Bolognese Dog Breed

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A true companion dog, the Bolognese dog breed loves to be at his family’s side. However, he also loves getting his way and can be quite crafty about it, so be careful — you could find yourself being manipulated by a 10-pound furball.

See below for complete list of Bolognese characteristics!

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  Comical and curious, this intelligent and devoted dog loves to spend time with his people, whether it's going for walks, running errands, or playing with the kids. A member of the Bichonfamily of white, fluffy dogs — he's also known as the Bichon Bolognese — he originated in the Italian city of Bologna, from which he takes his name. He excels at manipulating people to get his way, and can be difficult to housetrain, so be patient and consistent.
  
  


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  Size

  
  
  
  
  Males stand 10 to 12.5 inches at the shoulder, females are 9 to 12 inches. The typical weight range is 8 to 14 pounds. The ideal Bolognese falls in the middle of the height and weight range.
  
  No, he’s not a tasty Italian sauce. The Bolognese, like his cousin the Bichon Frise, is a tiny white dog with curly hair. Unlike the Bichon, the Bolognese's hair flows in long, wavy locks, giving him the look of a fairy tale dog fallen ever so slightly on hard times. Sometimes a bit shy, he's something of a one-person dog, never happier than when he's in your lap.
  
  Looking out of a fluffy ringletted body are round dark eyes that draw you in with their sweet expressiveness. Beneath that cloud of curls, the Bolognese is a sturdy little dog who loves to have fun. He doesn’t need long walks every day, but if that’s what you want to do, he’s right there with you, willing and able. If being a couch potato is more your style, he’s good with that, too. He is curious, comical, devoted and smart.
  
  The Bolognese, sometimes known as the Bichon Bolognese, is one of several little white dogs that have been known in the Mediterranean for at least 2,000 years. You may be familiar with his cousins: the Bichon Frise, the Coton de Tulear, theMaltese, the Havanese. The dog was popular at ducal courts in Italy, in particular, Bologna, from where he takes his name.
  
  If you're the kind of person who can't tell an adorable little white fluffball "no," you're going to have some problems with your adult Bolognese. Of course you can spoil him; that's what toy dogs are for, but giving him lots of love and attention, along with the softest spot in the house (your lap, most likely) doesn't mean you have to let him get away with nipping, snapping or nuisance barking. Make sure he knows the rules, and enforce them gently and consistently from day one, and he'll be a prince without being a tyrant.
  
  Although the Bolognese can be a wonderful family pet, this may not be the right breed for families with young children. These dogs can easily be injured if play is too rough or even snap at a child if frightened. However, they love children, so as long as play is supervised and the children are gentle, dog and child can be fast friends.
  
  The curly coats of these lively little dogs require daily brushing and occasional professional grooming. Neglected coats become matted, which is painful and can lead to serious skin infections.
  

  Other Quick Facts

  
  

  
  
  • Works of art that feature the Bolognese include a Titian portrait of Federico Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, which hangs in Madrid’s Prado Museum; paintings by Goya and Watteau; and 17^th-century Flemish tapestries.
  
  
  • When you look at a Bolognese, you should see a small, stocky dog with a squarish body covered in a long, fluffy white coat. He has a large black nose, dark round eyes and long ears that hang down. His tail curves over his back.
  
  

  
  

  Did You Know?

  
  You may have heard these dogs' non-shedding coats make them a "non-allergenic" breed, but that's not true. It's a dog's dander – flakes of skin – that triggers allergic reactions, not the coat. The non-shedding coat means less dander in the environment and sometimes fewer allergic reactions. But they still produce dander, and can still cause an allergic reaction.
  
  

Boiling Hot Dogs

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I hardly ever cook hot dogs at home--it's the kind of food that I buy on a street corner in a rush.  On the way to a concert. When I don’t have more than 5 minutes for lunch. When it’s three days before my paycheck and rent's due.  Two bucks on a street corner, less than that if I'm lucky to be near a Papaya King (or Gray's Papaya ), where they’re cooked on a griddle and have that distinctive "snap" when you bite into them.

I decided at some point that boiling a hot dog is not worth it.  Actually, I try to avoid the typical hot dog street vendor--affectionately or called the " dirty water dog " vendor--who serves the squishy version pulled out of gray, flat water, tossed into a bun still dripping, topped with mustard and a tongful of wet sauerkraut (or ketchup-simmered onions).  I'll still eat them in a pinch.  I just prefer a hot dog to have a little more char and plumpness.

Actually, char and plumpness is an elusive combination.  When you boil them, they’re plumper but tend to be soggy and lacking flavor.  When you grill them, they can char too quickly and often seize up, becoming firm.

