Tibetan Terrier

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Description

The Tibetan Terrier is not really a terrier at all. Also known as the Dhokhi Apso, the Tibetan Terrier is an appealing, shaggy little dog who is devoted to their owners and to children. Tibetan Terriers are persistent, resourceful, and like to have a reminder of their humans around. It is a friendly and caring dog as well especially obedient to its owner.

Size of Male: Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 20-30 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 14-15 inches Weight: 20-24 pounds

Temperament

Sweet, gentle and loving, the Tibetan Terrier is lively, mild, and fun, but can be a bit willful. Tibetan Terriers are reserved with strangers, but very dedicated to their owners. Tibetan Terriers are not happy when left alone. This breed does best with older, considerate children. This brave, intelligent, medium-sized dog likes to bark and is a particularly good watch dog. Its bark is deep like a rising siren. When the Tibetan Terrier is with other dogs it can try to dominate, which may lead to fights if not socialized properly so do ensure your dog is socialized properly. In the United States, Tibetan Terriers’ bloodlines vary in terms of height, coat, and personality. Check with the breeder about any particular litter’s genealogy. The Tibetan Terrier has great agility as well as endurance.

Living Conditions

The Tibetan Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Tibetan Terriers are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. However, do ensure that your dog is socialized properly to prevent aggression to other dogs while trying to dominate. Also, bring them out for walks regularly to keep them physically healthy.

Upkeep

The Tibetan Terrier likes to run and explore, and needs daily exercise in a safe area. The needs of Tibetan Terrier can also be met by a vigorous game in the yard or a moderately long walk on leash. Although capable of living outdoors in temperate or modestly cool climates, Tibetan Terrier is better as an indoor, or indoor/outdoor, dog. Its long coat needs thorough brushing or combing once or twice a week.

Health

Major concerns: lens luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, ceroid lipofuscinosis

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, cataract, hip dysplasia

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Tibetan Spaniel

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Description

Despite its name being Spaniel, the Tibetan Spaniel is not related to spaniels and is not known to have been used as a hunting companion or gundog. Tibetan Spaniel is a dog who loves comforts and companionship and display a charming, good nature. Tibetan Spaniel live to play and are heartier than their size may suggest. They are fun dogs to be with and play with if well trained and socialized when young.

Size of Male: Height: 9-11 inches Weight: 9-15 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 9-15 pounds

Temperament

The Tibetan Spaniel is perky, happy, very smart, and trusting. Tibetan Spaniels are sweet and protective with their family, especially children, but aloof with strangers. Tibetan Spaniel is not a yappy dog, yet it will bark at intruders and strange happenings. It can be rather insistent and willful at times. This breed is a fine family companion, very independent and a good watchdog. It can move fairly quickly on its small, neat hare-feet, usually getting along with other animals. These dogs can be slightly difficult to train. The female Tibetan Spaniel tends to come into heat only once a year. However, proper training and discipline since young can make it easier to train the Tibetan Spaniel.

Living Conditions

The Tibetan Spaniel is good for apartment life. Tibetan Spaniel is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Do play some games with your Tibetan spaniel to keep them entertained and mentally healthy and exercise them daily either making them run round in the apartment or a short walk for them to stay physically healthy as well.

Upkeep

The exercise needs of Tibetan Spaniel are minimal, but daily. The needs of Tibetan Spaniel can be met by games inside the house or yard, or with a short walk on leash. Tibetan Spaniel is suited for apartment life and should not live outside. Its coat needs brushing and combing twice weekly.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: patellar luxation

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Sussex Spaniel

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Description

The Sussex Spaniel is known as an excellent hunting companion. Sussex Spaniel are long and low, rectangular and massive in appearance. The expression of Sussex Spaniel is somber and serious. Unique to this breed is their rich golden liver color coat and a lower energy level than most spaniels. A good house dog and family pet, the Sussex Spaniel is soft and affectionate with a placid outlook on life.

