The Peek-a-poo is a cross between the Pekingese 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 designer hybrid dogs are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

A solid, sturdy hunter of elk, bear, and other wild animals, the Norwegian Elkhound has a temperament that is dignified, independent and generally, friendly. A hardy silver-grey dog with distinctive saddle markings and medium in size and substance, the Norwegian Elkhound is not only known for its hunting ability but also for its versatility and stamina, which in rugged terrains remains unparalleled.

History

The Norwegian Elkhound comes down to us through more than six millennia with all his Nordic traits untainted. An ancient breed from Scandinavia, the Elkhound worked as a hunting and guard dog for the Vikings. The dogs tracked, encircled, and held game such as bear and moose for the hunter. The breed was not shown until 1877 when the Norwegian Hunters’ Association held its first show.

Temperament

The Norwegian Elkhound is bold and energetic, an effective guardian yet normally friendly, and does well with children, especially when introduced to them at a young age. The Elkhound is a very people-oriented breed and does not like to be shut away from its family. The breed does require regular exercise but does not require elaborate grooming procedures.

• Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1913.
• Ideal size ranged from 19 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and 48 to 55 pounds.
• Elk hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Fairly active indoors.
• Thrive in cooler climates.

Exercise

• Daily vigorous exercise.

Grooming

• Daily brushing.
• Heavy seasonal shedding.

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.

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.

Although small, the Sealyham Terrier is the embodiment of power and determination a true terrier! The Sealyham’s wiry, weather-resistant double coat should be all white. Lemon, tan, or badger-colored markings are allowed on the head and ears. Very keen and alert, the breed was used as a hunter in the past, although today they excel as a family pet and participant in Earthdog competitions.

History

Originally bred in Wales, the Sealyham was developed from the West Highland White Terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The breed derives its name from Sealy Ham, Haverfordwest, Wales, the estate of Captain John Edwards, who created this breed to quarry badger, fox, and otter. Always game and very quick, the Sealyham’s white coat was necessary so that they could be distinguished from the varmint they went into the ground to capture!

Temperament

This proud, compact, sturdy little dog makes an ideal companion. Charming and inquisitive, he loves his family, but as a spirited terrier breed, needs something to keep his active mind occupied. The breed may enjoy hunting on the farm but can thrive anywhere if they are allowed to enjoy a brisk daily walk. Brushing and combing are necessary at least twice a week to remove mats and trimming are necessary every month.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1911.
• Ideal size about 10 inches tall at the shoulder and approximately 24 pounds.
• Badger/otter/fox hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

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

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.

Its trademark is its beautiful, profuse coat, but the intelligent and agile Old English Sheepdog (OES) can easily complete any demanding task asked of him by a shepherd or drover. Square in build and possessing great strength, the OES enjoys working and is seen in the conformation, obedience, agility, and herding rings today with their characteristic shuffling gait. His coat, which serves as insulation, can be any shade of gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle with or without white markings.

History

The Old English Sheepdog originated in the early 19th century in the western counties of England and is believed to have descended from the Scotch Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar. The OES herded sheep and cattle into major city markets, earning the nickname “bobtail” due to their docked tails. The short tail signaled their working status, earning their owners a tax exemption.

Temperament

The OES is an athletic animal, filled with clownish energy, and therefore requires regular exercise or a job to do. Although affectionate with his family, he may try to herd people or other objects. If the coat is of the correct texture, the breed should not be any more difficult to groom than other long-haired dogs, provided a dog is introduced to it early.

• Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1888.
• Size: 21 inches tall and upward at the shoulder.
• Sheep/cattle driver.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low to moderate activity indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Daily brushing and combing.
• Regular professional grooming recommended.
• Light to average shedding.

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.

Spirited and stocky with prick ears and a slightly foxy expression, the Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers. Despite his small size, the Norwich has good substance and is an eager worker. The breed’s wiry, weather-resistant coat can be red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle.

History

The Norwich originated in East Anglia, England, and was developed as a barnyard ratter. Game and hardy, they were used to flush fox and other vermin from their dens during hunts and also cherished as a fun-loving family pet. The breed used to have two ears styles but now is only allowed to have upright ears. In 1979 the drop-eared variety became a separate breed known as the Norfolk Terrier.

Temperament

Fearless and loyal, the Norwich Terrier does well with other animals and families. They are known for their ability to adapt to different situations, making the breed ideal for either the city or country lifestyle. Because a Norwich has strong hunting instincts and typical terrier curiosity, most breeders and owners recommend that the breed be exercised in a fenced area or on a leash. The wiry coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1936.
• Ideal height should not exceed 10 inches tall at the shoulder; Ideal weight is approximately 12 lbs.
• Vermin hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Fairly active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily vigorous exercise.

Grooming

• Daily combing and brushing.
• Bathe only when necessary.
• Light shedding.

The Ori Pei is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Pug and the Shar-Pei. 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.

The Ori Pei was created in North America in the 1970s. A breeder by the name of Aaron Silver loved the Chinese Shar-Pei breed but did not like all of the health problems that were commonly associated with it, such as eye tacking, skin problems, and hip dysplasia. He wanted to have a smaller version of the Shar-Pei without all of the health problems. He used the Shar-Pei and Pug to create the Ori Pei.

Recognized Names:

American Canine Hybrid Club = Ori-Pei x Pug = Pug-A-Pei.

Designer Dogs Kennel Club = Ori-Pei x Pug = Pug-A-Pei.

International Designer Canine Registry

Designer Breed Registry = Ori-Pei x Pug = Pug a Pei.

Designer Breed Registry = Chinese Shar-Pei x Pug = Ori-Pei.