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.

Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is an elegant dog and fiercely loyal to those he knows and loves. Although a rare breed, anyone who has the opportunity to share hearth and home with a Skye is truly fortunate. Given the chance, and with loving instruction, Skyes participate in obedience, agility, tracking, and pet therapy, as well as serving as couch companions.

History

One of the oldest terriers, the breed originated on the Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland. Bred to destroy vermin, their acute sense of smell and strong muscular bodies gave them the ability to locate the fox, badger, and otter preying on a farm’s livestock. Their long double coat and profuse hair over their face protected them from injury and inclement weather. Due to Queen Victoria’s penchant for the Skye Terrier, the breed became popular in the nineteenth century. A dog named “Greyfriar’s Bobby” epitomizes the devotion for which the Skye Terrier is known. Bobby guarded the grave of his master, Constable John Grey, for fourteen years until he died at the age of sixteen, after which a statue was erected in Edinburgh in his honor.

Temperament

Skyes are a medium-sized dog with short legs, a long body, and a large head. The coat must be brushed several times a week to avoid uncomfortable mats and trimming is necessary to keep the hair from dragging along the ground.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1887.
• Ranging in size between 35 to 45 pounds.
• Elegant, dignified, agile; vermin hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Fairly active indoors.
• The Skye Terrier is good for apartment life. It is relatively active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Frequent brushing.
• Periodic professional grooming recommended.
• Average shedding.

Scottish Deerhound

Resembling a larger, coated Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is a keen and alert sight hound, seen often in lure coursing events and the show ring. One of the oldest breeds, the Deerhound possesses a preeminent hunting ability. The hair on the body and neck is harsh and wiry, while the coat on the head, breast, and belly is much softer. Coat colors include blue-gray, gray, brindle, and black, among others.

History

Known centuries ago as the Scotch Greyhound, Rough Greyhound, and Highland Deerhound, the Scottish Deerhound became a clearly identified breed in the 16th and 17th centuries. He was the best breed to use for the pursuit and killing of deer, and at the time, could be owned by no one of rank lower than an earl. These exclusive ownership rules nearly led to the breed’s extinction until breeders revived the Deerhound in the early 1800s.

Temperament

While he possesses a quiet and dignified personality in the home, the Scottish Deerhound may try to chase any furry animals that run past him. For that reason, the breed should be exercised on a leash or in a fenced area. Although he enjoys his family, his size may be intimidating to smaller children. The breed’s crisp, somewhat wiry coat, however, is exceptionally easy-care, requiring only brushing and occasional bathing.

• Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1886.
• Ranging in size from 75 to 110 pounds.
• Deer hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Daily extended exercise.

Grooming

• Regular professional grooming is recommended.
• Average shedding.

Schipperke

The small, foxlike Schipperke is known for its mischievous expression and distinctive black coat, which stands off from the body and is harsh to the touch. This enthusiastic, joyful, and sometimes willful dog has a thickset and cobby body and lacks a tail. Although historically a watchdog and vermin hunter, today this ageless breed enjoys competing in conformation, agility, and obedience, often well into its teens.

History

The Schipperke originated in the Flemish regions of Belgium, bred down in size from a black sheepdog called the Leauvenaar. The breed worked as a companion of tradesmen as well as a watchdog and ratter on the river barges, which is where they got the name “Schipperke” since the Flemish word “schip” means boat. Another common nickname for the Schipperke is “Little Captain.”

Temperament

The Schipperke is extremely active and loves to be involved in what is going on around him, but due to their watchdog tendencies, they can turn into barkers if not taught otherwise. Equally happy in an apartment or a home with a large yard, they should be kept on a leash when not in a fenced area and be taken to obedience classes. The breed’s coat needs only weekly brushing and an occasional bath, although they do shed several times a year.

• Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1904.
• Ideal size: 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Watchdog; companion.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Very active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Regular combing and brushing.
• Heavy seasonal shedding.

Rottweiler

Robust and powerful, the Rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform. His intelligence, endurance, and willingness to work make him suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor, and devoted companion. An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He is medium in size and his coat is black with rust to mahogany markings.

History

The Rottweiler’s ancestors were the drover’s dogs accompanying the herds the Romans brought with them when invading Europe. The controllable herding and guarding instincts were recognized by the Germans, and dogs were selectively bred for these traits. As the need for its services diminished, the Rottweiler almost fell into extinction. In the early 1900’s, a newly formed club established a breed standard. The breed has not appreciably changed since that time.

Temperament

Rottweilers love their people and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends, but they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are musts. They require minimal grooming maintenance.

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 1931.
• Ranging in size from 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Guard dog; cattle driver.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Average shedding.

Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is a multipurpose companion dog that is capable of hunting rodents and vermin above and below ground as well as coursing small game. He is a sturdy, compact, small-to-medium-sized particolored dog giving the appearance of elegance and athleticism. His short, smooth coat may come in any variation of pied patterning. Pied is described as comparatively large patches of one or more colors in combination with white. Acceptable colors, with or without “tan points”, include the predominantly black, or chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, or lemon.

History

An American breed, the Rat Terrier was created by immigrants using a mixture of crosses of old-time Fox Terriers and other European Terriers common in the 19th century; the Old English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, etc.; and later more Smooth Fox Terrier, Beagle, Toy Fox Terriers, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds. From 1910 through the “dust bowl” era of the 1930s, the Rat Terrier was one of the most common farm dogs, used for ratting, hunting varmints, and other work.

Temperament

This loyal, active, and playful breed is at its best as a member of its human family but may be reserved with strangers. Intelligent and trainable, many Rat Terriers excel in Agility and Obedience, events that also serve as excellent exercise outlets. The breed sheds seasonally and requires brushing with a soft brush or rubber curry mitt.

• Miscellaneous class; Terrier group designation.
• Two sizes: Miniature – At least 10 inches tall at the shoulder, not to exceed 13 inches; Standard – over 13 inches, and up to and including 18 inches in height measured at the shoulder. Generally 10 to 25 pounds.
• Ratter; farm and companion dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Very active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Occasional brushing.

Puggle

The Puggle is a cross between the Beagle and the Pug. 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 hybrids are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. The first Puggles ever bred were bred by a breeder named Wallace Havens.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

A large and muscular dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was not only developed as a hunter but also as a family protector. The breed can be light wheaten to red wheaten and are sleek and glossy in appearance. Originally bred to hunt lions the breed is also known as the African Lion Hound.

History

A native of South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred by the Boer farmers to fill their specific need for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds. In 1877 Reverend Helm introduced two Ridgebacks into Rhodesia where big game hunters found them outstanding in the sport of hunting lions on horseback. They raised and bred these dogs with an appreciation for their exceptional hunting qualities, the ridge on their back becoming a unique trademark. In 1950 outstanding specimens were imported to the United States and the breed was admitted to registration by the AKC in 1955.

Temperament

Due to their short coats, Ridgebacks shed very little and require only weekly brushing and occasional baths. The breed is also athletic, requiring regular exercise. Trustworthy with children, they are “people” dogs and like to be where you are, possibly curled up on the couch if permitted.

• Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1955.
• Ranging in size from 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 70 to 85 pounds.
• Lion hunter; guard dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.

Exercise

• Daily vigorous exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Average shedding.

Redbone Coonhound

Known for its flashy red coat, the Redbone Coonhound is a versatile worker and possesses the ability to hunt and swim over a variety of terrain while still maintaining its speed and agility. Redbones possess a natural treeing instinct and will track game ranging from raccoons to cougars. An adaptable hunter with a good, cold nose, the breed is an excellent choice for the hunter who wants an honest, versatile, and capable trailer.

History

Dating back to red foxhounds brought over by Scottish immigrants in the late 1700s and red foxhounds imported from Ireland before the Civil War, the Redbone Coonhound evolved into a recognized, respected breed well before 1900. While other Coonhound breeders selected only for function, Redbone breeders, for a period of several years, concentrated on breeding a nearly solid-colored, flashy, red dog, bred also for looks. As soon as the eye-catching color bred true, these serious hunters once again selected for performance. Today both attributes are well established in the breed.

Temperament

The breed is even-tempered and trainable in the home and wants to please its owner. It is amenable to formal training. The Redbone’s short, smooth coat requires only occasional brushing and bathing.

• Hound Group; AKC recognized in 2009.
• Ranging in size from 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Raccoon hunter; small/large game hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• All-weather.

Exercise

• Daily vigorous exercise.

Grooming

• Occasional brushing.
• Light shedding.

Pointer

A hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage, and the desire to go, the Pointer is bred primarily for sport afield and definitely looks the part. He gives the impression of power and grace, with a noble carriage, an intelligent expression, and a muscular body. His short coat can be liver, lemon, black, and orange; either in combination with white or solid-colored.

History

Pointers first appeared in England around 1650 and were the first breed used to stand game. Before wing-shooting with guns became popular, Pointers were often used to locate and point hares in conjunction with Greyhound coursing. The Pointer’s lineage is foggy, but there is no question that it includes Foxhound, Greyhound, and Bloodhound crossed with some sort of “setting spaniel,” which played an important part in the creation of all modern bird dogs.

Temperament

The Pointer’s even temperament and alert good sense make him a congenial companion both in the field and in the home, but he requires both physical and mental exercise. He should be dignified, but should never show timidity toward man or dog. The breed’s short coat is easy to care for with minimal effort.

• Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1884.
• Ranging in size from 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and 44 to 75 pounds.
• Gundog.

Environment

• Apartment? Not so much.
• Active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily vigorous exercise.
• Tireless.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Average shedding.