Size of Male: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 35-45 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 35-45 pounds

Temperament

The Sussex Spaniel is steady and calm around the house. Sussex Spaniels are not very outgoing or demonstrative compared to other spaniels. Sussex Spaniel reaches the enthusiasm of a warrior in its work. On the hunt-field it barks continuously, moving with a characteristic swinging gait. It is adapted to hunting and retrieving small game, especially in wooded areas. This dog sometimes bays when it is hunting. The Sussex Spaniel is the only Spaniel that does this. They may also howl a lot when they are left alone. It is also a good companion dog. This breed loves everyone and they are sweet, gentle and devoted. These are very sociable dogs, which usually get along well with cats and are excellent with children. Most get along with other dogs, but some can be aggressive with unfamiliar dogs. It tends to be less playful and demonstrative than other Spaniels, with a low energy level. The Sussex Spaniel is a quick learner but has a mind of its own. It is therefore important to be consistent with them. It needs firm and patient training. This breed likes to bark. You may want to teach them when they are young that one bark, for instance when the doorbell rings, is sufficient. Novice owners should be willing and able to assert their dominance. It can be snappish if annoyed.

Living Conditions

The Sussex Spaniel will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Sussex Spaniel is moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. Sussex Spaniel can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it has warm shelter, but it generally does better as a house dog that also has access to a yard.

Upkeep

The Sussex Spaniel needs daily exercise, but its needs can be met with a good walk on lead or a short romp in the yard. Given the chance, Sussex Spaniel will appreciate a longer foray into the field. Sussex Spaniel can live outdoors in temperate climates, as long as it has a warm shelter, but it generally does better as a house dog that also has access to a yard. The coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week, plus scissoring every few months.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: intervertebral disc syndrome, otitis exerna, heart murmur and cardiomegaly

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Standard Schnauzer

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Description

The Standard Schnauzer is in the middle of the Schnauzer family with the Giant Schnauzer being larger and the Miniature Schnauzer smaller. Standard Schnauzer are an attractive, robust, intelligent and playful dog who makes a good companion and is generally good with children. The ears of Standard Schnauzer are usually cropped in the United States, but in Britain, it is illegal to crop the ears.

Size of Male: Height: 18.5-19.5 inches Weight: 35-58 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17.5-18.5 inches Weight: 35-45 pounds

Temperament

The Standard Schnauzer is a fearless and protective dog. Standard Schnauzer makes a great watch and guard dog. Standard Schnauzer is lively, but not restless. High-spirited and affectionate, it has a personality of a Terrier. Clever, intelligent, demanding, and playful, Standard Schnauzers need companionship and are good dogs to travel with. This breed has a high learning rate, but can be quite willful and needs firm training. Standard Schnauzers may be very protective and dominant, guarding objects, places and people from other people. They should be socialized well when they are young to prevent over-protectiveness later in life. These energetic dogs need energetic and dominant owners, one who has the ability clearly demonstrate that they are the boss and not the dog. This breed does best with older considerate children.

Living Conditions

The Standard Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. Standard Schnauzer is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. However, do make sure you bring them out for a daily walk or at least running around in a yard if you have a yard.

Upkeep

The Standard Schnauzer needs daily exertion, either a long walk on leash, a vigorous game or an off-lead outing in a safe area. Standard Schnauzer can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it is better off dividing its time between house and yard. The harsh coat of Standard Schnauzer needs combing twice weekly, plus professional scissoring and shaping four times yearly. Shaping is done by clipping for pets and stripping for show dogs.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: hip dysplasia, follicular dermatitis

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Standard Poodle

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Description

The Standard Poodle is an active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well-proportioned, moving soundly and carrying themselves proudly. Also known as Barbone and the Caniche, the Standard Poodle still retain their ability as a gundog and swims well. Intelligent and being eager to learn makes the Standard Poodle popular in obedience trails. Steady, smart and loyal he will do anything an owner could wish for including obedience, shows, tricks, hunting and retrieving. A happy good tempered dog who makes a good family pet. Favored among people that suffer from asthma because of his wooly coat.