Is this too much rumination on the cooking method of a hot dog?   Considering that a hot dog is one of the most inexpensive meals possible, I figure it’s worth thinking about.  So it was something of a revelation when I saw a good friend pull the following stunt, producing a crispy, robust dog with plumpness to spare.



First, add a little water to a skillet, just enough to barely cover half the pan.  Heat it up until it begins to steam off, then add the hot dogs.  Allow them to steam as the water boils off completely--I’m told that this pulls some of the salt out.  You may need to tilt the skillet and drain off the last tablespoon or so.



Next, add a tablespoon of butter for each dog.  Because, why not .  The hot dog will begin to blister and turn all sorts of savory colors.  In the meantime, toast your buns.

I like mine with mustard and chopped onion.  I like it even better Chicago-style , a.k.a. “dragged through the garden,” i.e. with celery salt, onions, tomato slices, relish, mustard, peppers, and a pickle spear on a poppyseed bun. But I didn’t have all that goodness lying around, and besides, lots of chopping and arranging seems like too much effort when you’re just cooking a hot dog at home for a fast meal.  Those things taste way better when someone else makes them.

Just don’t put any ketchup on it —or at least don't tell any Chicagoan that you did.

 Food, American, food, Food and drink, Hot Dogs, Sandwich, Quick Dinner, Sausages, Mustard, Ketchup, Blake Royer, King, Hot dog, Hot dogs

Follow these easy steps to enjoy a delicious hot dog any time!

This summer is all about hot dogs, but if you can’t make it outside to grill them or just have a midnight hankering for a bite, you can still enjoy them inside with a few simple steps. Boiling hot dogs is an easy way to prep hot dogs inside — and they’re ready in just minutes.

First, fill a medium-sized saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, add in as many dogs as you wish to eat. Let the hot dogs boil for about 5 minutes until plump. Depending on the brand of the hot dog and the kind of casing, shorter cook times result in a softer dog while longer cooking times offer a hot dog with more snap.

While your hot dogs are boiling, heat your buns by toasting them with some butter in a skillet or in the oven. Use tongs to remove the hot dogs from the water and place on a paper towel-lined plate to dry them off. Place the dried dogs in the buns and add your favorite toppings.

Follow these easy steps to enjoy a delicious hot dog any time!

Adopt A Dog Near Me

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Why Adopt a Dog or Cat Over Buying?

Did you know that over 1,000 people per hour run a search right here looking to adopt a pet? Pet adoption is quickly becoming the preferred way to find a new dog, puppy, cat or kitten. Best of all, there are so many benefits when you adopt a dog or adopt a cat over buying. For instance, pet adoption will almost always be more affordable than buying a puppy for sale from a breeder or finding a kitten for sale from a litter. There are more benefits as well. Since pets in rescues and shelters usually come from a home where the owners ran out of money, got divorced, or had to move, it's common to find that the dogs and cats on our website are already housetrained, good with kids, or do well with other pets. People are finding out that buying a puppy for sale from a breeder isn't all it's cracked up to be and the stress of training a puppy is too much these days. Best of all, rescues care for their animals, and the dogs and cats don't leave the organization without having their shots and being taken to the vet. That means less stress, and more savings! So what are you waiting for? Go find that perfect pet!

The Experts & Tools You Need to Find the Perfect Pet

Have you addressed what type of pet personality you are looking for? Wait a second, did we just say personality, and not breed? Yes, that is right. Finding the ideal pet for yourself or family should start with an understanding of the ideal pet personality. Consider this, do you need a dog that is low key and good with kids, or are you looking for an energetic pal who is into trail running? Perhaps a cat that will get along well with others is what you need. The dog rescues and cat rescues that post hundreds of local pets near you are experts at matching you with a dog or cat who will love the life you can provide. This is why so many people are realizing focusing on dog adoption and cat adoption from a rescue is the ideal pet search process. Best of all, our website has a feature called "New Pet Alerts." Simply tell us what you are looking for and we will e-mail you when that perfect pet is available! So even if you've made the commitment to adopt a puppy or adopt a kitten, we will e-mail you immediately when we know of a local little furry fellow who is in need of a new home!

Best Otc Flea Treatment For Dogs

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We love our pets. But if you’ve ever had to deal with a flea infestation in your home, there may have been a brief moment when you second guessed that relationship.

In the best case scenario, these pests (no, not “pets”) are annoying. You can feel them jumping on you and it seems like you’re just a host to transport them from one area of your life to another (it’s the worst when you get them in your car).

But that’s not where the real danger lies. Fleas can cause itching and fatigue and can carry a host of diseases, including lyme disease and, of course, the bubonic plague (though it is highly unlikely today).

