpkin for a ginger cat that shares the eye-catching orange colouring. 5. Prince It's no secret that our cats are the royal kings and queens of our home, so why not give them a name fit for a king or, well prince? Prince is a great name for the artistocat in your life and one that they're sure to appreciate.

If you're about to welcome a new kitten to your home, you'll need to think of the perfect name for them! That's why we've created this list of the best boy and girl kitten names to assist you on your way to giving your new four-legged friend a name that suits them to a T. Once you've finally got a new kitten, there comes a very important task: choosing a name! While it can be as easy as looking into their big, adorable eyes and the perfect kitten name just pops into your head, sometimes, it's not always straight forward and you need a little inspiration to get you going. Here at Purina, we've compiled this list of all of our favourite girl and boy kitten names to help you find the perfect moniker for your new fluffy tailed friend. Top tips for choosing a kitten name The first step in choosing your kitten's name is to make sure it's not too long. Where there's nothing funnier than a cat called Pawdry Hepburn or Lord Fluffybutt, these can get confusing for your kitty. It's not likely that you'll need to call out their name in a busy park (like you do with dogs), but it's still a good idea to stick to names that are one or two syllables, or if you really want it to be longer, think of what the shortened version for the name will be. If you can wait, sometimes it's best to wait a few days before deciding on your boy or girl kitten name, this way you can take in their personality and breed into account. You may find that after spending a little time with them, the ideal kitten name just materialises based on something they do or who they look like! Girl kitten names Dinah You may recognise this cute girl kitten name from Alice in Wonderland. Characterised as a fluffy red cat with big green eyes in the 1950's film, this name is perfect for kitties with an adventurous personality.

Despite their rather small demeanour, terriers will fill up the house with their energy and love of 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!