Lynn M. Hayner, JD

Originally an attorney, Lynn Hayner has been writing for companion animal publications for 2 decades. Also a historian, Lynn studies dog breed development throughout the world, dabbles in animal law issues, and collects dog stories as she travels across the country with her husband and German Shepherd Dog, Anja. At home in Waco, Texas, Lynn kicks the dust up dancing with Anja, as well as teaching her obedience and tricks.

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Australian Cattle Dog.

5 Healthiest Dog Breeds: Pictures, Facts & Wellness

Similar to us humans, all dogs will likely experience some sort of health problem. My mixed-breed dog had sore paw problems. One of my German Shepherd Dogs had an enzyme deficiency. Some individual dogs, regardless of their breeds, simply have bad luck with health. Since some disorders are more prevalent in certain breeds, responsible breeders

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Two Labrador Retriever puppies.

5 Best Dog Breeds For First Time Owners: Pictures & Facts

Training books and videos are wonderful tools, but we learn most about dog training through experience. First-time dog owners are bound to make missteps navigating new terrain. I sure had unrealistic expectations when I raised my first puppy! Having resilient breeds may mitigate the impact of well-meaning mistakes. Let’s hear from five such breeds that

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Australian Shepherd four assorted-color puppies on window

Let’s Talk About Professional and Responsible Dog Breeding

I’m eagerly anticipating the birth of a German Shepherd Dog litter in California. My own GSD, Zoey, passed away last March, and I’ve been patiently (well, maybe not all that patiently!) awaiting a new puppy. The sire to my puppy, Dante, belongs to Deborah Stern, a longtime Shepherd source and mentor. Stern co-owns last year’s

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Boston Terriers aren't fans of summer's hot temperatures. Photography by nailiaschwarz/Thinkstock.

Brachycephalic Dogs & Heat: Concerns Explained

At first sight, a short-coated Bulldog seems better suited to summer weather than a heavy-coated Siberian Husky. But while the Bulldog’s coat looks summery, he’s one of many brachycephalic dogs in which short noses and decreased air-intake make regulating body temperature challenging. The Siberian not only has a longer muzzle, he also has a double coat,

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australian shepherd enjoying the outdoors during autumn

5 American Dog Breeds Proud To Be From the U.S. (With Pictures & Facts)

While searching for dog breeds developed in America, I found that names were occasionally misleading. The American Eskimo Dog’s country of origin, for example, is Germany, not America. Other names provide valid cues: The Boston Terrier, after all, was bred in and around Boston. And the American-bred Chesapeake Bay Retriever (the state dog of Maryland)

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5 Hardest Dog Breeds to Train: With Pictures & Facts

First-time dog owners are apt to make mistakes. Repeated slip-ups may lead to problems down the road. But some breeds (we call them easy), such as the Labrador Retriever, respond to gentle pressure, recover quickly from our blunders, forgive readily, and train fairly effortlessly. Other breeds have a reputation for independence, assertiveness, or even holding

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5 Athletic Dog Breeds: Pictures, Traits & Temperament

Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs may rock the agility courses, but let’s hear from five less-often-named nimble breeds with a taste for the performing arts. Lights, camera, action! The 5 Athletic Dog Breeds that are Great at Sports 1. Leonberger Didn’t expect to see me? Turns out I’m astonishingly agile for my size. In fact, I’m

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siberian husky dog standing on grass

5 Dog Breeds Who Are Escape Artists: Pictures, Facts & Traits

One day I drove off to do errands and accidentally left my house door open. My neighbor Anne later reported that my (then) German Shepherd, Bekka, came calling. Bekka literally led her back to our door, clearly aghast at my negligence and relieved when Anne shut the door. Now let me mention this about herding breeds: They aren’t

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Activities For Herding Dogs To Keep Them Entertained

When I signed my daughter’s 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, Cooper, up for a herding instinct trial, I planned on bringing my senior German Shepherd Dog, Zoey, out for the day, but I didn’t preregister her. Although she’s joined us at festivals, hikes, cycling races, and my husband’s hang gliding fly-ins across the nation, she hasn’t participated

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