But what is the best flea treatment method to keep your dog safe?

So what can you do to protect your pet?

The best flea treatment for dogs starts with getting rid of any critters they already have. First of all, you should bathe your furry friend regularly with some sort of flea shampoo. There are a number of options available from name brand shampoos to natural ones with no added chemicals. Oatmeal baths are also effective.

Keep your pet inside. Fleas live outside so keeping your animal in the house limits their exposure to these insects. Of course you should exercise your pup often but when you do, try to stay away from wooded areas or areas with a lot of underbrush.

Use some sort of flea prevention. The best way to get rid of fleas is to never have them in the first place. We’ve listed the most popular ones below. See which treatment works best for you and your canine and stick with it.

Be consistent. The life cycle of a flea can last up to 6 months so just because you don’t see them now doesn’t mean you should stop regular treatments.

Choosing a dog bed with cedar filling can also make a good impact but be sure that the buggers aren’t just jumping around to other parts of your home.

Types of Flea Treatment and Prevention

There are a number of ways to prevent your dog from getting fleas or killing any infestations he might already have. These are the most popular and effective methods but we’ve also listed some natural flea treatment options at the bottom. Remember, the best flea treatment is the one that works for your dog and your lifestyle.

Drops

Flea drops, such as Advantix and Frontline, are the most common form of flea prevention for your pet. The drops are applied to the nape of the neck (just above the shoulders) and last for 30 days. Monthly reapplication is required but is generally quick and easy. Drops are arguably the best flea treatment because you only have to think about it once a month and it doesn’t take much time.

These drops can prevent flea larvae from developing and also kill any adult fleas that are already on your pooch. Many brands can kill ticks and lice as well.

Be sure to pick the right flea drops for your dog (based on size) for best results and to avoid any side effects. Also make sure to wear gloves when applying as these drops can be harmful to humans. wait at least a couple of hours before petting your dog to allow the medication to dry.

Pills

Oral flea medication (pill) is the most effective type of treatment and prevention available.

The advantages of flea pills is they can work as quickly as four hours and can come in chewable tablets for dogs who have trouble taking pills.

The disadvantages are that these oral flea meds for dogs may require a vet’s prescription, they don’t guard against ticks or other parasites, and they can kill adult fleas or eggs but not both.

Pills are often used in conjunction with drops as the pills kill the current pests and the drops prevent new ones from breeding. This one-two punch is probably the best flea treatment option available.

Collars

Dog flea collars can be used for treatment or prevention and can last up to 8 months. This means you don’t have to worry about reapplying the drops every month or remembering to give your dog his pill.

The flea collars work best when combined with another treatment method such as shampoos or topical medications.

The cons of flea collars is that one, they aren’t the most stylish accessory and two, they are less effective than drops or pills.

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors and in heavily wooded areas, a collar plus another method may be a good idea.

Shampoos

Flea shampoos should be used in conjunction with one of the prevention methods.

There are many options available including “natural” shampoos made without any harmful chemicals.

Shampoos can kill fleas up to one day but they only affect adult fleas, not larvae or eggs.

Sprays

Flea sprays also should complemented by a prevention method to keep infestations from coming back.

Sprays can kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. Many repel mosquitoes as well.

Sprays are a great option for quickly killing current infestations in your home. Some can also be used as more of a “bug spray” for when you plan on taking your dog out into the woods

The flea and tick sprays’ effectiveness can last up to 2 months, killing and preventing future infestations.

Which Type is Right for You?

Picking a treatment or prevention method is up to you and your pup. By far, drops are the most common but if your dog has a skin reaction to it or you know that you’ll probably forget to reapply it every month, that might not be the best fit for you.

If you don’t mind the look and are in an area with a low risk for fleas, a collar is a good option that you will only have to replace every 8 months or so.

If your flea problem is pretty serious, oral medication, possibly along with another method, might be necessary.

Best Flea Drops for Dogs

Topical medications such as drops are the most popular and possibly best flea prevention method. Generally applied once a month, these drops work quickly and are highly effective.

Some dogs have mild to serious reactions to this treatment though so monitor your pet closely for a few days after applying.

Here are the best flea drops for dogs we have found:

Product	Kills	Effectiveness	Reviews	Price
Frontline Plus	Fleas, ticks, lice	3/5	3.7	$$ Check Price
K9 Advantix II	Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice	4/5	4.2	$$ Check Price
Vectra 3D	Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, sand flies, mites	5/5	4.3	$$$ Check Price
PetArmor	Fleas, ticks, lice	4/5	3.9	$ Check Price
Bayer Advantage II	Fleas	5/5	4.1	$$ Check Price

Merial Frontline Plus
Flea and Tick Control

Frontline is probably the most popular brand for flea drops but there are mixed reviews on its effectiveness. Some people swear by it and others say it doesn’t work at all.

