Known for their loose-jointed, shuffling gait and massive, short-faced head, the English Bulldog is known to be equable, resolute, and dignified. A medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog, but would like to be! They are one of the most popular breeds according to AKC Registration Statistics due to their lovable and gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles. The English Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow, or piebald.
History
Said to have originated in the British Isles, the name “bull” was applied because of the dog’s connection with bull baiting. The original bulldog had to be ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. When dog fighting became illegal in England, fanciers set to the task of preserving the breed by eliminating the fierce characteristics. Within a few generations, the Bulldog became one of the finest physical specimens with an agreeable temperament.
Temperament
English Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They tend to be gentle and protective. The breed requires minimal grooming and exercise. Their short nose makes them prone to overheating in warm weather, so make sure to provide a shady place to rest. Generally, Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and pets. They can become so attached to home and family, that they will not venture out of the yard without a human companion. Bulldogs do better with positive training. They love getting rewarded with treats!
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1886.
- Ranging in size from 40 to 50 pounds.
- Family companion.
Environment
- Apartment is fine, also small condo
- Low activity indoors, due to their snouts
- thrive in moderate climates
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care
- Keep face clean
- Average shedding
The gentle, intelligent, and family-friendly Labrador Retriever from Canada continues to be the most popular breed in the United States, according to AKC registration statistics. This versatile hunting breed comes in three colors yellow, black, and chocolate and because of his aptitude to please his master, they excel as guide dogs for the blind, as part of search-and-rescue teams, or in narcotics detection with law enforcement.
History
Labrador Retrievers, originally from Newfoundland, were initially used in work alongside fishermen, helping to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels, and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its skills as a true retriever. They have a stable temperament suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting.
Temperament
An ideal sporting and family dog, the Labrador Retriever thrives as part of an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. A double-coated breed that sheds seasonally, regular grooming keeps his coat at its water-resistant best. Because of his even temperament and trainability, millions of Americans own a Labrador Retriever as a pet. The Labrador Retriever is fantastic with children and other dogs. They are extremely intelligent and therefore housebreak very easily. The lab trains best with positive reinforcement. You should train with treats for the most effectiveness. Petland carries many different types of soft treats for both puppies and adults. You need to make sure everyone in your household knows how to follow up with the correct training techniques.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1917.
- Average size: from 55 to 75 pounds
- Outgoing and devoted companions; Waterdog
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
- Loves a large yard.
Exercise
- Daily moderate exercise.
- Loves to play and train.
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Regular brushing.
- Average shedding.
A powerful, sturdy dog of Arctic type, medium in size and muscular with heavy bone, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed of northern Chinese origin. While the breed was originally a working dog, he primarily serves as a companion today and is seen in show rings across the country. This lion-like, regal breed comes in five colors – red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream – and is known for its blue/black tongue and stilted gait. Their coats can also be either rough or smooth.
History
The true origin of the Chow is unknown, but the breed as it is known today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 22 A.D.). An all-purpose dog used for hunting, herding, pulling, and protection of the home, some scholars claim the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian, and Keeshond.
Temperament
Affectionate and devoted to family, the Chow is reserved and discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them independent, stubborn, and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some kind of exercise daily. Regular grooming and bathing is a must to maintain their double coats.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1903.
- Ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Hunter; guard dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
- Be careful in hot climates.
Exercise
- Daily short walk is fine.
Grooming
- Regular thorough brushing.
- Heavy shedding.
The well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert expression. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. This personality has allowed them to succeed as couriers during wartime and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, the Boxer currently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics.
History
Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were originally used for dogfighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930s.
Temperament
One of the breed’s most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. The Boxer requires little grooming but needs daily exercise. The Boxer gets along great with children, often protecting them from outside threats. They are also very intelligent, therefore easy to train and housebreak.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1904.
- Ranging in size from 21 inches to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Large game hunter, guard, and companion dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Active indoors.
- Thrive in moderate climates.
Exercise
- Lots of activity needed.
- Moderate to extended daily exercise.
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Occasional brushing.
- Average shedding.
The Pug is well described by the phrase “multum in parvo” which means “a lot of dog in a small space.” They are recognized for their even-tempers, playful personalities, and their outgoing, loving dispositions. This square and cobby breed comes in fawn, silver fawn, apricot fawn, or black, with a well-defined “mask” on his muzzle. A popular companion dog, the pug also excels in the show ring.
History
The Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dogs and has flourished since before 400 BC. Most researchers agree that the breed comes from Asia, due to its similarities to the Pekingese. China is the earliest known source for Pugs, where they were pets of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. The breed next appeared in Japan and Europe, becoming popular when Prince William II became the King of England. He owned Pugs and they became the fashionable breed for generations.
Temperament
The Pug’s reason for living is to be near their people and to please them, and their sturdiness makes them a family favorite. They are comfortable in small apartments because they need minimal exercise, but the breed can adapt easily to all situations. The Pug sheds, but its short coat requires little grooming.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
- Weighing between 14 to 18 pounds.
- Companion dog.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Low activity indoors.
- Thrive in moderate climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Heavy seasonal shedding.
Instantly recognizable due to its big, heavy body, short legs, and long ears, the Basset Hound has proven itself to be a multi-purpose dog that excels in conformation, obedience, tracking, field trialing, and pack hunting. The breed is known for its strong hunting instinct and, if given the opportunity, will chase or follow a scent willingly. The Basset can be any hound color, which includes combinations of black, tan, white, red, and other colors.
