When most people see a hairless dog, they often assume it is a Chinese Crested. But did you know there is another fascinating hairless breed with a history stretching back thousands of years? Meet the Mexican Hairless, or Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo), and the Chinese Crested. Although these two breeds may look similar at first glance, they have very different histories, personalities and physical characteristics. Both are also much more than simply "dogs without hair." The Mexican H

There is a common misconception that a dog's food bowl must always contain food. This is NOT a requirement under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962. The Act requires that an owner provides : Adequate, wholesome food in sufficient quantity to maintain the dog's health and body condition. Continuous access to clean drinking water. Proper care to prevent unnecessary suffering. Most adult dogs are fed once or twice a day. Once they have eaten, it is normal for the food bowl to

Dog poisoning cases are sadly becoming more common, and every second counts. Knowing the symptoms early and getting your dog to a veterinarian immediately can save their life. Common Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs Signs may appear suddenly and can include : Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth Vomiting or diarrhea Difficulty breathing Tremors or seizures Weakness or collapse Unusual aggression, fear, or confusion Bleeding from the nose or mouth Pale gums Loss of coordina

As we move into 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year behind us and speak honestly about the challenges we are now facing. 2025 was a demanding year for the Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter. It tested our resilience, our resources, and our people. Yet, despite the hardships, we entered the new year hopeful that the worst was behind us. Unfortunately, early 2026 brought with it a serious new challenge — a canine distemper outbreak at our shelter. This outbreak

At the Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter, we have recently found several stray animals with microchips implanted — but unfortunately, their microchips were not registered on any database. A microchip only works if the details are linked to your name and contact number on a registered database. If the chip is not registered, or your contact details are outdated, we have no way of tracing you when your pet is found. Why registration matters : It proves ownership It allows sh