Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

The St. Bernard is a giant dog. The average weight of the breed is between 65 and 120 kg (140 and 260 lb) or more, and the approximate height at the withers is 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in). The coat can be either smooth or rough; the smooth coat being close and flat while the rough is dense, flat, and more profuse around the neck and legs. The color is typically a red shade with white or a mahogany brindle with white. Black shading is usually found on the face and ears. The tail is long and heavy, hanging low. Eyes are usually brown, but sometimes can be icy blue, and should have naturally tight lids, with haws only slightly visible.

Temperament

Known as a classic example of a Gentle Giant, the Saint Bernard is calm, patient, and sweet with adults, and especially children. However St. Bernards, like all very large dogs, must be well socialized with people and other dogs in order to prevent fearfulness and any possible aggression or territoriality. The biggest threat to small children is being knocked over by this breed's larger size. Overall they are a sweet, gentle, calm, loyal, and affectionate breed, and if socialized are very friendly. Because of its large adult size, it is essential that proper training and socialization begin while the St. Bernard is still a puppy, so as to avoid the difficulties that normally accompany training large dogs. An unruly St. Bernard may present problems for even a strong adult, so control needs to be asserted from the beginning of the dog's training. While generally not instinctively protective, a St. Bernard may bark at strangers, and their size makes them good deterrents against possible intruders.

Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge is a recently created American dog breed. In the 1970s a true-breeding lineage as a re-creation of the healthier working bulldog from early nineteenth-century England was created. Using a breeding scheme developed for cattle, the English bulldogs were crossed with American Bulldogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, and Bull Mastiffs. The result was an athletic breed that looks similar to the bulldogs of 1820 but also has a friendly temperament.

Temperament

Olde English Bulldogges are docile, but capable and protective, fearless and athletic, fierce-looking, determined and courageous, bold and friendly around their family and friends, but fearless adversaries to anyone who threatens their masters or property. This breed likes to chew. Rawhides, soft rubber, and stuffed toys are unsafe, for they are easily shredded or swallowed whole. Olde English Bulldogges are so eager to please that they may overexert themselves in an effort to do whatever is asked of them. For an owner who displays a natural authority toward the dog, socialization and obedience training are important. It is best to channel high energy individuals to some type of work and exercise. The objective of training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. This breed tends to drool and slobber.

Pomsky

About This Breed

The Pomsky a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian is often referred to as a designer dog breed. This relatively new breed tends to be of the fluffy, cuddly variety, but there’s a lot of variation in these dogs, as well. Here’s what you need to know about this newcomer breed.

Physical Characteristics

When you cross a Pomeranian with a Siberian Husky, you can imagine some of the variations that might occur. In general, small Pomskys tend to weigh around 15 pounds when fully grown, although they could be 10 to 15 pounds larger than that estimate.

COLOR(S)

Usually some variation of white, black, and grey, similar to their Husky parent.

COAT

Soft and long

Personality and Temperament

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

POSITIVES

The Pomsky tends to be good-natured and playful, gentle with kids, and very lively. They are quick to learn and love to play and tend to be quiet pups.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Pomsky's are very smart and require regular play to avoid becoming bored. Bored Pomskys have been known to act up by chewing. Note that the Pomsky sheds a lot, and their thick coats require extensive grooming. Pomsky's are also diggers by nature and may require training so as to not dig up your entire backyard.

Care

IDEAL LIVING CONDITIONS

The Pomsky's generally small size makes this breed the perfect companion for someone living in an apartment all the way up to a larger home.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A Pomsky requires daily exercise and stimulation to avoid boredom, as well as weekly if not daily grooming.

Health

Since the breed is so new, not much is known about any common Pomsky health conditions. Keep in mind, though, that as is common with most mixed breeds, any hereditary health conditions that show up in either the Pomeranian (such as cataracts or skin problems) or the Husky (like eye problems) may show up in your Pomsky, as well.

