Siberian Husky

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Description

Also known as the Arctic husky, the Siberian Husky has a sweet nature and is a breed who is suited for the whole family, but they do not make a good guard dog. Gentle in character with a determined look, the Siberian Husky is a very people oriented dog. Male Siberian Huskies have a tendency to roam and need to be kept in a fenced in area. If they gets out it may be impossible to catch them on foot. A member of the Spitz family, the Siberian Husky is strong and has the ability to haul heavy loads over long distances and rough terrain. They will happily pull a young child in a wagon or sled.

Size of Male: Height: 21-23.5 inches Weight: 45-60 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 20-22 inches Weight: 35-50 pounds

Temperament

Siberian Huskies are gentle and playful, but willful and mischievous. Siberian Husky is very fond of his or her family. A puppy at heart, Siberian Huskies are clever, sociable and loving, easy-going and docile. Though they do generally have a lot of energy, especially as puppies. Good with children and friendly with strangers, they are not watchdogs, for they bark little and love everyone. Siberian Huskies are very intelligent and trainable, but they have a mind of their own and will only obey a command if they see the point. Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog character. This dog will take advantage if they can. Siberian Huskies make an excellent jogging companion, as long as it is not too hot. Siberian Huskies may be difficult to housebreak. This breed likes to howl and gets bored easily. They do not like to be left alone, so if this is the breed for you, you may want to consider having two. A lonely Husky can be very destructive. Remember that the Husky is a sled dog in heart and soul. They are good with other pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Huskies are thrifty eaters and need less food than you might expect. This breed likes to roam. Siberian Huskies can make wonderful companions for people who are aware of what to expect from these beautiful and intelligent animals.

Living Conditions

Siberian Huskies are not usually recommended for apartment life, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Siberian Huskies are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, Siberian Huskies prefer cool climates. One has to use common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in packs.

Upkeep

Siberian Husky is an active dog, bred to run tirelessly for miles. Siberian Husky need ample daily exercise, either in the form of a long jog or a long run off leash in a safe area. Siberian Husky also loves to pull and enjoys cold weather. It can live outdoors in cool or cold climates, but ideally it can divide its time between indoors and out. Its coat needs brushing one or two times a week – daily during periods of heavy shedding.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis, cataract, corneal opacities

Life expectancy: 11 – 13 years

Shih Tzu

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Description

The name “Shih Tzu” means lion dog in Chinese and he received the name because of his long, flowing mane-like coat. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, toy dog with long flowing double coat. Shih Tzu has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. They may display an arrogant personality, but are actually playful and gentle. The Shih Tzu adapts well to any family situation and will enjoy a cuddle in your lap, doing tricks, or fetching a tennis ball.

Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 9-16 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 9-16 pounds

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is an alert and spunky little dog. Shih Tzu is happy and hardy, endowed with loads of character. Shih Tzu is royally dignified, courageous and sometimes arrogant. This breed does well with polite, careful children. The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends easily and although obstinate can respond well to consistent patient training. A very alert watch dog, the Shih-Tzu likes to bark, but is usually quiet inside the house. They are stubborn and clever. Shih Tzu can get snappish if they are surprised or peeved. Playful and lively, this affectionate little dog needs to be with people and are generally good with other pets. Some can be difficult to housebreak.

Living Conditions

The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. Shih Tzu is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Shih Tzu is sensitive to the heat. Do ensure you Shih Tzu gets enough exercise though, as it helps to keep them fit and healthy.

Upkeep

Despite its small size, the Shih Tzu needs daily exercise. Because of its small size, Shih Tzu can meet its requirements with vigorous indoor games or short frolics outside or with short walks on leash. Shih Tzu does not do well in hot humid weather, and it should never be expected to live outdoors. Its luxurious coat needs brushing or combing every other day; puppies should be taught to accept grooming from a young age. Pets may be clipped.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: renal cortical hypoplasia, entropion, trichiasis, progressive retinal atrophy, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, hip dysplasia, otitis externa, portacaval shunt, inguinal hernias

Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years

Shiba Inu

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Description

The Shiba Inu with its outgoing personality, convenient size, and good nature has made him the most common pet in the Japan. Growing in popularity worldwide it has only been in recent years that Shiba Inu has been seen out of its native land. Though Shiba Inu may be difficult to train, if handled with consistent firm training they will respond well. The Shiba Inu is not a dog for the faint-hearted as they are large animals in a small body. Shiba Inu are loyal and possess a good sense of what you are feeling. They need to have human interaction and should not be left alone in the back yard. Unique vocal sounds are made by this breed. It usually only barks when it has a reason to bark.

