Great Dane

A “gentle giant,” the Great Dane is nothing short of majestic. Sometimes referred to as the “king of dogs,” this extremely large dog breed is known for being strong yet elegant, with a friendly, energetic personality. Striking in the show ring, this breed is also popular as a family pet. Coat colors can be brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin, and mantle.

History

Historians claim that there are drawings of dogs that resemble the Great Dane on Egyptian monuments from roughly 3000 B.C. The earliest written description of a dog resembling the breed can be found in Chinese literature of 1121 B.C. The origins of the Great Dane as we know it today can be traced to the Irish Wolfhound with a mixture of old English Mastiff. The breed was originally developed by the Germans to hunt boar, a ferocious animal. When no longer used for hunting, the breed changed to one of a companion and estate guard dog.

Temperament

Great Danes have gentle and loving dispositions, making them excellent family companions, but as with all dogs, they should be supervised around young children. Daily exercise is necessary, but their short coats require minimal grooming.

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 1887.
• Minimum height of 30 inches tall at the shoulder for males and 28 inches tall for females.
• Boar hunter; estate guard dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Moderate daily exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Average shedding.

Cockalier

The Cockalier is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. 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 of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

Maltese

A toy dog covered from head to toe with a mantle of long, silky white hair, the Maltese is gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playful, and fearless despite its small size. Maltese are intelligent little dogs that are very fast learners if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Today, their refinement, cleanliness, and portability make them a popular choice as a companion dog.

History

The Maltese was once known as “Ye ancient dogge of Malta,” for that is where they were first recognized and how they received their name. The breed has been an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries, owned by royalty all over the globe. Even as far back as the 1500s, they were claimed to be sold for $2,000. And while other companion dogs such as the Pomeranian have been bred down from larger sizes, the first Maltese were the same size as the dogs we see today.

Temperament

Even though the Maltese are a very small dog, they tend to be brave and without fear. They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, but are also full of energy and very playful, making them great family dogs. Maltese should be brushed daily, and groomed often to prevent mats from forming in their long, white coat.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1888.
• Under 7 pounds; 4 to 6 pounds preferred.
• Companion dog.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Very active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily light exercise.

Grooming

• Daily combing and brushing.
• Regular professional grooming is recommended.
• Little to no shedding.
• Easy on allergy sufferers.

Mastiff

One of the biggest dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club, the massive Mastiff loves being around people and is known to bond closely with his family.' A combination of grandeur and good nature as well as courage and docility, he was bred in England and used as a watchdog for more than two thousand years. The breed's short coat can be fawn, apricot, or brindle.

History

As early as 3000 B.C., drawings on Egyptian monuments depict typical Mastiffs. Later, even Caesar noticed the fearless, strong Mastiff as it fought alongside the British soldiers in 55 B.C. Impressed by the breed's courage, he brought a group of them back to Rome and forced them to take part in bull baiting, lion fighting, and fights with human gladiators. Later, the Mastiff became popular with the peasants in England, where the dogs were used to keep wolves and other dangerous predators under control as well to as protecting the home.

Temperament

The Mastiff is a powerful yet gentle and loyal companion, but because of his size and need for space, he is best suited for country or suburban life. The breed requires light exercise and minimal grooming.

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
• Minimum height of 30 inches tall at the shoulder for males and 27 inches tall for females.
• Guard dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Daily light exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Bathe when necessary.
• Average shedding.

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a well-balanced, compact dog of Chinese origin with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters. They are small dogs but are not to be considered delicate or dainty. Their image is lion-like, implying courage, dignity, boldness, and self-esteem. They can be any color.

History

Chinese art throughout the ages, starting with the Tang dynasty of the 8th century, abounds with images of the Pekingese, who gets his name from the ancient city of Peking, now called Beijing. Pekingese were held sacred in ancient China and could only be owned by royalty. At that time, the punishment for stealing a Pekingese was death. Pekingese came to Europe as a result of the war. When the British overtook the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860, they returned home with several of the dogs.

Temperament

Pekingese possess a regal dignity, intelligence, and self-importance, making them good-natured, opinionated, and affectionate family companions. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life, but they are sometimes difficult to housebreak. They are relatively inactive indoors and do not need a yard, but enjoy walks. Because of their long undercoats, Pekes need at least an hourly brushing session per week.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1906.
• Weigh less than 14 pounds.
• Watchdog, canine companion.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Daily light exercise.

Grooming

• Daily combing and brushing.
• Average shedding.

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.

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.

Dogue de Bordeaux

A powerful and muscular French Mastiff breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a molluscoid (mastiff-type dog), “dogue” meaning Mastiff in French. A massive head and stocky body are trademarks of the breed. Americans became aware of the Dogue de Bordeaux when he appeared as drooling, messy “Hooch” in the 1989 Tom Hanks' film, Turner and Hooch. The breed's short, fine coat is fawn-colored, ranging from a dark red to a light fawn.

History

The Dogue de Bordeaux's history is a mystery different theories link him to the Bullmastiff, Bulldog, Tibetan Mastiff, and the ancient Dogues de Bordeuax of Aquitaine. In any case, the Dogue de Bordeaux has been used as a guardian, hunter, and fighter. They were trained to bait bulls, bears, and jaguars, hunt boars, herd cattle and protect the homes and businesses of their masters.

Temperament

The Dogue de Bordeaux possesses an instinct for guarding, which he does with vigilance and courage, but without aggressiveness. He is an excellent companion affectionate and attached to his family with a patient, calm temperament. Their short coat is easy to care for and they require moderate daily exercise. New owners should be prepared to deal with drool!

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 2008.
• Ranging in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and at least 99 pounds.
• Guardian; hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Average shedding.

Coton De Tulear

Coton De Tulear is the French word for Cotton. Like the name suggests the most conspicuous feature of the Coton De Tulear is its coat, which is cottony or fluffy rather than silky. It has a long topcoat. The fluffy hair covers the thin, lightly-muscled forelegs. Colors come in white ” black and white and tri-colored. (White is preferred by show breeders.) Some have slightly yellowish markings on the ears.

Temperament

This is a typical bichon-type dog. Very friendly, gentle, affectionate, and alert. Cotons are very sociable dogs that get along well with children, other dogs, and animals. Very attached to its home and master – wanting always to be in their presence and trying its best to please. The Coton makes a great watchdog. Full of tricks and surprises to fulfill his master's every wish. One of their most endearing traits is a tendency to jump and walk on their hind legs. Their teasing expressions enhance any home willing to spend a few moments a day in the necessary play and grooming routines. The Coton learns quite quickly but can be a little bit stubborn without the proper leadership. They are intelligent and eager to work. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human-induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals.

• Height, Weight
• Height: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm.)
• Weight: 12-15 pounds (5.5-7 kg.)

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Fairly active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.
• Love agility.

Grooming

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

Goldendoodle