The Malti-poo is a mix of Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle and may inherit the two breeds’ traits of being affectionate, and friendly. They are meant to be companion dogs, creating strong bonds with their people. As with any mixed breed, they may or may not have the desirable traits of each parent breed. The Malti-poo is meant to be outgoing, friendly, and low-shedding.
Malti-poos are alert, have expressive faces, and have a puppy-like demeanor. They are generally up to 14 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 5-15 pounds. Coats vary from straight to curly or wavy and are usually white or cream, although the color varies as well. They should be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and snarls.
In common with both parent breeds, Malti-poos are energetic, smart, and spunky. Both Poodles and Maltese are agile and trainable, especially with reward-based training. The Malti-poo is always up for a game or a good chase around the yard. A brisk walk once or twice a day is also beneficial. Because of his size and energy level, he can live almost anywhere and is perfectly happy in a small apartment.
Malti-poos become extremely attached to their family and don’t like being left alone. They are prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive or depressed when separated from their people. They do best in a household where someone is with them most of the time.
Since both the Poodle and Maltese are intelligent breeds, Malti-poos may inherit that intelligence. With the right kind of training, they may do well in agility and obedience trials, love learning tricks, and make good therapy dogs. But they’re also sensitive and only respond well to positive, kind training. Reward him with treats and enthusiastic praise and he’ll look forward to training sessions. He’ll learn quickly and will proudly show off all his tricks.
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.
A toy dog covered from head to toe with a mantle of long, silky white hair, the Maltese is gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playful, and fearless despite its small size. Maltese are intelligent little dogs that are very fast learners if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Today, their refinement, cleanliness, and portability make them a popular choice as a companion dog.
History
The Maltese was once known as “Ye ancient dog of Malta,” for that is where they were first recognized and how they received their name. The breed has been an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries, owned by royalty all over the globe. Even as far back as the 1500s, they were claimed to be sold for $2,000. And while other companion dogs such as the Pomeranian have been bred down from larger sizes, the first Maltese were the same size as the dogs we see today.
Temperament
Even though the Maltese are a very small dog, they tend to be brave and without fear. They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, but are also full of energy and very playful, making them great family dogs. Maltese should be brushed daily, and groomed often to prevent mats from forming in their long, white coat.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1888.
- Under 7 pounds; 4 to 6 pounds preferred.
- Companion dog.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Daily combing and brushing.
- Regular professional grooming is recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
- Easy on allergy sufferers.
The Lhasa Apso is a small, hardy breed with a beautiful cloak of hair that parts down their back from head to tail. Their temperament is unique: joyful and mischievous, dignified, and aloof. An independent breed, the Lhasa’s goal in life is not necessarily to please their master. Popular in the show ring, the breed also excels at activities that provide constant challenges, such as agility.
History
The Lhasa Apso originated hundreds of years ago in the isolated reaches of the Himalayan Mountains. It functioned primarily as a household sentinel, guarding homes of Tibetan nobility and Buddhist monasteries, particularly in or near the sacred city of Lhasa. In 1933, C. Suydam Cutting introduced the first Lhasas to the U.S. gifts from the 13th Dalai Lama.
Temperament
Bred as indoor watchdogs for hundreds of years, Lhasas can be suspicious of strangers, so early socialization is critical. They thrive living with adults or families with older children and enjoy regular walks. A long-coated breed, they also require frequent grooming. Many pet owners enjoy keeping their Lhasa in the shorter “puppy cut.”
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1935.
- Ranging in size from 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and 12 to 18 pounds.
- Companion; watchdog.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Regular professional grooming.
- Very little shedding.
The Lakeland Terrier has a dense, wiry coat with longer hair on the legs and muzzle, often giving him a distinct beard. Small, sturdy, and workmanlike, the breed’s narrow frame allows him to squeeze into rocky dens to chase after vermin. While generally a show dog or family companion today, Lakelands can also be found utilizing their natural instincts at earth dog events or digging in the backyard. The breed comes in a variety of colors including blue, black, liver, red, and wheaten with or without a patch of color over the back and shoulders called a “saddle”.
History
The Lakeland is an English breed dating back to the 1800s. One of the oldest living terrier breeds still known today, they were originally developed by farmers to accompany them on hunts and to prevent fox and other vermin from destroying their sheep herds.
Temperament
The Lakeland is bold, friendly, and confident but has a quiet disposition. While he is well suited for a variety of living situations including rural and urban settings, the Lakeland’s energy level makes him well suited for an active lifestyle. His coat shed minimally but requires periodic clipping by a groomer.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1934.
- Ideal size approximately 14 inches tall at the shoulder and 17 pounds.
- Vermin hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
A large, muscular breed, the Komondor is mostly known for its unusually dense, protective coat of heavy white cords (which make him look like a giant mop!) that form naturally as the breed matures in age. The coat serves to cover vulnerable body parts in case of attack, helps him blend in with his flock, and protects him from weather extremes. While he has been a working dog in Hungary for ten centuries, he is also found in the show and obedience rings in the United States.
History
The breed was developed in Hungary to guard large herds of sheep and cattle on the plains. The Komondor is an almost direct descendent of the Aftscharka, which the Huns found on the southern steppes when they passed through Russia. Rather than being used to round up herds or flocks, the breed typically accompanies the animals they are in charge of to act in the role of protector, mostly without assistance or commands from their master.