History
The Basset Hound was originally developed in France as a trailer of small game that hunters could follow on foot. Bassets continued to achieve very notable popularity during the reign of Emperor Napoleon, and in 1880 Queen Alexandra kept Basset Hounds in the royal kennels. Marquis de Lafayette brought Basset Hounds, known for their impeccable sense of smell, to the United States as a gift to President George Washington to use in his hunting expeditions.
Temperament
The Basset’s sweet, gentle disposition makes him a great companion and his short coat requires minimal grooming. The Basset is often great with children because they are not overly active. The Basset Hound also actively follows scents while outside so be prepared! They also get along very well with other dogs.
- Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
- Height should not exceed 14 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Hunting dog; trailing dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
- Average sized yard is fine.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Brush 1X/week.
- Keep ears clean.
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The workaholic of the dog world, the Border Collie is the world’s premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct, and working ability. Medium-sized and athletic, the breed controls stock with stalking movement and an intense gaze known as “eye.” The Border Collie coat can be rough or smooth and includes any color in bi-color, tri-color, merle, sable, or solid patterns.
History
In the border country between Scotland and England, Border Collies (first classified as the “Scotch Sheep Dog”) were invaluable to shepherds by allowing them to maintain large flocks of sheep. The breed as we know it today has been around for more than 100 years. In the second half of the 19th century, Queen Victoria spotted a Border Collie and became an active enthusiast. At this point, the divergence between our modern Collie and the Border Collie began.
Temperament
This high-drive breed is extremely energetic and requires exercise beyond just a walk around the block or a romp in the yard. They thrive when they have a job to do and space to run. Due to their tendency to herd objects and people, they do best with mature, well-behaved children. They love their families but may be somewhat reserved with strangers. They are seasonal shedders and require regular brushing.
- Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1995.
- Ranging in size from 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Sheepherder.
Environment
- Apartment? Not so much.
- Highly active indoors.
- Love acreage.
Exercise
- Lots of exercise.
- Love to learn and train.
- Must stay active.
Grooming
- Regular brushing and combing.
- Average shedding.
- Infrequent bathing.
The Pomeranian is a cocky, animated companion with an extroverted personality. This compact little dog is an active toy breed with an alert character and fox-like expression. Today, the Pomeranian is a popular companion dog and competitive show dog. They can come in all colors, patterns, and variations although orange and red are the most popular.
History
The breed’s name originally came from the historical region of Pomerania (now present-day Germany and Poland). Originally weighing nearly 30 pounds, the dog served as an able herder of sheep in its larger form. In 1888, Queen Victoria fell in love with a Pomeranian in Florence, Italy, and brought the specimen back to England, influencing its popularity dramatically.
Temperament
Pomeranians are very intelligent dogs that love to please. Because of their outgoing temperaments, they can be very good family dogs with the right training. Due to their small size, they don’t require much exercise but are an energetic breed that needs attention from their people frequently. Pomeranians need a firm hand with training.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1888.
- Ranging in size from 4 to 12 pounds, with the ideal weight for the show specimen being 4 to 9 pounds.
- Bred down from sled and herding dogs, companion.
Environment
- Apartment is fine because of small size
- Very active indoors.
- Be careful in hot weather because of their hair coat.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular brushing because of long hair coat
- Moderate to heavy shedding.
A medium-sized working breed, the Standard Schnauzer is sturdy and athletic, known for his arched eyebrows and bristly mustache and whiskers, the hallmark of the breed. Today, he can be seen in the conformation and performance rings and also serving as a therapy, service, and search and rescue dog. The breed’s harsh, wiry coat must be salt and pepper or black.
History
The oldest of the three schnauzer breeds (and the prototype for the Giant and Miniature versions), the Standard Schnauzer originated in Germany. He guarded the family and livestock, rid the farmyard of vermin, and protected his owners as they traveled to market. The breed’s name comes from the beard and mustache on his muzzle (“schnauze” in German).
Temperament
Sociable and affectionate, Standard Schnauzers become true members of their families and especially love children. Naturally protective, they will also alert members of the household to any potential danger. The breed is very intelligent but can be strong-willed, so it’s beneficial to start training early and provide daily opportunities for exercise. The Standard Schnauzer’s beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats from forming. The body coat should be “stripped” (loose, dead hair is plucked out) at least twice a year.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1904.
- Ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Ratcatcher; guard dog.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
- Daily extended vigorous exercise.
Grooming
- Daily combing and brushing.
- Periodic professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
Yorkshire Terrier puppies, affectionately known as “Yorkies,” offer big personalities in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, they are terriers by nature and are brave, determined, investigative, and energetic. They have long, luxurious blue and tan coats and because of that, they are non-shedding. This portable pooch is one of the most popular breeds according to the AKC Registration Statistics.
History
Named for the English city from which they originally hail, Yorkshire Terriers were used in the nineteenth century to catch rats and other small rodents in clothing mills. Surprisingly enough, in its beginnings, the Yorkie belonged to the working class, especially the weavers; in fact, facetious comments were often made about how the dogs’ fine, silky coats were the ultimate product of the looms. Eventually, the breed left the workforce and became a companion animal to families of European high society.
Temperament
Yorkies are easily adaptable to all surroundings and because of that, they travel well and make suitable pets for many homes. Due to their small size, they require limited exercise but need daily interaction with their people. Their long coat requires regular brushing. The Yorkie does better around older children that won’t pull or yank on them. They tend to bond with one person, therefore extra socialization is needed in a family environment.
- Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standard.
- Toy Group.
General Appearance
That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of the body. The body is neat, compact, and well proportioned. The dog’s high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance. Grooming is recommended every six weeks or so. The most popular haircut for the Yorkie is called a ‘puppy cut’.
Environment
- Apartment is fine because of small size
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular brushing and combing because of non-shedding hair coat
- Periodic professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
