There are countless examples of dogs and cats living together in perfect harmony. Certain breeds, however, tend to be less tolerant of felines than others. Hounds and hunting dogs, for example, often have a hard time making peace with kitties. But even these dogs can learn to tolerate, and even treasure, a kitty friend. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash when you first bring home the cat. Supervise all dog and cat get-togethers during this transitional period. Owners with two or more dogs need to be especially vigilant, making the introduction one supervised dog at a time. Be sure to feed your dog and cat in separate areas and at separate times -- at least initially. Also, keep in mind that scared felines can hurt well-meaning, inquisitive dogs. Both animals need to feel safe and secure around each other to avoid dangerous swipes and bites, or worse.

Loud sounds can indeed cause permanent damage to dog hearing. While a distant sound of fireworks would probably not hurt your pet, the noise of a nearby firecracker or that of someone blowing a loud noisemaker right next to your dog could cause hearing problems. If you are planning a party, or are going to an event that you predict will be noisy, it's better to keep your dog in a quiet room with all of its comforts -- bed, toys, food, water and more. There is a new product on the market now called Mutt Muffs ®, which are the world's only over-the-head hearing protectors for dogs. They look like stereo headphones. Dogs belonging to hunters and other individuals who must frequently withstand very loud sounds would likely benefit the most from the new device.

For open and loving homes, such as what it sounds like you and your daughter can provide, receiving a dog for Christmas can be one of the most joyous, memorable and ultimately life-changing experiences. Movies often show a puppy sitting under the holiday tree wearing a big bow. While this seems like a good idea, experts advise that you wait until after the holidays before you bring home the new family pet. The noise and confusion of the holiday can distract the dog, which should begin its life in a more "normal" environment, meaning one that better reflects the everyday activities of the household. What you can do instead is to gift your daughter with beautifully wrapped necessary dog care items, such as a leash, brush, bowl and more. As she unwraps them, the mystery and anticipation of what could be coming will probably lead to even more holiday fun. You should then give her at least a week to prepare for the new arrival.

Your veterinarian will be best at deciding the time most appropriate for your dog to be spayed or neutered. Most veterinarians will recommend these procedures occur between four and eight months of age, with six months being the most common. According to the American Veterinarian Medical Association, spaying a female dog before her first heat greatly reduces her risk for breast cancer later. In male dogs neutering reduces the risk of certain cancers. It also helps to lower male hormones related to dominance, which benefited wild canines but are not optimal for the lifestyle of a domesticated house pet.

Several studies have investigated canine intelligence over the years. It appears that intelligence levels can vary across individuals, since there is a genetic component. Two factors, however, complicate this issue for canines. The first has to do with different dog breeds. Even if your pet is a mutt, it still retains a particular mixture of breed characteristics. Each breed comes with a skill set, such as dogs bred for hunting, scent detection, herding, agility and more. Because your dog inherited one or more of these skills, some mental and physical tasks may be easier for it than others. The second matter affecting dog intelligence has to do with environment and training. Some dog behaviorists argue that there are no dumb canines. Instead, there are only dogs that have received proper training in a nurturing environment and those that have not.

Not necessarily. As long as you can devote proper time to basic pet care, such as feeding, cleaning, grooming, walking and regular veterinarian visits, your dog should be OK. That, however, doesn't address the loneliness your pet might feel when you are away. You might at first balk at this suggestion, but you would probably be better off adopting two dogs instead of one, if your living arrangement allows for it. Canines are pack animals and enjoy the company of others. If you can properly take care of your dogs, they can also help to take care of themselves, in terms of keeping themselves company when you are away. Never leave a dog alone for more than a day or so, though, even if other canine company is around. If you need to travel for business or pleasure, be sure to get a dog sitter or board your pet at a kennel.

Dogs bark for a number of reasons. They could be alerting you or others to some perceived threat, such as an approaching strange animal or person. They could just be in a playful, excited mood, vocalizing similarly to how children sometimes shout or squeal while playing. A startled canine is also more likely to bark. More than likely, however, especially since the overt barking just started with your dog, he is feeling lonely, bored and/or anxious. Often these emotions -- and the related barking -- arise with a problem known as separation anxiety. Your dog feels alone and is probably missing you. Avoid approaching your barking pet, even out of annoyance, since any attention may be encouraging the behavior. Providing a good, stimulating environment for your canine, with plenty of toys, walks and care, can help to ease the situation overall. You might also have to train your dog to be quiet by using a command, such as the familiar, "No!" when he barks. When he silences, award him with a treat. Animal trainers and behaviorists can often help when the problem gets too out of hand. Ask your veterinarian and groomer for recommendations.

Due to space and sound considerations, apartment dwellers such as yourself would be wise to adopt a dog that does not require a large living space and that possesses a relatively calm and quiet demeanor. The pug dog is one of the most popular breeds in Manhattan for those very reasons. Most pugs weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, have short, low-maintenance fur and enjoy daytime snoozes, so long as they receive walks and attention on a regular basis. Other breeds to consider include schipperkes, schnauzers, Scottish terriers, Yorkshire terriers, cocker spaniels, Welsh corgis, West Highland white terriers, whippets and Italian greyhounds -- which are tiny, 10-pound versions of their larger, faster greyhound relatives.