One of the smallest working terriers, the Norfolk Terrier is active, compact, and hardy, considered to be the “perfect demon” in the field. Farmers and hunters admire the breed’s gameness, loyalty, and great charm. Known for his drop ears, the Norfolk Terrier has a wiry, weather-resistant coat that can be red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle.
History
A native of England, the Norfolk used to be considered the same breed as the Norwich Terrier. Comfortable working alone or in packs, it was developed as a barnyard ratter and used to bolt vermin such as fox from their dens during hunts. In 1979 the drop-eared variety became known as the Norfolk Terrier and the prick-eared version of the Norwich Terrier. Today, the two breeds have slight differences and different breed standards.
Temperament
Energetic and spry, the Norfolk 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. They make affectionate and loyal companions and enjoy walks and spending time with their owners. The Norfolk’s coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1979.
- Approximately 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder and 11-12 pounds. Females may be smaller.
- Vermin hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Fairly active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Daily combing and brushing.
- Light shedding.
Large and powerful, the Neapolitan Mastiff is known for its massiveness massive head, massive bone, and massive body. Despite their fierce appearance and serious demeanor, Mastiffs are generally peaceful, steady dogs. The breed’s trademark is the loose skin that covers their bodies, the abundant wrinkles and folds on the head, and their rolling and lumbering gait. Their short coat can be gray (blue), black, mahogany, and tawny. Some brindle and white markings are allowed. Training should be easy, as long as you have a firm hand.
History
An ancient breed, the Neapolitan Mastiff’s lineage can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, and Asia to the dogs of war used by the Roman army. The breed later existed on estates and farms in northern Italy, designed to be imposing in appearance for use as a defender of owner and property.
Temperament
Well-bred and socialized Mastini are steady and loyal to their own families but protective around strangers. Due to the breed’s size, strength and temperament, experts do not recommend a Neapolitan Mastiff for first-time dog owners or families with young children. They should receive some form of daily exercise, but beware that they don’t overdo it in hot weather. Their short coats are easy to care for, but potential owners should not be afraid of a little drool!
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 2004.
- Ranging in size from 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder; Average weight is 150 pounds for males and 110 pounds for females.
- Guard and protection dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
- Be careful in hot weather.
Exercise
- Daily moderate to extended exercise.
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding.
A large dog and a true workhorse, the Newfoundland is a master at long-distance swimming and has true lifesaving instincts in the water. He is large and strong, possessing a heavy coat to protect him from icy waters. Equally, at home in the water and on land, today’s Newfoundland competes in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, draft, and water tests, and carting. His coat can be black, brown, gray, or white and black.
History
There are many conflicting stories as to the origin of the Newfoundland some say he descended from the Great Pyrenees or a “French hound” but nearly all agree that he originated in Newfoundland and his ancestors were brought there by fisherman from the European continent. In Newfoundland, he was used as a working dog to pull nets for the fishermen and to haul wood from the forest. He also did heavy labor, such as powering the blacksmith’s bellows.
Temperament
The Newfoundland’s sweet disposition makes him a good fit for families. Although he appears somewhat docile, he is an active dog and will need daily exercise. Regular brushing is important to maintain his plush coat. Newfs are also an intelligent breed and are readily trained.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1886.
- Ranging in size from 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and 100 to 150 pounds.
- Multipurpose dog; water rescue.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
- Thrive in cooler climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Heavy seasonal shedding.
- Bathe only when necessary.
Originally called the Yorktese, but now more commonly called the Morkie is a cross between the Yorkie and the Maltese. Morkie appearance varies widely, some expressing more of a Yorkshire terrier appearance and some a more Maltese look. They are a small breed dog, typically ranging between 4-12 pounds in weight. Common colors expressed in Morkie coats are black, brown, or tan and white. Their coat is usually long and soft while Morkie ears can be pointed, like that of a Yorkie, or floppy, like that of a Maltese.
Yorkshire Terriers and Malteses are considered light-shedders. So while the shedding is minimal and most times not noticeable neither breed is considered allergy-free. Those with mild allergies may be able to tolerate a Morkie, but others may still have allergic reactions as seen in several families. If you are concerned about allergies, it is best to choose a breed with a predictable non-shedding coat like Poodles, Bichon Frises and Shih Tzus.
Morkies are active and playful. They form strong attachments to owners as well as desire a lot of attention from their owners. Morkies are a social dog and love to be played with. Morkies are excitable, energetic, confident, and loyal. This breed can be difficult because of their stubbornness, so it is important to begin training early on in its life. They are great for families with slightly older children, because of their small size.
Morkies normally get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets that they have been brought up with. Morkies can be destructive if left alone for extended periods, at such times can be prone to excessive barking. Like many dogs, Morkies are suspicious of strangers or unusual sounds in their environment and are quick to alert owners.
