The Dachshund, meaning “badger dog” in German, is a lively breed with a friendly personality and keen sense of smell. Known for their long and low bodies, they are eager hunters that excel in both above- and below-ground work. One of the most popular breeds according to AKC Registration Statistics, they come in three different coat varieties (Smooth, Wirehaired, or Longhaired) and can be a miniature or standard size.

History

Dachshunds were first bred in the early 1600s in Germany. The goal was to create a fearless, elongated dog that could dig the earth from a badger burrow and fight to the death with the vicious badgers.

The breed became popular in the U.S. during the early 1900s but fell out of favor during World War I. After the war, a few U.S. breeders slowly rebuilt the gene pool by importing German stock, and the breed began to increase in popularity again.

Temperament

Dachshunds are lovable, playful companions, and an ideal pet for many homes, including those with children with appropriate supervision. They require moderate exercise and can adapt to most living environments. Depending on their coat type, Dachshunds may need regular grooming.

• Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
• Dachshunds can be a standard or miniature size. Standards range from 16-32 pounds, while Miniatures weigh 11 pounds and under.
• Badger hunter, family companion.

Environment

• Apartment is fine
• Fairly active indoors

Exercise

• Daily walk is fine
• Love to play

Grooming

• Daily brushing
• Average shedding

Graceful, alert, and swift-moving with a saucy expression, the Chihuahua is highly intelligent and should not be underestimated even though small in size. The breed can be any color: solid, marked, or splashed, and the coat may be long or short. These sassy little dogs are well known as “purse dogs” like the famous Bruiser in the movie Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon.

History

The Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery, but some believe he originated from the Fennec Fox, a very small animal with big eyes and ears, which could explain the tiny frame, luminous eyes, and large ears on the breed today. Chihuahua’s were used in religious ceremonies and were pets to the upper class. The breed derives its name from the Mexican State of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found.

Temperament

The Chihuahua is an alert dog with terrier-like qualities. They are good with families if the children are gentle and patient. Because of their small size, they require little exercise and are good city dogs, but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming due to their short hair. Long coats need occasional brushing but still require minimal grooming.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1904.
• Not more than 6 pounds.
• Companion dog.

Environment

• Apartment is fine because of small size
• Does not tolerate cold climates because of short hair

Exercise

• Daily short walk is fine
• Love to play

Grooming

• Average shedding because of short hair coat
• Regular brushing
• Regular bathing

Low-set, strong, and sturdily built, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi gives an impression of substance in a small space. He is one of the most agreeable small house dogs, as well as an avid competitor in many dog sports, including conformation, herding, and obedience. The Pembroke Corgi is a separate breed from the Cardigan Corgi, possessing a shorter body and straighter, lighter-boned legs. His ears are pointed at the tip and stand erect, and he has a short tail. The coat can be red, sable, fawn, black, and tan with or without white markings.

History

The Corgi from Pembrokeshire is a breed of considerable antiquity. The direct ancestors of the Pembroke were brought across the Channel in 1107 by Flemish weavers. The early progenitor is said to have had a resemblance to the old Schipperkes and sprang from the same family that includes the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, and Finnish Spitz.

Temperament

Bold and friendly, the Pembroke responds well to training and loves his family, but he may try to herd you! He thrives on farms but can adapt to a variety of living situations if given regular exercise. This breed also requires routine brushing.

• Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1934.
• Ranging in size from 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Cattle driver; all-purpose farm dog.

Environment

• Apartment is fine
• Low to moderate activity indoors

Exercise

• Daily extended exercise

Grooming

• Easy care
• Occasional brushing
• Moderate seasonal shedding

The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog with a fine-boned structure. He is light and dainty, yet still lively, and is distinguished from other breeds by his beautiful, butterfly-like ears. They are known to be happy and alert little dogs that are not shy or aggressive. The breed must be either parti-color or white with patches of any color.

History

Papillons, which used to only have large, drooping ears, were known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels and were often depicted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen. Over time, an erect-eared type, fringed as to resemble the ears of a butterfly, developed (Papillon means “butterfly” in French). In the United States, Papillons (erect-eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born in the same litter and are shown together as one breed.

Temperament

Papillons are a happy breed whether living in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between. They love to play outdoors, but they can be easily entertained and exercised indoors as well. Because they don’t have an undercoat, they don’t require a lot of grooming but should still be brushed regularly.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1915.
• Ranging in size from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Companion dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok
• Very active indoors

Exercise

• Daily light exercise

Grooming

• Daily brushing and combing
• Average shedding

Exhibited in the US since the 1880s, the Cocker Spaniel remains one of the most popular breeds according to AKC registration statistics. The Cocker has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat, or wavy coat. He is a merry, well-balanced dog that is capable of considerable speed and great endurance. Cocker Spaniels can be black, black with tan points, parti-colored, or any solid color other than black (ASCOB).

History

As far back as the 14th Century, there is mention of the Spanyell, which came to be divided into water and land spaniels. “Cockers” are the smallest of the spaniels and the Sporting Group. The American Cocker has evolved somewhat differently in appearance from the breed now recognized as the English Cocker Spaniel. His desire to hunt renders him a capable gun dog; he covers territory speedily, flushing game and retrieving only when under command. He takes to water readily.

Temperament

Despite their small size, the Cocker Spaniel is still an active Sporting breed that needs daily exercise. Regular brushing and a trim every few months help keep the coat free of mats. Cockers are intelligent, gentle dogs that thrive as part of a family.

• Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1878.
• Average size: from 13 inches to 15 inches at the shoulder.
• Family pet, hunting dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok
• Somewhat active indoors.
• Small yard is fine.