Temperament
Known for its dignity, strength, and courage, the Komondor is generally reserved and serious with strangers but demonstrative with those he loves. Owners should be willing to provide daily exercise and obedience training. Caring for the Komondor coat takes quite a bit of time and effort, so it’s best to learn how to care for the cords from an experienced owner or breeder.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1937.
- Ranging in size from 25 inches tall at the shoulder and up and 80 pounds and up.
- Livestock guard dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- All-weather.
- Loves a large yard.
Exercise
- Daily extended exercise.
- Love to work and train.
Grooming
- No brushing.
- Frequent bathing.
- Little to no shedding.
The Labradoodle is a hybrid breed of dog derived from breeding a Labrador Retriever and a poodle. At their best, Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature (weighing 15 to 30 pounds), medium (30 to 45 pounds), and standard (45 to more than 100 pounds). Because they are a crossbreed their traits are not fixed, so there is no guarantee that the Labradoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range.
Labradoodles have a moderate activity level. Larger Labradoodles may be more active than their smaller kin. They need a good walk or active playtime each day, and, if you’re interested (and the dog’s overall health is good enough), they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, flyball, obedience, and rally. They can also be excellent therapy dogs.
Both of the breeds used to create Labradoodles tend to be smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. Their large size gives them the sturdiness to withstand roughhousing with little children. Their endearing temperament makes them the perfect addition to any family. They are also a very hearty dog, being a hybrid. They can live for 10-12 years on average.
Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Labradoodles are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are not caused by a particular dog coat type but by dander. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs like the Labradoodle.
A medium-sized, sturdy dog, the Keeshond possesses the characteristics of other Northern breeds a fox-like expression, stand-off coat, and richly plumed tail carried over the back. His coloring is a mixture of gray, black, and cream, with variations from light to dark and distinctive “spectacles” markings and shadings in the eye area, including a delicate, dark line slanting from eye to ear and expressive eyebrows.
History
Basically unchanged over the past two centuries, the Keeshond descended from the same arctic strains as the Samoyed, Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz, and Pomeranian. The Kees was originally served as a watchdog on riverboats, barges, and farms. Especially popular in Holland in the late 1700s, the breed also became a symbol of the Dutch Patriot political party and its leader Kees de Gyselaer, who owned a dog named Kees and gave the breed its name. When the Patriots were defeated, the Keeshond became rare in Holland until it was revived a century later, when it also began appearing in England and America.
Temperament
An affectionate, good-natured companion, the Keeshond is outgoing and friendly with people and dogs, following the lead of their owners when welcoming strangers. The breed learns quickly and is energetic, requiring daily exercise. Twice-weekly brushing is sufficient.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1930.
- Ideal size: 17 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Barge dog; companion.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- thrive in cooler climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Daily brushing and combing.
- Bathe only when necessary.
- Heavy seasonal shedding.
The Japanese Chin is a sensitive and intelligent breed whose only purpose is to serve man as a companion. Agile and playful, they can be taught to perform tricks and like to show off to an audience of friends. Their coat varies in size and length, but most are white with black markings. They can also be white and red.
History
The Japanese Chin’s origin and development in its native land of China is wrapped in royalty and adoration. They were bred for the sole purpose of accompanying the ladies of the Imperial Palace and warming the laps of Chinese aristocracy. There are illustrations on ancient pottery and embroideries that are centuries old, and evidence suggests that one could not purchase a Chin they were kept in the hands of the nobility and frequently given as gifts of esteem to diplomats and to foreigners who rendered some outstanding service to Japan.
Temperament
The Japanese Chin is a bright, alert, and playful breed. An affectionate and devoted family companion, this breed loves everyone it is familiar with, but may be reserved around strangers and in unfamiliar situations. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment, but they still enjoy the opportunity to play in an open yard. Their silky and flowing coat requires twice-weekly brushing.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1888.
- Ranging from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Companion dog.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Moderately active indoors.
- Thrives in moderate climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular combing and brushing.
- Average shedding.
Intelligent and game, the Kerry Blue Terrier is truly an all-purpose dog. Originally bred to hunt and retrieve, Kerries can be found today in the show, obedience, agility, herding, and earth dog rings. The Kerry’s trademark soft, wavy coat can range from deep slate gray-blue to light blue-gray. Kerry Blues are born black and, if correct, possess the dominant gene for coat fading. They will fade and acquire their adult color by 18 months.
History
A native of County Kerry, Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier was used as an all-around working and utility terrier, responsible for hunting small game and birds, retrieving from land and water, and herding sheep and cattle. It is thought that the peasantry of Ireland developed the Kerry as an answer to the nobility using Irish Wolfhounds. The Kerry was used to help the peasantry to silently hunt the noble hunting grounds.
Temperament
Energetic and fun-loving, the Kerry Blue Terrier enjoys being part of a family. They possess a typical terrier personality though and require daily exercise and firm and patient training. Families with other pets should beware; as hunters, Kerries may not accept cats or small pets. Their coats are hypoallergenic, but still, need to be brushed and trimmed regularly.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1922.
- Ideal size is 18 inches tall at the shoulder and 33 to 40 pounds, with females slightly smaller.
- Farm dog; small game hunter; retriever.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Fairly active indoors.
Exercise
- Daily moderate to extended exercise.
Grooming
- Regular professional grooming is recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
- Little to no odor.
