The smallest of the Japanese native breeds, the Shiba Inu was originally developed for hunting in the dense undergrowth of Japan’s mountainous areas. Alert and agile with keen senses, he is also an excellent watchdog and companion. His frame is compact with well-developed muscles and he possesses a double coat that can be black and tan, red, or red sesame.
History
Descended from the primitive dogs of the ancient people of Japan, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt small wild game, boar, and bear. The name Shiba in Japanese means brushwood, after the breed’s hunting terrain or the color of brushwood leaves in the fall, and Inu means dog. World War II nearly spelled disaster for the Shiba due to bombing raids and distemper, but after the war, bloodlines were combined to produce the breed as it is known today.
Temperament
The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. The Shiba adapts well to different living situations but must be exercised regularly on a leash or in a secure area. Early obedience training and regular brushing are musts.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1992.
- Ranging in size from 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and 17 to 23 pounds.
- Bird/Small game hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Moderate activity indoor.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Heavy seasonal shedding.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog with great strength for its size. He is active and agile and comes in six color varieties: solid red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle. Today, he serves primarily as a family companion and is seen in the show, obedience, and agility rings.
History
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity from his past history. The breed originated in the nineteenth century when coal miners in Staffordshire, England, wanted a small, fast dog. They combined the Bulldog with a small local terrier similar to the Manchester Terrier. The result was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that we know today.
Temperament
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is extremely courageous and obedient, highly intelligent, and affectionate with a sense of humor. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children, in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog. He looks forward to daily exercise, and his powerful jaws enjoy a supply of sturdy chew toys. While he is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm, but gentle way. The Staffie’s coat is short and smooth and needs only a quick brushing once a week.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1975.
- Ranging in size from 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and 24 to 38 pounds.
- Game sports.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
- Daily extended vigorous exercise.
Grooming
Truly an American breed, the Toy Fox Terrier is a big dog in a small package that possesses intelligence, courage, and a take-charge attitude. Both a Toy and a Terrier, they are true working dogs, delighting in hunting tree squirrels and flushing out rodents. The breed’s colors are white, chocolate, and tan; white and tan; white and black; or tri-color.
History
To create this breed, the small Smooth Fox Terriers were crossed with various toy breeds including Miniature Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and Manchester Terriers. The resulting dog the Toy Fox Terrier retained the gameness from the terriers and a milder, more “livable” disposition from the other breeds used.
Temperament
Toy Fox Terriers are outgoing and friendly, yet fiercely loyal to their families. They are content and capable of any range of activities from hunting, to obedience, to just lounging around in the sun (or on the sofa). Children especially enjoy the unending energy and zeal for play throughout this dog’s life, but as with all Toy breeds, they are not recommended for small children. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment, although they love to explore the outdoors. They are easy to groom a quick weekly brushing to prevent shedding, nail trim, and occasional bath is all that is necessary.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 2003.
- Ranging from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Watchdog, companion dog.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Light shedding.
The Shih Poo is a cross between the Shih-Tzu and the Poodle. The Shih poo is one of many named Poodle crossbreeds, bred in an attempt to combine the characteristics of the Poodle, such as its high intelligence and low-shed coat, with the desirable traits of another breed, in this case, the Shih Tzu. Some Shih-Poos may have a longer, more Poodle-like muzzle than their Shih-Tzu parent, alleviating many breathing problems that Shih-Tzus can experience, such as Brachycephalic syndrome.
The size varies and depends on whether the Poodle parent is of the teacup, miniature, or standard breed. Typically, a Shih-Tzu and a miniature poodle are chosen for the parents, which results in average adult weights of 8-18 pounds. A Shih-Tzu and standard Poodle mix are extremely uncommon. Shih-Poos come in a wide variety of colors, such as all black, all white, cream, sable, and any mix and combination thereof.
Shih-Poos are playful and energetic dogs. They love to chase after balls, play with squeaky toys, or drag stuffed animals around the house with them. Generally, the Shih-Poo makes a great playmate for older, respectful children but won’t tolerate harsh handling or hair pulling. Because the Shih-Poo is a crossbreed, some are accepting and affectionate toward strangers while others are reserved or shy around them. They love to cuddle with their owners and expect to sleep in bed with them at night.
Although energetic, the Shih-Poo doesn’t require a lot of vigorous exercise. Short but brisk walks in the morning and evening are all that is necessary to keep this spunky little guy fit. He will happily run around the home playing with a ball or other toys. Romping and playing in a grassy backyard with children or racing around a dog park with his canine pals is also appreciated by the Shih-Poo. This is not a hybrid breed that will enjoy jogging or hiking with its owners.
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
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Periodic professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
Although a toy in size, the Silky Terrier has a true terrier personality. He is of sufficient substance to be able to hunt and kill domestic rodents. The general public occasionally confuses this breed with the Yorkie, but in reality, the Silky is larger and more closely related to the Australian Terrier. A friendly, joyful temperament and the lovely blue and tan coat make him an ideal companion.