History and Background

As it stands, the Pomsky has a very short history, having only been bred within the past couple of years. Breeding is of particular importance when it comes to these dogs since it’s essential to take size into consideration for their birth. In general, a breeder should always use the Husky as the dam, since physical and health complications could endanger the mother and puppies if a smaller Pomeranian were to be bred to carry puppies sired by a larger male Husky.

American Bulldog

The American Bulldog has a very sturdy and muscular build, weighing anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds at a height of 20 to 28 inches. This breed has a large head with strong jaws with ears that may be cropped, semi-prick, rose, or drop. The coat is short and soft coming in any variation of colors.

Temperament

Though larger than the English Bulldog, the temperament of the American Bulldog is very similar. A gentle, affectionate dog that loves children and can be considered a big lap dog, the American Bulldog is alert, confident, and loyal to its people. Brave and strong-willed, the American Bulldog will do best when trained from a young age on and with an owner that isn't afraid to establish themselves as a strong pack leader. A breed with strong protective instincts, Bulldogs are known for their acts of heroism towards their owners and can sometimes be reserved with strangers. American Bulldogs require plenty of regular exercise to prevent boredom and encourage it to be a well-trained dog during the day.

Care

The short, fine coat of the American Bulldog requires minimal grooming and care, however, similarly to the English Bulldog, the American Bulldog has been known to drool and slobber. With a history as an all-purpose working dog and fearless guard dog, the American Bulldog is a good indoor/outdoor dog but does require sufficient outdoor exercise and activity, especially if it lives in an apartment setting.

Yorkiepoo

A Yorkiepoo (also called a Yorkipoo or Yoodle) is a hybrid dog, bred for the first time in the United States, by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier and a poodle (in most cases the miniature poodle or toy poodle), or by breeding Yorkiepoo to Yorkiepoo.

These dogs may be bred from two purebred parents or two hybrid parents. They tend to have a smooth coat, of silky and wavy hair and can come in a variety of colors, including gold, blue, white, and parti-color. Depending on which parent's genes are more dominant, the dog may be hypoallergenic and thus be more suited to homes with allergy sufferers.^[

The Yorkipoo is likely to be a confident, loving, playful companion combining terrier boldness and poodle intelligence. Yorkipoos require mental stimulation and social interaction, and enjoy activities like dog agility and learning tricks.

For their size, Yorkipoos are rather energetic. However, their energy is easily expended within the confines of an apartment. Therefore, they do not require the sort of exercise regime that larger dogs need. Yorkipoos are very social dogs. Unlike Yorkies and other purebred toys, however, they do not long for constant physical contact. Yorkipoos have no objections to cuddling up on a lap but are also content to simply be nearby. This breed is generally not aggressive and tends to “greet strangers as if they were long lost, friends.”

Yorkipoos are smart enough to be trained and take marked pride in learning new commands. They respond best to positive reinforcement, as opposed to negative reinforcement or punishment. When faced with negative reinforcement or punishment, Yorkipoos respond with stubbornness. The greatest hurdle to training a Yorkipoo is barking. Although they do not tend to sit and yip for no reason, they will almost unfailingly bark when someone knocks at the door. It is unknown if this is to warn that someone is approaching or out of sheer glee to encounter another person.

Yorkie-Chon

The Yorkie-Chon is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Yorkie. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all designer hybrid dogs are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

Victorian Bulldog

The Victorian Bulldog is large headed and thick boned, only to the point that it does not impede vigor. It is broad muzzled and short-faced, but not so excessive as to interfere with breathing. The hindquarters are somewhat higher and not as heavy as foreparts, but not so as to destroy the symmetry of a muscular athlete. The head should be large but not exaggerated out of proportion to the body. The cheeks are rounded and extended sideways beyond the eyes.

The face is measured from the front of the cheek-bone to the tip of the nose, long enough for unhindered breathing. The muzzle is broad and turning up, undershot but not to excess. The nostrils are large and wide, black is preferred but dudley acceptable. The flews are broad and hanging over the lower jaw at the sides. The canine teeth are large and wide apart. The eyes from the front are set low and wide apart, never bulging or sunken and never with the haw be visible.