Size of Male: Height: 15-21 inches Weight: 45-70 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 15-21 inches Weight: 45-65 pounds

Temperament

The Standard Poodle is proud, elegant, dignified and good-natured. Standard Poodles are highly intelligent and one of the most trainable breeds. Standard Poodles are pleasant, happy and sensitive. The Standard Poodle tends to be a bit calmer than the smaller variety of Poodles. They need to be with people and dislike being alone. For the most part they are generally friendly toward strangers, and are excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some are good guard dogs and some can be trained as hunters.

Living Conditions

Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. Standard Poodles will be okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. A small yard will suffice. Do make sure to bring your dog out for daily exercise though if you live in an apartment.

Upkeep

All Standard Poodles need a lot of interaction with people. Standard Poodles also need mental and physical exercise. A brief but challenging obedience or play session, combined with a walk, should be part of every Standard Poodle’s day. Standard poodles will need more exercise and may especially enjoy swimming. No poodle should live outdoors. The show poodle should preferably be brushed every day or weekly for shorter coats. Poodle hair, when shed, does not fall out but becomes caught in the surrounding hair, which can cause matting if not removed. The pet clips are easier to maintain and can be done every four to six weeks.

Health

Major concerns: sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion, hypocorticism

Minor concerns: distichiasis, entropion, cataract, hip dysplasia, epilepsy

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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Description

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog who has great strength for their size. Staffordshire Bull Terrier is muscular, but should also be active and agile. Staffordshire Bull Terrier is usually adoring within its family circle, but needs firm handling and constant training as they have a strong instinct to fight with other dogs.

Size of Male: Height: 14-18 inches Weight: 35-40 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 30-35 pounds

Temperament

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does everything full throttle: play, work and love. Staffordshire Bull Terrier is extremely courageous and obedient, affectionate with a sense of humor. The reputation of Staffordshire Bull Terrier with children is second to none. Adored and adoring within its own family circle. It is usually good with other pets in the household, but may be combative with dogs outside the family, especially dogs of his breed or related breeds. They are intelligent and stubborn at times but this is the appeal of this ‘human’ in doggy fur! The Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs firm and consistent training. They are persistent and active. As a puppy, they tend to chew a great deal so make sure you provide them with plenty of chew toys. Their powerful jaws will tear though vinyl toys to get to the squeaker in no time. This can be dangerous if the dog swallows the plastic. Be sure to only give your dog strong toys. Do not allow it to be off its leash unless it is safe to do so. They can be trained for agility and competitive obedience. The breed competes in agility and obedience in the UK at the highest level. Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves a challenge and variety. Owners need to protect these dogs from injuring themselves. Totally fearless and curious, they’re liable to jump off of a deck or walk through broken glass. These dogs are not recommended for most families because they need firm, experienced handling and training. They can be difficult to housebreak.

Living Conditions

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very active indoors and will do okay with a small yard. Do make sure you bring them out for daily walks and exercise to keep them healthy physically.

Upkeep

Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an athletic breed that needs a good walk on leash every day. Staffordshire Bull Terrier also enjoys a good game in the yard or a run in a safe area. Although the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is capable of living outdoors in mild weather, it can be affected by cold and, more importantly, it is a dog that craves human contact; thus, it is far better suited as a house dog. Coat care is minimal, requiring occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: none

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Spinone Italiano

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Description

The Spinone Italiano is a very talented hunting dog. Spinone Italiano’s tracking abilities are keen and their “soft” mouth retrieves game unspoiled. The Spinone Italiano also has a terrific personality and is a gentle dog who is devoted and very willing to please. Considered more of a hound than a pointer they are not known to be a barker, whiny or bossy.