Apparently this discrepancy is most likely due to two reasons. One, Frontline does not work on a certain strain of Florida fleas, and possibly other varieties. And two, there are a lot of knockoffs being sold under the Frontline name. If you decide to go with Frontline, make sure the manufacturer is Merial.

There have been a lot of stories of adverse effects from the Frontline drops so make sure to read them before making a decision.

Based on the risks and reports of the medication not working well or at all, this is not a product we would recommend. If you are already using Frontline and it is working for you, then you should be fine but if you are thinking of switching, there are better choices available.

To kill and prevent both fleas and ticks for up to a month, you’ll want to use a spot-on medicine. Frontline Plus uses fipronil to kill fleas, ticks, and lice, plus (s)-methoprene to keep fleas from growing and reproducing. Like all spot-on treatments, the medicine is applied to a small area on the back of your dog’s neck, so they can’t lick it off. Since it’s easy to accidentally come into contact with the medication, it’s best to monitor your pet and limit their contact with people and other animals for 24 hours.

PetArmor Plus and Sentry Fiproguard Plus use the same active ingredients to kill all stages of fleas and ticks but costs about half as much. However, their applicators aren’t as well-designed as Frontline Plus. When we opened the applicator, some of the medication leaked out — not ideal when handling insecticides. Frontline’s snap-off applicator kept more of the product intact until we were ready to apply.

If you just need to treat your dog fast, consider an oral medication. We liked Bayer Advantus Soft Chews, a chewable treatment that looks and smells like a dog treat. It starts killing fleas in under an hour, and you don’t have to worry about contact with other pets or children after application. The downside is that it only kills adult fleas — it won’t prevent against future generations, so you’ll need use it daily until your home is flea-free or switch to a spot-on after the first day.

Sentry Capguard, PetArmor FastCaps, and Capstar Tablets work just as quickly, but come in a pea-sized tablet you mix into your dog’s food. They all look identical, but Sentry Capguard tends to be the cheapest.

Best Hot Dog Brand

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Whether you take 'em with ketchup and mustard, celery salt and pickles, or drenched in ranch dressing (it's a thing!), you are pretty much bound by law to eat a hot dog on July 4th. To not do so is to be un-American! But unlike men, all hot dogs are definitely not created equal, as we discovered over the course of one hour last week as we blind-tasted our way through nine popular supermarket brands in search of the finest frank of all. Twenty-seven boiled hot dogs later, here's what we found:

The Contenders

We sampled nine hot dog brands you can find at most supermarkets. Save for the Oscar Mayer classics, we opted for all-beef dogs. Our selection:

• Nathan’s Famous Skinless Beef Franks
• Oscar Mayer Classic Wieners
• Hebrew National Beef Franks
• Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Beef Franks
• Sabrett Skinless Beef Frankfurters
• Ball Park Beef Franks
• Boar’s Head Beef Frankfurters with Natural Casing
• Applegate The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog
• Just FreshDirect 100% Grass-Fed Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

The Method

Much to the dismay of many of our taste testers, Test Kitchen Dictator Manager Brad Leone was adamant that we abide by a strict no-buns policy, for fear it would compromise the test's purity (Martin's Potato Rolls, we love you). For the same reason, we chose to boil our hot dogs according to package directions rather than griddle them, as any resulting charred flavor could have tainted our taste buds—or so Brad said. (Side note: There's nothing like watching 10 pots of hot dog water simultaneously bubbling away on the stove.) Ketchup, mustard, relish, and 'kraut were also banned from the tasting room, which left us with nothing more than nine paper plates heaped with piles of anonymous hot dog, a box of toothpicks, a stack of too-small Dixie water cups, and the fear of God. Thus began our journey to a place we'd like to never visit again. Shall we get on with our results?

Nathan’s Famous Skinless Beef Franks

The green-and-yellow packaging will be instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up in driving distance of Coney Island's most famous hot dog stand. Unfortunately, the packaged version just didn't stand up to the ones we've eaten while walking on the boardwalk. Although we liked the texture (it has a nice elasticity), we were overwhelmed by the aggressively "loud" salty-sweet flavors that dominated this dog—similar to the way a large dose of MSG can send your pleasure sensors into overdrive. "S U G A R," wrote one tester. "All of the flavors," wrote another.

Oscar Mayer Classic Wieners

As the saying goes, if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener, everyone would be in love with me. Or something like that. The classic dogs of our childhoods lacked the “snap” that we crave in a hot dog now that we’re adults with fully grown canines, although several of us were into the slightly smokey flavor.

Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Beef Franks

The concept of a reduced-fat hot dog seems cruel, but we felt we had to throw in a package of beloved Hebrew National's version into the mix to see how they stacked up. Let's just say, we'll be sticking with its original version, which we felt had superior flavor (these had a vaguely lemony aftertaste) and texture.

Sabrett Skinless Beef Frankfurters

These were hands-down the most polarizing hot dog brand we tried. Several of us liked Sabrett's aggressively meaty, salty flavor and relative firmness compared to other brands we tried. One taster wrote, "This is what I think of as a 'hot dog.'" But a few dissenters were, let's just say, very put off by the taste. We'll let you make the call, here.

Ball Park Beef Franks

"If you've recently had oral surgery, this is good," wrote one taster. That's pretty much all you need to know about these smooth-as-a-baby's-buttocks hot dogs. Although we agreed these silky-slippery links were probably the best bet for kids, they broke down a little too easily for our refined adult palates—a hot dog that doesn't require you to chew before swallowing just feels wrong.

Applegate The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

Most of us were fans of these preservative-free, 100% grass-fed beef hot dogs—if only because it feels really healthy to say "preservative-free, 100% grass-fed beef." But the very salty flavor was vaguely reminiscent of a bouillon cube, and while that wasn't a make-or-break for us, we felt other hot dogs we tried held up better in the taste category.

Just FreshDirect 100% Grass-Fed Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

The first thing we noticed about these hot dogs was how prominent and thick the casings were. Boiled, these dogs were less than ideal to munch on, as the casings became slightly plasticky and hard to chew through. However, we all agreed these would probably be great thrown on the grill.

Runner Up: Hebrew National Beef Franks

Hebrew National enjoys something of a cult status within the frankfurter world, and for good reason. These 100% Kosher beef dogs were a frontrunner for our #1 pick. "YES!!!" one taster wrote in praise of the juicy frank's "clean hot dog flavor." We were also into its great snap and general plumpness. "Would eat a whole one," said one taste tester—and when you spend an hour stuffing your face with hot dogs, this is meant to be a compliment of the highest caliber. Although we boiled our hot dogs, we think Hebrew National would make a killer grilled version. Our few dissenters thought the flavor could use a boost, but overall, we give these a hearty seal of approval.

The Winner: Boar’s Head Beef Frankfurters with Natural Casing

Our winning hot dogs took top honors in both taste and texture across the board. Its natural-meat flavor came through without being aggressively salty or spicy, which is an issue we continually ran into with other brands. In essence, it's exactly what we think a hot dog should taste like. We also loved its bouncy, snappy texture, which we think would make it an ideal candidate for both grilling and steaming purposes. As one taster wrote: "This is the peoples' hot dog!!!"

o matter what you do this summer, odds are you're going to be eating a hot dog, whether it's charred on a campfire, cooked on a fancy grill, or scored from some legendary nonagenarian vendor at a stadium. But that doesn't mean it's going to be good. There are so many hot dogs on grocery store shelves, in fact, that finding out which is truly the best can be a daunting journey into the dark abyss of tube meat. We're here to help.

For this expansive taste test, we scoured national grocery store chains to find non-fancy dogs available to most of the country. Yes, you can order great regional dogs likeOlympia Provisions, Koegel's, Vienna Beef, and Tony Packo's online, but we're keeping the last-minute shopper in mind here (if those are at your store, lucky you!). We opted for the most basic options -- no cheese-stuffed business here -- and leaned toward beef/pork, unless a brand only traffics in fowl. And no veggie dogs... Sorry, Paul McCartney, but we're sure you're already loyal to a brand.

We opted to cook each on a gas grill, then loaded them naked onto a cheap grocery store bun, because, again, this is not rocket science. It is, however, delicious, so join us as we give you the lowdown on 22 varieties of hot dogs available at popular grocers across the land.

22. Hempler's Uncured Beef Franks

I sure hope Hempler himself doesn't have any children, because they will be teased mercilessly for their family's disappointingly tiny take on dogs that taste more like the air near the roller grill at a Flying J Travel Plaza than an actual hot dog made, as they claim, with Kobe and wagyu beef. Avoid at all costs.

21. Heritage Farm Hot Dogs

Some people throw hot dogs in their scrambled eggs. This isn't a choice we can endorse, but we respect it. If you're feeling too lazy to cook the eggs but really want that gooey, undercooked egg mouthfeel built into your frank, then this is the dog for you.

20. Bar-S Franks

Not only were bargain-bin Bar-S dogs the smallest of the lot, they somehow managed to taste dry and wet at the same time. More akin to a hot dog-flavored mousse, the interior of these dogs was a scientific marvel in texture best explored by no one.

