This review summarizes recent studies which have explored the genetic diversity of S. intermedius isolates resulting in a re-classification of the species and the identification of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius as the common staphylococcal pathogen in small animal practice. Staphylococcus intermedius has been the predominant coagulase- positive Staphylococcus isolated from canine skin and mucosae. Isolates formerly classified as S. intermedius from canine hosts should now be described as S. pseudintermedius. The term “S. intermedius group” should be used for isolates from other hosts in the absence of molecular tests. The rapid emergence and wide dispersal of meticillin- resistant S. pseudintermedius in Europe and North America is of major concern for animal and human health. The phenotypical variability of the SIG and the need for accurate differentiation between MRSP and MRSA present a challenge for veterinary diagnostic laboratories whose routine laboratory procedures might need to be reviewed and updated. Accurate species identification SIG must be confirmed by molecular tests, because of the very similar biochemical properties of members of SIG. Moreover, review clearly indicates that staphylococci are exchanged between human beings and dogs. Whilst transient inapparent carriage is the likely outcome of human exposure to S. pseudintermedius from dogs, there is potential for infections to develop in rare cases, with the resultant therapeutic difficulties in the case of MRSP.