The ears are either rose or button and are never erect or cropped. The neck is thick, strong, and arched, with loose skin forming dewlap on each side. The shoulders are broad and deep. The Victorian Bulldog has rounded ribs with a wide chest narrowing towards the loins without exaggeration. The forelegs are muscular, straight and wide apart, not bandy or curved. The hind legs are strong and muscular. The hocks are slightly bent. The feet are round and compact and either straight, turning down, or screwed. The coat is smooth and short. Colors include all brindles, solid white or pied, solid red, fawn, or fallow. Black or black and tan is not acceptable.

Temperament

Victorian Bulldogs are very loyal and absolutely reliable. Although its appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Victorian Bulldogs are very much a people’s dog seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! Human attention is required for the breed's happiness. They are nice to all people. This breed is good with family pets, but they can be scrappy with strange dogs without enough leadership from the owner. Some snore very loudly, and some have drool and slobber tendencies. Be sure to always be your dog’s Pack Leader.

Height, Weight

• Height: Dogs: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm.), Bitches: 16-19 inches (41-48 cm.)
• Weight: Dogs 70-75 pounds (32-34 kg.) Bitches 55-65 pounds (25-30 kg.)

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Low activity indoors.
• Thrive in moderate climates.

Exercise

• Daily moderate to extended exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Average shedding

West Highland Terrier

The hardy West Highland White Terrier, more commonly known as the “Westie,” is known for its friendly, strong-willed personality and a remarkably bright white coat. Said to be “all terrier,” this breed possesses a large amount of spunk, determination, and devotion stuffed into a compact little body. The confident Westie excels in a variety of AKC events, from conformation to agility to obedience.

History

The West Highland White Terrier is said to originate from Poltalloch, Scotland, and due to this, was originally known as the Poltalloch Terrier. He was also sometimes referred to as the Roseneath Terrier, after the Duke of Argyll's estate. The Westie was first shown in the United States in 1906 under the Roseneath name, but this was changed in 1909 and he has been known as the West Highland White Terrier ever since.

Temperament

The Westie loves people and makes an affectionate addition to any family. This devoted, happy and faithful dog also makes a wonderful travel companion due to its small size. Their dry coats are a combination of a soft dense undercoat and a rough outer coat. Daily brushing and regular clipping or stripping of the coat is necessary.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1908.
• Ideal height is 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Vermin hunter, family companion.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Very active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Regular brushing.
• Periodic professional grooming recommended.
• Little to no shedding.

Toy Fox Terrier

Truly an American breed, the Toy Fox Terrier is a big dog in a small package that possesses intelligence, courage and a take-charge attitude. Both a Toy and a Terrier, they are a true working dog, delighting in hunting tree squirrels and flushing out rodents. The breed's colors are white, chocolate and tan; white and tan; white and black; or tri-color.

History

To create this breed, the small Smooth Fox Terriers were crossed with various toy breeds including Miniature Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Manchester Terriers. The resulting dog the Toy Fox Terrier retained the gameness from the terriers and a milder, more “livable” disposition from the other breeds used.

Temperament

Toy Fox Terriers are an outgoing and friendly, yet fiercely loyal to their families. They are content and capable of any range of activities from hunting, to obedience, to just lounging around in the sun (or on the sofa). Children especially enjoy the unending energy and zeal for play throughout this dog's life, but as with all Toy breeds, they are not recommended for small children. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment, although they love to explore the outdoors. They are easy to groom a quick weekly brushing to prevent shedding, nail trim, and occasional bath is all that is necessary.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 2003.
• Ranging from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Watchdog, companion dog.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Very active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Light shedding.