Size of Male: Height: 14.5-16.5 inches Weight: 20-30 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 13.5-15.5 inches Weight: 20-30 pounds

Temperament

The Shiba Inu is an alert, lively and bold dog. Shiba Inu is independent, but affectionate and loving. Shiba Inu is kind, trainable, brave and clean. Confident, fearless and courageous. A big dog in a small dog’s body. The Shiba is agile, fast and playful. Charming and open. They bark little and bond closely with their handler while remaining independent. It may be a bit reserved with strangers but children do not usually cause any problems, for Shiba Inu make good companions for children. Socialize this breed well as a puppy. They do well with other dogs and cats if they are raised with them from puppyhood, though they tend to be aggressive with members of the same sex. Don’t trust this dog around other small pets such as rodents and small birds. Big birds such as parrots may be okay. The Shiba is an easy dog to travel with. Be careful during hunting season as the dog looks like a fox and may be mistaken for one. It is not usually a reliable off-leash dog. It is easy to housebreak these dogs because they are naturally fastidious.

Living Conditions

The Shiba Inu will do okay in an apartment if is sufficiently exercised. Shiba Inu is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The waterproof, all-weather coat of Shiba Inu protects it in both cold and hot conditions, so it can live outdoors if you have a secure yard of reasonable size. However, it does regard itself as part of the family and does not like to be left alone outside. This breed would be much happier living indoors with its family.

Upkeep

The Shiba Inu needs a daily workout, either in the form of a vigorous game in the yard, a long walk or a good run in a safe area. Shiba Inu can live outdoors in temperate or cool climates, given warm shelter, but it does best when allowed to divide its time between inside and out. The double coat of Shiba Inu needs brushing one or two times weekly, more when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: patellar luxation

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Shetland Sheepdog

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Description

The Shetland Sheepdog bears resemblance to the Rough Collie. Strong, nimble and lightly built the Shetland Sheepdog is a fast runner and can jump well. Shetland Sheepdog puppies are beguiling and exhibit a desire to please from a very young age. Intuitive and responsive to his owner’s wishes, they make a charming family pet. Take care that they are not startled teased, or left alone as they can be barky when excited or lonely.

Size of Male: Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 20-24 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 20-22 pounds

Temperament

The Shetland Sheepdog is an outstanding companion dog with a delightful temperament. Shetland Sheepdog is gentle, sensitive, loyal, dainty, lively, intelligent and trainable. The Shetland Sheepdog is one to the smartest breeds, very willing to please and obey. These dogs are so smart that many fanciers consider them to have almost human intelligence. Loving, loyal and affectionate with its family, but suspicious with strangers, especially with children, but they will put up with a lot from children in the family. The Shetland Sheepdog is known to not allow themselves to be touched by strangers and will display noisy persistent barking. It is a good guard and watchdog. Socialize extensively as a puppy. This breed needs people and must be raised in a home where they can have a lot of companionship. They like to be kept busy. The Shetland sheepdog is above all an intelligent herder, capable both of commanding large cattle and holding small sheep in check. The herding instinct is still very strong in many of them. They love to chase things. Unfortunately, and often disastrously they love to chase cars. A Shetland sheepdog should not be allowed to run free near a road as it may decide to chase a car or something else it sees across the road, running a high risk of getting hit by a car. Because of its beauty and kindness, the Shetland sheepdog has become a popular companion dog. This breed may bark a lot. Some say males make better and more affectionate pets.

Living Conditions

The Shetland Sheepdog will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Shetland Sheepdogs are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Upkeep

The Shetland Sheepdog is energetic, but its exercise needs can be met with a good walk, short jog or active game and training session. Shetland Sheepdog can live outdoors in a temperate climate, but it is strongly advised that the Sheltie be a house dog. Shetland Sheepdog is too attached to its family to do well separated from them. Its thick coat needs brushing or combing every other day.