Exercise

• Daily walks
• Love extended play

Grooming

• Regular trimming needed
• Professional grooming recommended
• Daily brushing

Best known as “Toto” from the Wizard of Oz, the Cairn Terrier is a small, hardy working terrier. Originally bred to aid Scottish farmers in ridding their properties of pests, Cairns today use their tenacity to excel in obedience, agility, terrier, and tracking trials. Alert and active, this breed possesses a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be any color except white. The hair around the head gives him a general foxy expression.

History

The Cairn originated in the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye was initially grouped in the “Skye Terrier” class alongside the Scottish and West Highland White Terriers. In the early 1900s, the three breeds began to be bred separately. The name “Cairn” refers to the rock dens that foxes and badgers lived in throughout the countryside. The dog would squirm down into these “cairns” and bark to hold the predator until the farmer killed it.

Temperament

Cairns love their families but may try to test their owner’s limits, so obedience training is necessary. Although they learn quickly, the Cairn may always have the instinct to dig and chase small animals, so new owners should be prepared for these behaviors. Regular brushing and exercise are also necessary to keep the breed fit and happy.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1913.
• Ideal size about 10 inches tall at the shoulder and 14 pounds.
• Fox/rat/otter hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok
• High activity indoors

Exercise

• Daily walk or moderate exercise
• Love to play

Grooming

• Frequent brushing
• Regular bathing
• Regular trimming
• Light shedding

Truly an “All-American” dog, the Boston Terrier is a lively and highly intelligent breed with an excellent disposition. Conveying an impression of determination, strength, and activity, he is short-headed and compactly built and must be black, brindle, or seal with white markings.

History

Following the Civil War, the Boston Terrier breed was developed in the stables of Boston, Massachusetts, as a fighting dog. An imported dog known as “Hooper’s Judge” (sold to a Boston man in 1870) became the ancestor of almost all true modern Boston Terriers.

The breed is an American creation, resulting from a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. In 1891, the breed became known as Boston Terriers, taking the name of the city where they originated.

Temperament

The Boston Terrier has been nicknamed “the American Gentleman” because of his dapper appearance, characteristically gentle disposition, and suitability as a companion and house pet. They require only a moderate amount of exercise and a minimum amount of grooming. The breed is easy to train and they are easy keepers, preferring to remain by their owner’s sides.

• Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1893.
• Companion

Environment

• Apartment is fine because of its small size
• Low activity indoors.
• Thrive in moderate climates because of short snout

Exercise

• Moderate daily exercise.
• Love vigorous play because of terrier disposition

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Occasional brushing because of short hair coat
• Average shedding.

A sturdy hunting dog, the Beagle should look like a foxhound in miniature. His hunting ability, combined with a merry personality, has made the Beagle one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics. The most famous Beagle of all is Snoopy from the comic strip “Peanuts.” Today’s Beagle comes in two height varieties (13 in. and 15 in.) and any true hound color, including tri-color, red and white, and lemon.

History

In the 1500s, most English gentlemen had packs of hounds. Larger hounds tracked deer, while smaller ones went after rabbits. These were the first Beagles. The origin of the name “Beagle” may have been derived from the French term “be’geule,” referring to the baying voice of the hounds when in pursuit of game, or possibly the diminutive size of the hound.

Temperament

Beagles are happy-go-lucky and friendly, making them a wonderful family pet. They are also favored for their compact size and short easy to care for coat. Since they lived in packs for hundreds of years, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses which can lead to some mischief if they are not provided with daily activity.

• Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
• About 15 inches tall .
• Rabbit/hare hunter, family pet.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Active (and sometimes loud) indoors.

Exercise

• Moderate daily exercise.
• Love a large yard.

Grooming

• Very easy care.
• Occasional brushing.
• Keep ears clean.
• Average shedding.

The Australian Terrier is small and sturdy with a blue and tan, sandy, or red coat that is harsh in texture. They have a keen and alert expression and confident spirit. They are versatile in their work and living situations, making suitable companions in most environments.

History

The Australian Terrier was developed to assist its owner during work in the rugged Australian Outback. He worked side by side with pioneers to control vermin and snake populations, sound the alarm when intruders approached, and help tend livestock. It was the first breed to be recognized as native to Australia in 1868.

Temperament

The breed is described as spirited, alert, and courageous, but also friendly and affectionate around humans. Australian Terriers can adapt to rural or urban dwellings and they do well with a family or someone living alone. The breed has a weatherproof double coat that sheds little and is suitable in any climate.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1960.
• Height: 10-11 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Small and sturdy; rodent ” snake hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Moderately active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily walk is fine.
• Love to play.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Brush 3X/week.
• Infrequent bathing.
• Little or no shedding.
• Some trimming.

Animated, adaptable and agile, the Australian Shepherd lives for his job, which still involves herding livestock and working as an all-purpose farm and ranch dog. He needs a lot of activity and a sense of purpose to be truly content. Today, due to the breed’s intelligence and versatility, Aussies also excel in AKC events such as agility, obedience, and herding. Their coats can be black, blue merle, red merle, and red with or without white markings.

History

There are many theories about the origin of the Australian Shepherd. Despite its misleading name, the breed as we know it today probably developed in the Pyrenees Mountains somewhere between Spain and France. It was called the Australian Shepherd because of its association with Basque shepherds who came to America from Australia in the 1800s. The Australian Shepherd was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, Blue Heeler, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd.

Temperament

An energetic breed with strong herding and guarding instincts, the Aussie requires daily vigorous exercise. Although sometimes reserved with strangers, they are people dogs that want to always be near their families. Their thick coats require weekly brushing.

• Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1991.
• Ranging in size from 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Sheepherder; farm dog.

Environment

• Apartment? Not so much.
• Love big yards because of their activity level

Exercise

• Vigorous activity.
• Extended exercise.
• Love to learn and train.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Light brushing.
• Infrequent bathing.
• Average shedding.