Teddy Bear

The Teddy Bear puppy is also known as a Shichon or a Zuchon and it is a cross between Bichon FrisМ© and Shih Tzu. the Teddy Bear is a dog “known for his endearing face, large expressive eyes, and his soft teddy-bear coat.” The Teddy Bear usually has a longer coat that does not shed very much, if at all. This longer coat may lead to more time for maintenance and grooming. As hypoallergenic dogs, Teddy Bears are generally more suitable for homes with allergy problems amongst the inhabitants, although allergic reactions may still occur.

This toy dog is said to have a “great” personality, and it is playful, lively, and well-mannered. They can be a bit stubborn, but when they are trained well, they are a good family pet. The breed has a tendency to bark, but with active training, this can be mastered. They are easily trained.

The Teddy Bear is a well-mannered dog known to be social, happy, and gentle. They become devoted to their families but need much attention and do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are good therapy dogs. Sometimes the Teddy Bear may be stubborn and in need of training. The Teddy Bear will remain active and playful throughout its life.

They make fairly good watchdogs! When necessary, this dog will bark to alert its family that someone is nearby. This breed is typically good with other pets, especially when socialized at an early age. This dog gets along well with children, but it may be a good idea to socialize this breed at an early age as well as to supervise playtime with children to make sure that the dog does not get hurt as a result of its small size.

An important feature of the Teddy Bears hybrid breed is its longevity. The average life expectancy of a Teddy Bear is around 1215 years. The Teddy Bear, like many hybrid breeds, is usually healthy without showing the congenital defects that purebreds can have from inbreeding. Although this breed of dog is relatively new, its popularity and fame are growing quickly. The Teddy Bear is still not thought of as an official breed of dog, only a cross-breed. This may change as the dog is becoming a popular toy dog being classified with all other toy dog purebreds. Organizations that recognize this breed include the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

Silky Terrier

Although a toy in size, the Silky Terrier has a true terrier personality he is of sufficient substance to be able to hunt and kill domestic rodents. The general public occasionally confuses this breed with the Yorkie, but in reality, the Silky is larger and more closely related to the Australian Terrier. A friendly, joyful temperament and the lovely blue and tan coat make him an ideal companion.

History

Developed at the end of the 1800s in Australia, the Silky Terrier was created when a number of Yorkshire Terriers from England were brought into parts of Australia and bred to Australian Terrier bitches in an attempt to improve coat color in the blue and tan Australian Terrier. The resulting litters produced individuals shown as these three different breeds. The Silkys were then bred together until a recognized type was fixed.

Temperment

This portable pooch can adapt well to any living situation, but make sure you have the time to devote to them they do not like to be ignored, preferring to play fetch or go on walks with their family. Silkys are keen and energetic, so it's best to keep them occupied. The breed must also be bathed and brushed on a regular basis.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1959.
• Ranging in size from 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and approximately 10 pounds.
• Vermin hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Very active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Daily combing and brushing.
• Regular professional grooming recommended.
• Little to no shedding.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

As its name implies, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is prized for its coat, which is soft, silky, with a gentle wave, and of warm wheaten color. Underneath, however, is a formidable dog that leaves no doubt as to his terrier origins. Square and medium-sized, he is happy, steady, self-confident, and alert to his surroundings.

History

Known for more than 200 years in Ireland, the “Wheaten” shares a common ancestry with the Kerry Blue and the Irish Terrier but was not owned by the landed gentry. They were the poor man's dog, an all-purpose farm dog, given to patrolling the borders of small farms, ridding them of vermin, herding sheep, and hunting with his master.

Temperament

Wheatens tend to be less scrappy than other terriers but they are true terriers and will be more active than many other breeds, enjoying plenty of exercise every day. They relate well to children and can adapt to city, country, and suburban life. The Wheaten is single coated and sheds minimally, but needs regular grooming to keep its coat mat free.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1973.
• Ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 30 and 40 pounds.
• Small game hunter; farm dog.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Fairly active indoors.
• Be careful in hot weather.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Daily combing.
• Periodic professional grooming recommended.
• Light shedding.
• Easy on allergy sufferers.

