There are several websites that offer a huge array of information regarding dogs. They include not only information about the species, but resources such as articles about selecting a dog, where to go for more specific information, etc etc.
Dr. P’s Dog Library is perhaps the first place to start. The best thing about the site is that it is huge. It is also the worst thing about the site. The Library is a huge collection of links. Lots and lots of links. And with the flexible, ever-changing Internet, addresses change or disappear. Keeping up with such a huge collection is daunting. In other words, be prepared for dead links. You can easily get lost in the collection, going from one place to another, realizing there is more to this or that and oh, wait, there’s also this part and…. You get the idea.
The Dog Owner’s Guide is the next place to check out. The main difference here is that the vast majority of the articles are hosted there so there is little to no dead links. The problem, though, is that the articles can be short (not quite enough info) or huge (far too much info). A lot of articles are written by the same people so the same biases (for good or evil) continually appear. But by golly if you are looking for info on almost anything dog related, you’ll find it there. Click on the Topics link at the top of the page and get a good “sitemap” of sorts to help guide you to the articles. The actual sitemap is the Index link. Oh, and since they host the articles, they also own them. If you want to use the articles (print them out, post on a site, etc) you MUST read the Copyright and Reprint Policy first. Standard procedure for any online articles anywhere on the Internet.
Working Dogs Cyberzine is another good resource. It is quite commercial but still offers a huge selection of articles. Click the Articles link in the sidebar or on the top menu bar to get to the articles (duh). The sidebar will change to list the topics. As evident from their name, this site is geared toward working dogs (service dogs, search and rescue dogs, police dogs, etc) but the articles and gear work for almost any companion/pet dog.
Dog Breed Info Center is a good place to look for breed specific information as well as a plethora of dog related stuff. Probably their best section is the “Find the Perfect Dog” and its search categories. Live in an apartment? Clicking the Apartment Life link takes you to information about dogs in apartments and a list of apartment loving dogs. Want a canine version of a couch potato? Scroll down and select the Low Exercise Demand link.
Also, keep an eye on the growing list of links in the sidebar to the right. Once it gets big enough, I’ll move them to their own page.
If anyone has others to share, let me know!