History
Developed at the end of the 1800s in Australia, the Silky Terrier was created when a number of Yorkshire Terriers from England were brought into parts of Australia and bred to Australian Terrier bitches in an attempt to improve coat color in the blue and tan Australian Terrier. The resulting litters produced individuals shown as these three different breeds. The Silkys were then bred together until a recognized type was fixed.
Temperament
This portable pooch can adapt well to any living situation, but make sure you have the time to devote to them they do not like to be ignored, preferring to play fetch or go on walks with their family. Silkys are keen and energetic, so it’s best to keep them occupied. The breed must also be bathed and brushed on a regular basis.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1959.
- Ranging in size from 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and approximately 10 pounds.
- Vermin hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Daily combing and brushing.
- Regular professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
The Teddy Bear puppy is also known as a Shichon or a Zuchon and it is a cross between Bichon Fris and Shih Tzu. the Teddy Bear is a dog “known for his endearing face, large expressive eyes, and his soft teddy-bear coat.” The Teddy Bear usually has a longer coat that does not shed very much, if at all. This longer coat may lead to more time for maintenance and grooming. As hypoallergenic dogs, Teddy Bears are generally more suitable for homes with allergy problems amongst the inhabitants, although allergic reactions may still occur.
This toy dog is said to have a “great” personality, and it is playful, lively, and well-mannered. They can be a bit stubborn, but when they are trained well, they are a good family pet. The breed has a tendency to bark, but with active training, this can be mastered. They are easily trained.
The Teddy Bear is a well-mannered dog known to be social, happy, and gentle. They become devoted to their families but need much attention and do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are good therapy dogs. Sometimes the Teddy Bear may be stubborn and in need of training. The Teddy Bear will remain active and playful throughout its life.
They make fairly good watchdogs! When necessary, this dog will bark to alert its family that someone is nearby. This breed is typically good with other pets, especially when socialized at an early age. This dog gets along well with children, but it may be a good idea to socialize this breed at an early age as well as to supervise playtime with children to make sure that the dog does not get hurt as a result of its small size.
An important feature of the Teddy Bears hybrid breed is its longevity. The average life expectancy of a Teddy Bear is around 12-15 years. The Teddy Bear, like many hybrid breeds, is usually healthy without showing the congenital defects that purebreds can have from inbreeding. Although this breed of dog is relatively new, its popularity and fame are growing quickly. The Teddy Bear is still not thought of as an official breed of dog, only a cross-breed. This may change as the dog is becoming a popular toy dog being classified with all other toy dog purebreds. Organizations that recognize this breed include the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.
Immediately recognizable due to their unique “hippopotamus” head shape, profile and wrinkles, the Shar-Pei is an ancient breed that is usually aloof and standoffish with strangers but devoted to his family. Their name “Shar-Pei” means sandy coat and their coat should be offstanding and harsh. Any solid color and sable are acceptable and none of these is preferred over the others. Today, the Shar-Pei is exhibited in conformation, agility, obedience, and tracking.
History
Originally a multipurpose Chinese farm dog, many of the breed’s characteristics relate to that work. Their moderate sound structure allowed them to be perimeter guard dogs, working all day. They have retained vermin catching, herding, and tracking skills, as their role on the farms was diverse. Physically, the Chinese believed the breed’s scowl and the black pigmented mouth would scare off evil spirits and their imposing presence meant that most were never challenged.
Temperament
An intelligent and often stubborn breed, Shar Pei ownership needs careful consideration. They are bright and learn quickly, but early training and socialization are important, as is daily exercise. Shar-Pei are clean dogs that require little more grooming than an occasional bath, regular ear cleaning, and toenail clipping.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1992.
- Ranging in size from 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and 45 to 60 pounds.
- Hunting; guarding.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
- Be careful in hot weather.
Exercise
Grooming
- Brush regularly.
- Moderate shedding.
The Schnoodle is a cross between the Schnauzer 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 hybrid dogs are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.
Often described as “a clown in the cloak of a philosopher,” the French Bulldog originated as and continues to be used as a companion dog. The breed is small and muscular with a heavy bone structure, a smooth coat, a short face, and trademark “bat” ears. Prized for their affectionate natures and even dispositions, they are generally active and alert, but not unduly boisterous. Frenchies can be brindle, fawn, white, and brindle and white.
We love these guys so much, we even did a whole blog dedicated to the French Bulldog.
History
Lacemakers in 19th Century Nottingham, England selectively bred the early bulldog for a downsized or “toy” bulldog, for use as a lap pet. When the Industrial Revolution displaced some lacemakers to France, they took the dogs with them, and soon the “toy” bulldogs became popular in France, where wealthy Americans doing the Grand Tour saw and fell in love with them. In the late 1800s, these “toy bulldogs” became known as French Bulldogs.
Temperament
Frenchies are indoor dogs but require air conditioning in warm weather. While good at alerting their owners to danger (Look! The UPS Guy is coming!), their main role is that of lap warmer. The Frenchie requires minimal exercise and grooming.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1898.
- Must weigh 28 pounds or less.
- Companion.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Moderate activity indoors.
- Thrives in moderate climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Light brushing.
- Average shedding.