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

19. Oscar Mayer Classic Wieners

There comes a time in every child's life when they have to face harsh realities. One of the first is that Oscar Mayer bologna is actually bad. It took us long into adulthood to realize their hot dogs -- which basically consist of said bologna rolled into a gooey, salty tube -- are perilously low on the totem pole. This hurt almost as much as learning that Santa isn't real.

18. Foster Farms Turkey Franks

The appeal of turkey dogs is their ostensible lack of cheap bologna taste, but Foster Farms thought it best to split the difference between that and the texture of a disembodied tongue. No thanks!

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

17. Open Nature Beef Franks

The casing was snappy and enjoyable, but the interior of Open Nature's dogs had a metallic tinge and squeaky texture that almost felt like cheese curds. The finish tasted like the idea of herbs, which was as nonsensical and off-putting as it sounds.

16. Nature's Rancher Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

We were hoping for a secret explosion of ranch dressing inside this one, but all we got was a bland, one-dimensional flavor surrounded by a sticky exterior that wrecked the bun in the process. Better go back to the Hidden Valley and relearn everything you thought you knew about food, my guy.

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

15. Sam's Choice Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

The acceptably dialed-down flavor of Sam Walton's personal wiener brand is offset by a cheapness that's perfect for entertaining large groups of people you don't really know or care about. A trunk full of these will do just fine for your next outdoor engagement, assuming the guilt of shopping at Walmart is lost on you.

14. Applegate Organics Uncured Beef Hot Dog

We had high hopes for Applegate Organic, but the combination of the chewy, crumbly texture and the overwhelming taste of seasoning salt and charred flat-top grill remains did little to compel us to ever want to purchase these again unless some bizarre craving for a salt explosion took precedence over quality and flavor.

13. Jennie-O Turkey Dogs

This was the top dog of all the turkey varieties sampled. The flavor was pretty nondescript, with a subtle hint of, "Hey! This is a hot dog!" that lingered on the palate, making it a solid option to have on hand for folks who don't eat beef but also don't want to feel left out.

12. Trader Joe's All-Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dog

Under a different context, it would be hard to have any knocks against this offering from everyone's favorite junk food nexus, but the size and flavor of Trader Joe's dogs had us wondering if they were really just lil' smokies thrown in the wrong package. They were delicious, but the truncated size and overt notes of maple syrup led us to believe that Trader Joe's is actually cheating, which we would rather not know about.

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

11. Great Value Uncured Franks

If you're able to ignore the color of their exterior -- which maintained the kind of pale, fetid tone you'd find on the face of a drowning victim who just got yanked out of the pool no matter how long we cooked them -- this is a fantastic dog by Walmart that hits all the checkmarks of taste and texture in a value-priced package

10. Ballpark Bun Size Beef Frank

Arguably the most classic, well-known entrant on the list, Ballpark is an aggressively average dog with a flavor that's deeply ingrained in America's psyche. The inside is a little slimy and mealy, but it's still entirely possible to happily go through life knowing nothing but the simple joys of Ballpark hot dogs. You can do better, but you don't really have to, which may be the essence of what makes hot dogs so special in the first place.

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

9. Private Selection All-Beef Hot Dogs

Like an oiled-up minor league wrestler glistening under the flickering lights of a soon-to-be-razed municipal arena, the casing of Kroger's "high-end" in-house option was almost hypnotic to watch as it crackled and cooked on the grill. The texture and flavor of the inside were nothing to write home about, but goddamn was the juicy snap and salty gloss of that outside something special.

8. Wellshire Premium All-Natural Uncured Beef Franks

While some dogs on the list scored high marks for a distinct casing, Wellshire's highfalutin nitrate-free offering was unique in that our teeth sank seamlessly through the outside into a juicy, lightly sweetened interior that pairs quite well with fruity beers like Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy or Stiegl Radler. This is the perfect summer dog for a highbrow, white tablecloth affair with an inordinate amount of attendees donning Sperry Top-Siders and Brooks Brothers polos. Oh, you know, just people who decide to spring for slightly-more-expensive hot dogs.

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

7. Farmer John Jumbo Wieners

As grotesque as it sounds on paper, Farmer John Jumbo Wieners had a smooth and glossy texture that reminded us of a fancy bread pudding crafted from the finest turkey and pork products from John's native home of California. Why this brand hasn't paid Anthony Kiedis to rap the ingredients over these fantastic dogs over a funky nu-metal beat is a mystery to us, so here's to hoping the Red Hot Chili Peppers's publicist sees this in their Google alerts and makes it so.