Known for his distinguished, handsome appearance, the Miniature Schnauzer is characterized by its whiskers and double coat, which has a hard, wiry outer coat and close, soft undercoat. Coat colors can be salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black. Despite his small stature, the Miniature Schnauzer can give an alarm just as well as a larger dog. That, combined with his naturally protective nature, makes him an excellent watchdog. He is also the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, which include the Giant and the Standard.
History
Derived from the Standard Schnauzer from Germany, the Miniature was exhibited as a distinct breed as early as 1899. He was originally bred to be a small farm dog, able to go to ground for all kinds of vermin, and is recognizable in German paintings as far back as the 15th century.
Temperament
Smart, trainable, and consistently cheerful, this diminutive breed adapts easily to small city apartments, yet remains just as much at home in the country with lots of space to run around. Their double coat requires hand stripping for the show ring or clipping for the average pet owner but sheds very little.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1926.
- Ranging in size from 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Farm dog; companion.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Moderate activity indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Daily combing and brushing.
- Regular professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
- Easy on allergy sufferers.
Known as the “King of the Toys,” the Miniature Pinscher is a compact, smooth-coated dog who is alert, spirited, and fearless, with a unique high-stepping, hackney-like gait. With his black and rust coloring, cropped ears, and docked tail, he resembles his cousin the Doberman Pinscher, but he is not a miniature Dobie. Coat colors include red, stag red (red with black hairs), black with rust markings, or chocolate with tan.
History
“Pinscher” means “Terrier” in German, and the Miniature Pinscher is a distinctly German breed that originated several centuries ago as an efficient barnyard ratter. The Miniature Pinscher is reported to include the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound among its ancestors, along with the shorthaired German Pinscher.
Temperament
The Miniature Pinscher can really spice up a person’s life. This dog is small, but he doesn’t know it! He’s quick and active, with a lively curiosity. They are good family companions and look out for their family, bravely challenging intruders with their bold, insistent bark. The “Min Pin” will be happiest with a family that treats him like a standard-sized dog. He may be stubborn, but he’s also smart. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life. Play and a daily walk will take care of most of their exercise needs. His short, easy-care coat requires occasional brushing and shampooing.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1925.
- Ranging from 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Rat hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
- thrive in warmer climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding.
The Malti-Shi is a cross between the Maltese and the Shih-Tzu. 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.
One of the biggest dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club, the massive Mastiff loves being around people and is known to bond closely with his family. A combination of grandeur and good nature as well as courage and docility, he was bred in England and used as a watchdog for more than two thousand years. The breed’s short coat can be fawn, apricot, or brindle.
History
As early as 3000 B.C., drawings on Egyptian monuments depict typical Mastiffs. Later, even Caesar noticed the fearless, strong Mastiff as it fought alongside the British soldiers in 55 B.C. Impressed by the breed’s courage, he brought a group of them back to Rome and forced them to take part in bull baiting, lion fighting, and fights with human gladiators. Later, the Mastiff became popular with the peasants in England, where the dogs were used to keep wolves and other dangerous predators under control as well as protecting the home.
Temperament
The Mastiff is a powerful yet gentle and loyal companion, but because of his size and need for space, he is best suited for country or suburban life. The breed requires light exercise and minimal grooming.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
- Minimum height of 30 inches tall at the shoulder for males and 27 inches tall for females.
- Guard dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Bathe when necessary.
- Average shedding.
The Manchester Terrier comes in two varieties: the Toy, which weighs up to 12 lbs, and the Standard, which weighs more than 12 lbs but must not exceed 22 lbs. They are black and tan in color and have a short, sleek coat. They are neat and tend to groom themselves.
History
The Manchester Terrier was developed in England and originates from the Black and Tan Terrier, the oldest known terrier breed. They were bred to hunt rats and other small vermin and still retain that ability today. The cuddly house pet quickly turns into an efficient worker whether in the backyard or field when it detects the presence of a rodent.
Temperament
The Manchester Terrier is a lively, sharp-witted breed that is eager to learn. The breed is extremely loyal to its owner(s) and forms a strong bond early on. Since it is a terrier breed, the Manchester has a tendency to test boundaries, making consistency important in any form of training. This is not a “barky” or neurotic breed, but they are good watchdogs. They do well in rural and urban environments.
- Terrier ” Toy Groups; AKC recognized in 1886 (Toy) and 1887 (Standard).
- Weight: Standard: 12-22 lbs, Toy: up to 12 lbs.
- Fun-loving, agile and devoted; Vermin Hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
- Thrive in warmer climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average to low shedding.
The Maltichon is a cross between the Maltese and the Bichon Frise. 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.