Size of Male: Height: 23.5-27.5 inches Weight: 71-86 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22.5-25.5 inches Weight: 62-80 pounds

Temperament

Extremely intelligent, happy, upbeat and enthusiastic, the Spinone Italiano is a pleasant, easy-going breed. Spinone Italiano is easily satisfied when treated as a member of the family. Although serious when at work in the field, Spinone Italiano definitely has a clownish side that is often quite entertaining. Never bossy or whiny unless being constantly ignored, this gentle soul loves children – those it knows and those it does not. Children must be taught to treat this wonderful dog with the love and respect they deserve. The Spinone Italiano’s great patience should never be taken for granted, for abuse is abuse, whether intentional or not. This breed gets along well with other animals, particularly enjoying the company of another dog. They want to be with their family, whether that means at home or traveling, preferably in someone’s lap! They are a quiet breed in general, but may occasionally howl along with a siren. The Spinone Italiano is not a protection breed. They are either unlikely to attack under any circumstance or would only do so if it or its family is directly threatened. They learn fast, but is sometimes a bit stubborn about performing. The Spinone Italiano has a mind of his own; feeling there should be a good reason for doing the task asked of them. For example, one breeder mentioned that his dog is perfectly willing to pick up downed birds, but it is reluctant to retrieve a training dummy. Motivational training is the only way to go with this sensitive breed. The Spinone Italiano can be timid if not properly socialized.

Living Conditions

Content within a fenced yard, Spinone Italiano is nevertheless capable of jumping very high. The occasional one is a tunneler. Talk to breeders about secure fencing. This can help prevent them from escaping from a yard following something that has caught their attention.

Upkeep

Like all sporting dogs, the Spinone Italiano needs daily exercise. This can take the form of a long walk with the Spinone Italiano or good run off leash. Spinone Italiano can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, but it is a family dog and prefers to share time with its family. Coat care consists of weekly brushing, plus occasional hand-stripping to neaten the face and feet.

Health

Major concerns: hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: ectropion, gastric torsion, otitis externa

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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Description

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, hardy, well balanced sporting terrier, square in outline. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is distinguished by its soft, silky, gently waving coat of warm wheaten color and their steady disposition. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a jolly breed who will retain their carefree puppy-ness right into adulthood. Puppies are born dark apricot but lighten to a clear golden wheaten color by two years of age.

Size of Male: Height: 18-19 inches Weight: 35-40 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17-18 inches Weight: 30-35 pounds

Temperament

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an alert and happy animal – graceful, strong and well-coordinated. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a playful and friendly terrier. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers make great watch dogs and bark at the arrival of guests. They are usually very loving with children and get along reasonably well with other dogs provided they are socialized when they are young. They do not get along well with cats. All it takes is some fast movement on the part of the cat, and the dog’s instincts will take over and attack. They have a puppy attitude that remains with it throughout its life. Sweet-tempered, easy-going and self-confident. This breed needs to be taught when it’s young what is and is not acceptable behavior. It is very intelligent, so it will generally grasp quickly what is required of them. They have a straightforward nature and need to be handled in a straightforward manner. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bond extremely closely with their family. They seldom bark unnecessarily. Though not as aggressive as many other terriers, males may be combative with other male dogs if challenged. The Soft Coated Wheaten should be well socialized with other dogs while they are young puppies.

Living Conditions

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is good for apartment life. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are moderately active indoors and a small yard will do. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier does not tolerate heat very well.

Upkeep

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an athletic dog that needs a good daily workout, either in the form of a moderate to long walk or an invigorating game in the yard. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should be allowed loose only in a safe area because it still loves to hunt and chase. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it is far better suited as an indoor dog. Its long coat needs brushing or combing every two days. As a non-shedding dog, loose hair becomes entangled in the coat and will mat if not combed out. Bathing and trimming every other month is necessary to maintain the desirable coat and silhouette; pets can be better managed if their coats are clipped to about 3 inches, but then they will lose the breed’s typical outline.