6. Boar's Head Lite Beef Frankfurters

Trimming the fat might have something to do with the predilection for the crispy char and dry crunch that made Boar's Head's franks such a pleasant surprise. Subsequent bites revealed a flavor closer to a mild pepperoni than an actual hot dog, but it's unfair to fault them if that's the happy accident that comes about when cutting the calories is the name of the game.

5. Fork In the Road Mighty Good Dogs

A noticeable trend among the more obscure brands in this list is the liberties they've taken with the idea of what a hot dog is, but it's a risk that pays off handsomely for this hippy-dippy NorCal meat manufacturer. The bold aroma and strong, juicy skin were the strongest features of Mighty Good Dogs, but don't underestimate the slow onset of the gentle smoke flavor that's hiding at the end of every bite.

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

4. Safeway Signature Select Beef Franks

If you can set aside the slight hint of liquid smoke that rings with the aftertaste of grocery giant Safeway's signature dog, this is the closest you'll ever get to a mass-produced store brand greatness. The chewy exterior gives way to a juicy, salty interior that's just about as perfect and simple as it gets, which is all you can ask for a dog that's available by the pile at a ubiquitous grocery chain in almost every corner of the country.

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

3. Hebrew National Bun Length Beef Franks

Hebrew National's perfect balance of savory saltiness and a pleasingly even texture makes it the king of basic, garden-variety hot dogs. Top it off with a texture that's smooth and devoid of that gamey processed meat aftertaste that ruins cheaper bologna-esque competitors, and you've got yourself a ride-or-die dog that's ready to impress at any occasion that would require one to show up with grillables.

ANDY KRYZA AND EVAN LOCKHART/THRILLIST

2. Niman Ranch Fearless Uncured Beef Franks

For those who value a thick, salty skin that retains unparalleled amounts of juice and radiant grill heat, consider this nationally renowned purveyor of restaurant-grade meats as your new favorite epicurean-approved operation to nerd out over. Subtle and distinguished, the interior flavor of these franks is perfect for discerning adults who don't need to be smacked in the face with sodium to know good things are happening in their mouths. Save the store-brand wieners for the kids, because this is now the official hot dog of the final adults-only hours of the summer cookout scene.

1. Nathan's Famous Skinless Beef Franks

An overt effort was made to try Nathan's last because we had a notion that no one would come close. This wasn't entirely the case in light of the boutique brands that pleasantly surprised, but bestowing this legendary Coney Island brand with "best in class" distinction among its mass-produced brethren would be a harsh injustice. With alternating layers of smoke, sweetness, and salt captured in a magically skinless package that chars up perfectly every time, this is all anyone could ever possibly want in a hot dog.

None of the fancier brands came even close, but considering an entire cottage industry has grown around stuffing as many of these things in your face as you can, how can you be even the slightest bit surprised to learn this? Like most great American stories, Nathan's Famous was brought ashore by an enterprising immigrant who believed the USA was where his dreams of gastronomic greatness could be achieved. Hot dogs are America's food, and this is, without argument, America's finest hot dog. God bless America, and God bless the processed tubed-meat products we've perfected over the past century.

Best Hiking Dog Breeds

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There’s no shortage of dogs who will gladly join you in every adventure, but these 20 prove especially up to the task. If you're looking for a dog who can keep pace, you should start with this list.

(Getty Images/iStock)

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20. Lagotto Romagnolo

Hailing from the Romagna subregion of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo was named as a lake dog and traditionally used as a gun dog. With a natural instinct for retrieving, these dogs make for the ideal hunting companions. Their most interesting occupation, though, is truffle hunting.

(kazenouta via Flickr)

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19. Tibetan Terrier

Don't let their size fool you. Tibetan Terriers, originally bred and raised in monasteries 2,000 years ago, make for excellent outdoor companions. Kept as good-luck charms and watchdogs, and originally used for herding sheep as well as retrieving items that fell below mountainsides, Tibetan Terriers are agile, excel in the snow, and love to climb.

(Flickr/acidpix)

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18. Bernese Mountain Dog

Originally bred as a drafting and droving dog, the huge Bernese Mountain Dog will gladly take on mountain walks by your side - it will even carry a pack for you. A great dog for hikers, especially if you live in a colder climate and don’t want to bother with a leash, since the Bernese is very easily trained.

(teekaygee/Shutterstock)

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17. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Welsh for "dwarf dog," the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is small but no lap dog. Bred for herding, these creatures love to stay active and do well in the outdoors. Despite their short legs, corgis are surprisingly quick and athletic.