Health

Major concerns: dermatomyositis

Minor concerns: collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, trichiasis, cataract, hip dysplasia, hemophilia, Legg – Perthes disease, patellar luxation

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Sealyham Terrier

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Description

The Sealyham Terrier is the embodiment of power and determination, ever keen and alert, yet free from clumsiness. Resembling the wire fox terrier, Sealyham Terrier is a playful, with an eager to please, outgoing, friendly attitude. Sealyham Terrier also have their own sense of humor and like many terriers they make a delightful companion. Making a tireless companion, they are sometimes known as the couch potato as they require less exercise than most terriers.

Size of Male: Height: 10.5-12 inches Weight: 23-24 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10.5-12 inches Weight: 18-22 pounds

Temperament

Sealyham Terriers are loyal, loving, independent, spirited, and affectionate. Sealyham Terriers are brave little dogs. Sealyham Terrier have been descried as “the most beautiful union between cheerfulness and courage.” Sealyhams are not as rowdy as some of the other terrier breeds. They are somewhat reserved with strangers, fairly independent, and generally good with other pets, although they can get very dog-aggressive. Sealyham terrier like to bark. They are a little difficult to train but they can hunt, track and are good watchdogs. Sealyhams are good at catching mice and rats. They are best with older children who are considerate of dogs. Sealyham Terrier are “pack” dogs. They appreciate being a key part of a family and welcome companionship with other dogs.

Living Conditions

Sealyham Terrier is good for apartment living. Sealyham Terriers are relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Sealyham Terrier prefers cool weather. As with other dogs do ensure that they get enough exercise also as it is very important to keep them healthy.

Upkeep

The exercise needs of Sealyham Terrier are not too demanding, consisting of a short to moderate walk or game session every day. If allowed off leash, it should be in a safe area because Sealyham Terrier may tend to follow its nose. Sealyham Terrier is suited for indoor life, preferably with yard access, although it can live in an apartment. Its wire coat needs combing two to three times weekly, plus shaping every three months. Shaping for pets is by clipping, and for show dogs by stripping.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: retinal dysplasia, lens luxation

Life expectancy: 11 – 13 years

Scottish Terrier

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Description

Known also as the Aberdeen Terrier, the Scottish Terrier has a compact, strong body; short legs, pricked ears and naturally straight and upward pointing tail. The face of Scottish Terrier should wear a keen, sharp and active expression. Scottish Terrier tends to be a one or two people dog and does its best as a pampered pet. While a little stubborn, they still make a loyal pet if given the chance to survey the scene before committing themselves. A very good watchdog, but they need to be keep secured as they have a tendency to wander.

Size of Male: Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 19-22 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 18-21 pounds

Temperament

Brave and alert, the Scottish Terrier is protective, hardy and lovable. Scottish Terrier is charming and full of character. Playful and friendly as a puppy, Scottish Terrier matures into a dignified adult. This breed has unusual variable behavior and moods. It can get moody and snappish as an adult. The Scottish Terrier makes a very good watchdog. It is inclined to be stubborn, however, and needs firm, gentle handling from an early age or it will dominate the household. This breed is sensitive to correction. Obedience training must be consistent but persuasive. Do not push this breed too far; never hit a terrier and do not play aggressive games like wrestling and tug-of-war. They can challenge family members who have not established leadership over them. Lively, proud, and intelligent, it has a reliable temperament, but does not welcome interlopers and has no interest in anyone outside its own human family. The Scottish Terrier will attach itself to one or two people and live for them. Likes to bark and dig, enjoys walks, loves to play ball games, and is thoroughly sporty, home loving and independent. This breed does best with older considerate children. It has been described as the dog that can go anywhere and do anything – a big dog in a small dog’s body. It is very sensitive to criticism and praise and therefore should be trained gently. These dogs make good house pets.

Living Conditions

Scottish Terrier is good for apartment living. Scottish Terrier is moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Scottish Terrier prefer cool climate. Do ensure that your Scottish Terrier gets enough exercise to prevent destructive behavior and keep it healthy.