Health

Major concerns: protein wasting diseases (PLE and PLN)

Minor concerns: renal dysplasia, allergies

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Skye Terrier

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Description

The Skye Terrier has style, elegance and dignity. Skye Terrier is agile and strong with sturdy bone and hard muscle. Twice as long as they are high, Skye Terrier is covered in a profuse coat that falls straight down either side of the body. They are an agile yet strong dog who is loving of their family and selected friends. The motto of the Skye Terrier is to remember your friends and never forget your enemies.

Size of Male: Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 25-40 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 9-9.5 inches Weight: 25-35 pounds

Temperament

The Skye Terrier is very good-natured, polite and affectionate. Skye Terrier is courageous, spunky and bold. Skye Terrier are loving and playful, yet more serious than many terriers. They need a lot of attention to be happy. Loyal, protective, and a bit willful. This breed requires extensive early socialization with people or they may grow up to be overly suspicious of strangers. The Skye Terrier often does not like to be touched by strangers and may bite. Be careful around other small animals, as the Skye likes to chase, and they can be a bit dog-aggressive. These little dogs like to bark. Do take note that the biting or strangers can be corrected by proper socialization when young.

Living Conditions

The Skye Terrier is good for apartment life. Skye Terrier are relatively active indoors and will do okay without a yard. However, it is good to bring them out for walks regularly for ample exercise and socialization especially when they are young to prevent aggression toward strangers and other dogs as well as to keep healthy.

Upkeep

Skye Terrier is a hunting dog at heart and enjoys a daily outing, exploring in a safe area. Skye Terrier also needs a short to moderate walk to stay in shape. The Skye Terrier enjoys life as a house dog, and prefers not to live outdoors. Regular combing about twice a week is all that is needed to keep the Skye looking good. An occasional bath will not soften the coat too much, as is often the case with other terriers. The hair around the eyes and mouth may need extra cleaning. So do make sure to clean your dog regularly especially after meals

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: premature closure of distal radius

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Silky Terrier

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Description

The Silky Terrier who is also known as the Australian Silky Terrier has been breed as a lively, energetic companion. Silky Terrier is a confident, entertaining little dog who has a charm all his own. A one-family dog, Silky Terrier is very obedient and a very adept pupil. Easily trained and scrupulously clean, its loyalty will make the Silky terrier an enjoyable and entertaining companion.

Size of Male: Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 8-11 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 8-10 pounds

Temperament

Silky Terrier is very intelligent, courageous and alert. Affectionate, spunky cheerful and sociable, Silky Terriers like to be close to their master, but do not accept them to be a “mellow” lap dog. Silky Terriers are full of energy. Curious about everything, it is an enthusiastic digger. Active, keen and demanding. Smart and quick, though a bit willful as with most terriers. Despite its size, this docile dog is watchful and protective. Normally these dogs are very loving with children if they are raised with them, but they can be snappish if peeved and should not be rough-handled or teased. A hardy little fellow, it is a good dog to travel with. It makes an excellent watchdog, but can become a barker if not controlled. They are reserved with strangers and not generally trustworthy with other pets. Socialize them well with cats when they are still a puppy or they will chase them when they get older. Can get jealous and pick fights with other dogs. Training these dogs is very straight- forward because it is very eager to learn.

Living Conditions

The Silky Terrier is good for apartment life. Silky Terrier is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. However it is good to bring them out for walks to socialize and train them to get rid of unwanted behavior due to boredom.

Upkeep

Silky Terrier is an active breed requiring slightly more exercise than most toys. Silky Terrier enjoys a moderate walk on leash, but especially likes the chance to nose around on its own in a safe area. The exercise requirements of Silky Terrier can be met with vigorous games in the yard, or even house. Despite its hardiness, it is not a breed for outdoor living. Its coat needs brushing or combing every other day.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: intervertebral disc disease, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, Legg – Perthes disease

Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years