Shih Poo

The Shih Poo is a cross between the Shih-Tzu and the Poodle. The Shih poo is one of many named Poodle crossbreeds, bred in an attempt to combine the characteristics of the Poodle, such as its high intelligence and low-shed coat, with the desirable traits of another breed, in this case, the Shih Tzu. Some Shih-poos may have a longer, more Poodle-like muzzle than their Shih-Tzu parent, alleviating many breathing problems that Shih-Tzus can experience, such as Brachycephalic syndrome.

The size varies and depends on whether the Poodle parent is of the teacup, miniature, or standard breed. Typically, a shih-tzu and a miniature poodle are chosen for the parents, which results in average adult weights of 8-18 pounds. A shih-tzu and standard Poodle mix are extremely uncommon. Shih-poos come in a wide variety of colors, such as all black, all white, cream, sable, and any mix and combination thereof.

Shih-Poos are playful and energetic dogs. They love to chase after balls, play with squeaky toys, or drag stuffed animals around the house with them. Generally, the Shih-Poo makes a great playmate for older, respectful children but won't tolerate harsh handling or hair pulling. Because the Shih-Poo is a crossbreed, some are accepting and affectionate toward strangers while others are reserved or shy around them. They love to cuddle with their owners and expect to sleep in bed with them at night.

Although energetic, the Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of vigorous exercise. Short but brisk walks in the morning and evening are all that is necessary to keep this spunky little guy fit. He will happily run around the home playing with a ball or other toys. Romping and playing in a grassy backyard with children or racing around a dog park with his canine pals is also appreciated by the Shih-Poo. This is not a hybrid breed that will enjoy jogging or hiking with his owners.

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, often called the “Scottie,” is best recognized for its distinctive profile and hard, wiry, weather-resistant outer coat in a black, brindle or wheaten color. Its beard, eyebrows, legs, and lower body furnishings are traditionally shaggy. Like many breeds in the Terrier Group, Scotties are small yet strong and known as fast, alert and playful dogs. The Scottish Terrier is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House three times, with Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and George W. Bush.

History

Naturally a “digger” at heart, the Scottie was originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms. King James VI, known to adore the breed, is said to be responsible for the rise in popularity in Scotland during his reign. Scotties were introduced to America in the 1890s and continue to remain a common fixture in American households.

Temperament

Scotties thrive as house pets and are gentle, loving members of their families. Their spirited natures require obedience training, and they need regular exercise (on a leash, as the chase instinct is strong). The Scottie coat requires regular brushing and clipping to maintain the characteristic breed outline.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
• Ideal height is 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing from 18 to 22 pounds.
• Fox/vermin hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Regular brushing.
• Periodic professional grooming recommended.
• Little to no shedding.

Shar-Pei

Immediately recognizable due to their unique “hippopotamus” head shape, profile and wrinkles, the Shar-Pei is an ancient breed that is usually aloof and standoffish with strangers but devoted to his family. Their name “Shar-Pei” means sandy coat and their coat should be offstanding and harsh. Any solid color and sable is acceptable and none of these is preferred over the others. Today, the Shar-Pei is exhibited in conformation, agility, obedience, and tracking.

History

Originally a multipurpose Chinese farm dog, many of the breed's characteristics relate to that work. Their moderate sound structure allowed them to be perimeter guard dogs, working all day. They have retained vermin catching, herding and tracking skills, as their role on the farms was diverse. Physically, the Chinese believed the breed's scowl and the black pigmented mouth would scare off evil spirits and their imposing presence meant that most were never challenged.

Temperament

An intelligent and often stubborn breed, Shar Pei ownership needs careful consideration. They are bright and learn quickly, but early training and socialization are important, as is daily exercise. Shar-Pei are clean dogs that require little more grooming than an occasional bath, regular ear cleaning, and toenail clipping.

• Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1992.
• Ranging in size from 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and 45 to 60 pounds.
• Hunting; guarding.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low activity indoors.
• Be careful in hot weather.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Brush regularly.
• Moderate shedding.