Upkeep

Scottish Terrier is a dog on the lookout for adventure, and it needs some excitement and exercise in its life every day. This can take the form of a moderate walk on leash, a boisterous game with the Scottish Terrier or an off-leash exploration in a safe area. Although Scottish Terrier could live outdoors in a temperate to warm climate, it is far better suited as a house dog with access to a yard. Its wire coat needs combing two to three times weekly, plus shaping every three months. Shaping for pets is by clipping, and for show dogs by stripping.

Health

Major concerns: von willebrand’s disease, cranialmandubular osteopathy

Minor concerns: Scotty cramp, intervertebral disc disease

Life expectancy: 11 – 13 years

Scottish Deerhound

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Description

The Scottish Deerhound has grace, dignity and beauty. As a companion the Scottish Deerhound is ideal, being tractable and easy to train and possessing the most dependable loyalty and utmost devotion to its master. Scottish Deerhound is a mellow, low-key and easy going breed who loves outdoors and will chase anything that moves.

Size of Male: Height: 30-32 inches Weight: 85-110 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 28-32 inches Weight: 75-95 pounds

Temperament

Scottish Deerhound is a gentle and gentlemanly dog with elegant ways and polite affection. Scottish Deerhound is quiet, loving, friendly and excellent with children. Very courageous and dignified, devoted and loyal, but Scottish Deerhounds are not watch or guard dogs, for they just love everyone. The Scottish Deerhound can be willful at times and slow to obey commands. Although friendly with other dogs, they should not be trusted with non-canine pets. The Scottish Deerhound has an unusual cry.

Living Conditions

Scottish Deerhounds are not recommended for apartment life, although mature Deerhounds can do well in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. Scottish Deerhounds are relatively inactive indoors and should have at least a large yard, but do best with acreage so it will have room to run around.

Upkeep

The Scottish Deerhound needs a good amount of daily exercise, either a long walk or a romp in a safe area. Although physically suited to outdoor living in temperate or cool climates, Scottish Deerhound prefers to live inside with its family and needs human companionship. Regardless, Scottish Deerhound needs soft bedding to avoid callouses. The crisp coat needs combing one or two times weekly. Some scissoring is optional to neaten up straggling hair, plus minimal stripping around the face and ears.

Health

Major concerns: gastric torsion, osteosarcoma

Minor concerns: cardiomyopathy

Life expectancy: 8 – 11 years

Schipperke

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Description

The Schipperke is an independent little dog who makes a well-behaved, loyal and affectionate pet. Schipperke is undemanding and devoted to their owners, enjoying being a part of a family. Curious about everything in their surroundings, the Schipperke is lively, alert and at times independent. A naturally clean dog, the Schipperke will take care of their own grooming and needs minimal attention from his owners.

Size of Male: Height: 11-13 inches Weight: 12-16 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 12-16 pounds

Temperament

The Schipperke are quick, energetic little dogs. Schipperke is a big dog in a little dog’s body. Schipperke is hot-tempered, high-spirited, self-confident and protective. They are wary of strangers and may seem somewhat aloof, but are actually very devoted and loyal, especially with children. It really bonds to its owner. Determined and alert, the Schipperke will defend its territory, whether it is an apartment or a piece of land, against both two-legged and four-legged intruders. If someone new visits, they will adopt a watchful position. Pet cats will be happily accepted and they are usually good with other dogs. They are very smart, curious and mischievous. Schipperke can be willful, but is usually easy to train as it is intelligent and eager to learn. The Schipperke likes to howl and bark. These dogs do exceptionally well on boats. Among the Schipperke’s best qualities are the ability to defend its home against intruders – backing down from nobody, and of being an excellent friend to children. Some can be difficult to housebreak.

Living Conditions

The Schipperke are good dogs for apartment life. Schipperke are very active indoors. Schipperke are incredibly quick and it is a good idea to have a fenced yard. It is still important to bring your dog out for socialization and exercise from young.

Upkeep

The active nature of Schipperke makes exercise – both mental and physical – imperative. The small stature of Schipperke makes getting that exercise fairly easy, however. Either a vigorous game in the yard or a moderate walk on leash will usually suffice to meets the needs of Schipperke. The Schipperke should not live outdoors, even though it enjoys spending the day in the yard. Its double coat needs weekly brushing, more when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: Legg – Perthes disease

Life expectancy: 13 – 15 years

Samoyed

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Description

The Samoyed is a good-natured, mischievous, family dog who has a fondness for people, especially children. The beauty of a Samoyed is a smile which extends from ear-to-ear will attract attention when they are out. An owner of a Samoyed should be somebody who is willing to give of their time in both grooming and activity. They do not shed, instead you will find their woolly undercoat coming out like white balls of fluff floating through the air.