(Flickr/Ron Armstrong)

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16. Portuguese Water Dog

Bred to herd fish, retrieve broken nets, and swim as couriers, Portuguese water dogs excel in the surf. Given their working history, they also stay close to their owners—inside and outside. With a strong retrieving instinct and love for the water, these dogs make for the ultimate water companions.

(Flickr/Ron Armstrong)

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15. German Shorthaired Pointers

What sets the German Shorthaired Pointer apart is its intelligence and versatility. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed excels at trailing, retrieving and pointing. It’s also comfortable hunting animals like pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and deer. No matter what your hunting style is, this dog can do it all.

(Andre Blais via Shutterstock)

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14. Shetland Sheepdog

One of the most intelligent breeds, Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, playful, and trainable. And with a strong herding instinct, they enjoy chasing and herding animals. They also love to run in wide-open spaces, but keep them clear of roads—their herding instinct can lead them astray.

(Flickr/Ron Armstrong)

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13. Vizsla

If you live in the city or want to skip the leash, vizslas make the perfect companion. Their exceptional trainability helps them keep focused in busier areas, and experienced runners will appreciate the vizsla’s athleticism. According to Runner’s World, this breed excels at speed, endurance, navigating obstacles, and even jumping.

(AnetaPics via Shutterstock)

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12. Dalmation

Dalmatians can keep pace with horses - they can keep pace with you. These large and lean dogs were classically employed to run ahead of firefighting carriages and clear the way, but they’re just as happy running through the park. Great if you’re looking for a more protective breed to accompany your long-distance jogs.

(Lottie and lily via Flickr)

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11. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman pinscher might have an intimidating reputation, but it's really an affectionate friend and guardian. Of course, it's also an excellent fit for active types—fearless but obedient, up for jogs and hikes, and as low-maintenance as they come.

(AnetaPics/Shutterstock)

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10. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian cattle dog is a true herding dog: whip-smart, energetic, strong, and protective, not to mention it has some dingo in its blood. With that kind of heritage, you can expect this breed to keep going all day. It loves wide-open spaces but will also form a tight bond with its owners, making it a great choice for active families.

(Dalibor Sosna/Shutterstock)

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9. Jack Russell Terrier

Small but mighty, Jack Russell Terriers have boundless energy and can run for surprisingly extended periods of time. If you're looking for a more compact long-distance running mate, this adventurous breed should be just right.

(woodygraphs/Shutterstock)

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8. Rat Terrier

An American dog breed with a hunting and farm-dog history, Rat Terriersare cherished as family pets and for their pest control skills. Often mistaken for Jack Russell terriers, these dogs are equally at home on the sofa as on the hiking trail. Highly nimble and obedient, they excel in agility and obedience training.

(Flickr/LifeSupercharger)

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7. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions in Africa, so they are extremely athletic, yet surprisingly good with people. They have an efficient stride and a short, low-maintenance coat that helps when running in the heat.

(Tatiana Katsai/Shutterstock)

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6. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is another busybody herding breed that sets itself apart with its people skills and protective nature. This breed would make a wonderful addition to an active family, and a good companion for anyone who likes to explore different kinds of terrain.

(Utekhina Anna via Shutterstock)

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5. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is an ideal jogging companion, able to expertly navigate tricky terrain. It's also a good pointing dog for hunters. Plus, its "ghostly" grey coat takes well to hot climates and needs minimal brushing. This breed is known to be rambunctious and extremely active, so you’d be well advised to provide an open running area in addition to exercise.

(Sari ONeal/Shutterstock)

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4. Siberian Husky

The Husky is a beautiful and independent breed that requires an active lifestyle. After all, this is a breed capable of pulling a sled Iditarod distances. An ideal dog if you live in cold weather and want a capable companion on ultra long hikes, trail runs and camping trips - the tough Siberian Husky will keep you safe too.

(ots-photo/Shutterstock)

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3. Labrador Retriever

Eager and energetic Labs are "weatherproof, waterproof, and tenacious—the epitome of a hunter," says Outdoor Life. Regularly named as the most popular dog in the U.S., great with families, and an excellent athlete, it seems the Labrador retriever can do no wrong.

(Kirk Geisler via Shutterstock)

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2. Border Collie

Herding dogs are agile runners, and the Border Collie is considered one of the most intelligent of the breeds. This dog loves having a job to do, says the American Kennel Club, so keep it busy as a faithful and sure-footed running mate.

(Dale A Stork/Shutterstock)

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1. The Mutt

Let's hear it for the non-purebreds, the dogs who boast a quirky mix of breeds and whose lineage is charmingly unique. Find one at your local animal shelter and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal friend who will eagerly join you on every adventure and whose qualities you won’t find anywhere else. There's no better outdoor companion than that.