Shiba Inu

The smallest of the Japanese native breeds, the Shiba Inu was originally developed for hunting in the dense undergrowth of Japan's mountainous areas. Alert and agile with keen senses, he is also an excellent watchdog and companion. His frame is compact with well-developed muscles and he possesses a double coat that can be black and tan, red, or red sesame.

History

Descended from the primitive dogs of the ancient people of Japan, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt small wild game, boar and bear. The name Shiba in Japanese means brushwood, after the breed's hunting terrain or the color of brushwood leaves in the fall, and Inu means dog. World War II nearly spelled disaster for the Shiba due to bombing raids and distemper, but after the war, bloodlines were combined to produce the breed as it is known today.

Temperament

The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. The Shiba adapts well to different living situations but must be exercised regularly on a leash or in a secure area. Early obedience training and regular brushing are musts.

• Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1992.
• Ranging in size from 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and 17 to 23 pounds.
• Bird/Small game hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Moderate activity indoor.

Exercise

• Daily light exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Heavy seasonal shedding.

Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is a cross between the Schnauzer and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all hybrid dogs are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

Smooth Fox Terrier

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an active, friendly, and playful breed. They are predominantly white in color with black or tan markings. Fox Terriers are highly trainable and excel in events such as agility. Originally in the same category as the Wire Fox Terrier, the breeds became separate in 1984.

History

The Smooth Fox Terrier originated in the British Isles in the 17th century. Owned by farmers who needed help eradicating vermin, the breed used its keen nose, remarkable eyesight, and stamina to drive fox and other quarry out from their underground dens. Although seldom used for hunting today, the breed still maintains its drive and determination. They will dig tirelessly for underground vermin.

Temperament

The Smooth Fox Terrier has a sleek, easy to maintain coat. Its sturdiness and size combined with its friendly and playful nature make it an excellent companion for children. They are bold but not aggressive towards people. Fox Terriers make excellent watchdogs in the home. New owners should be aware that the breed's innate sense to dig may affect the family yard or flower beds unless the dog is taught otherwise.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
• Should not exceed 15 inches tall at the shoulder and 18 pounds.
• Vermin hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Very active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily extended exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Average shedding, heavier seasonal shedding.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog with great strength for his size. He is active and agile and comes in six color varieties: solid red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle. Today, he serves primarily as a family companion and is seen in the show, obedience, and agility rings.

History

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity from his past history. The breed originated in the nineteenth century when coal miners in Staffordshire, England, wanted a small, fast dog. They combined the Bulldog with a small local terrier similar to the Manchester Terrier. The result was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that we know today.

Temperament

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is extremely courageous and obedient, highly intelligent, and affectionate with a sense of humor. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children, in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog. He looks forward to daily exercise, and his powerful jaws enjoy a supply of sturdy chew toys. While he is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm, but gentle way. The Staffie's coat is short and smooth and needs only a quick brushing once a week.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1975.
• Ranging in size from 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and 24 to 38 pounds.
• Game sports.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Very active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily extended vigorous exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.

Shih Tzu

A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu's long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means “lion” and although this dog is sweet and playful, he is not afraid to stand up for himself! One of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics, this portable pooch has a distinctively arrogant carriage with his head well up and tail curved over the back.

History

Cherished by Chinese royals as prized house pets for over a thousand years, it is believed to have descended from crossing the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was the house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty and was discovered by soldiers in England during World War II.

Temperament

As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is a companion and house pet, he should be lively, alert, friendly, and trusting towards all. He requires minimal exercise, but his long, luxurious coat needs daily brushing and maintenance.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1969.
• Ranging in size from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and 9 to 16 pounds.
• Companion, house pet.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Fairly active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily light exercise.

Grooming

• Daily brushing.
• Periodic professional grooming recommended.
• Little to no shedding.
• Easy on allergy sufferers.