Size of Male: Height: 21-23.5 inches Weight: 45-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 50-65 pounds

Temperament

Samoyeds are gentle dogs. Samoyeds are peaceable and dignified. Very devoted, Samoyeds tend to favor one person, but love everyone. They are easy-going, friendly and quite playful. It will gladly be friendly to all, including intruders. They are too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It willingly adapts to family life and gets along well with children. They are highly intelligent, but often willfully resistant to formal obedience training. They eventually responds to firm, patient training, which should be started at an early age. Since it is accustomed to working in teams, its outstanding qualities often do not have the opportunity to be expressed. However, when it becomes attached to a single master, it proves itself an outstanding, good-natured, lively, and sociable dog. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary. They have a reputation of being chewers and may become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. Samoyeds should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, however there are plenty of them that live and get along with family cats. This breed tends to bark a lot.

Living Conditions

The Samoyed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Samoyed is very active indoors and a small yard is sufficient. The heavy coat of Samoyed makes this dog unsuited to life in very hot climates. To prevent unwanted and destructive behavior it is important that they are exercised daily.

Upkeep

The Samoyed is active and needs a good workout every day, either in the form of a long walk or jog or a vigorous play session. Samoyed likes to pull and herd, and it loves cold weather. Samoyed can live outdoors in temperate to cold climates, but it much prefers to live indoors with its human family. Its thick coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week, daily when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: gastric torsion

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years

Saluki

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Description

The dogs of the Pharaohs, the Saluki is a slim, high-stepping, elegant dog which was used in Arabia for hunting of gazelles and other game with falcons. Saluki is also known as the Gazelle Hound, Arabian Hound, Eastern Greyhound and the Persian Greyhound. Saluki can have running bursts of up to 40 mph with exceptional endurance. An aloof, cautious dog, they are strongly committed to their family.

Size of Male: Height: 23-28 inches Weight: 35-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-28 inches Weight: 35-65 pounds

Temperament

The Saluki are even-tempered, sensitive, gentle, affectionate, but not demonstrative. Saluki may become attached to one person. Saluki are good with gentle older children. They are too slim for roughhousing. The breed can’t take harsh discipline or strictness. They can be trained only with love and consistency. This breed will never be perfectly obedient so do not set your expectations too high. Sensitive and friendly, but somewhat aloof, even with his family. They are fairly submissive to dominant people and dogs and are easily distracted and somewhat skittish especially with other dogs. The Saluki do best with another Saluki. They are a pleasant and calm companions and make a good watchdog. Though not aggressive with people, the Saluki’s natural instinct is to chase and kill non-canine animals. This is a proper function and this trait should not be discouraged within the breed. They may need obedience training to keep their deep-rooted hunting instincts under control, however with few exceptions it has proven impossible to train these dogs not to hunt at all. As a result, many pets such as birds, guinea pigs and rabbits are not recommended for Saluki owners. They can be good with cats if the cat is left to its own instinctive abilities.

Living Conditions

The Saluki is not recommended for apartment life. Saluki is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with acreage. Saluki should sleep indoors. Warm temperatures are most comfortable, but very hot weather can be uncomfortable. Do ensure you bring them out for daily walks and exert them physically every day to keep them healthy

Upkeep

Daily exercise is essential to Saluki, preferably in the form of free running in a safe, enclosed area. The needs of Saluki can also be met with long leash walks or jogging. Saluki should sleep inside in all but the warmest climates; they do best as indoor dogs with access to a yard. They can play in snow and cold weather but should not be expected to spend extended time in the cold. The Saluki must have a soft bed, or it could develop callouses. A Saluki in proper weight is naturally thin; however, this breed tends to be a picky eater, which can result in a very thin-looking dog. Many people not familiar with the Saluki wrongly assume that the dog is not being fed properly! The smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair, but the feathered coat needs combing once or twice a week to prevent matting.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: none

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years