Miniature Poodle

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Description

The Miniature poodle are also known as barbone and caniche. Well – proportioned and squarely built, the Miniature Poodle was bred down from the Standard Poodle. Miniature Poodle is an intelligent breed with a sporty disposition and very easy to train. Miniature Poodle is a delightful, good natured, lively dog. The Poodle makes an excellent family pet who will adapt to any situation and will try anything an owner wants.

Size of Male: Height: 10-15 inches Weight: 12-18 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10-15 inches Weight: 12-18 pounds

Temperament

The Miniature Poodle is a cheerful, super smart, sensitive and highly trainable companion dog. Miniature Poodle is great at learning tricks, and a favorite in the circus ring. The Miniature Poodle will feel slighted if it is left out of family activities. They are very amusing and clever. Many owners feel this dog understands speech in an uncanny way. Some love to play with children, but some are sensitive and nervous. They can be somewhat high-strung. Be careful where you buy your puppy. Purchase from parents you have met and liked, and even ask to see the grandparents if possible. They tend to be quite reserved with strangers and should be socialized as a puppy. Any effort the owner puts into training and socializing will be well rewarded. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. They do tend to bark a lot. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets.

Living Conditions

The Miniature Poodle is good for apartment life. Miniature Poodles are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. But do ensure they are exerted physically and mentally to keep them healthy.

Upkeep

All Miniature Poodles need a lot of interaction with people. Miniature Poodles also need mental and physical exercise. A brief but challenging obedience or play session, combined with a walk, should be part of every Miniature Poodle’s day. 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: Progressive retinal atrophy, Legg – Perthes disease, patellar luxation, epilepsy

Minor concerns: Trichiasis, entropion, lacrimal duct atresia, cataract, glaucoma, distichiasis

Life expectancy: 13 – 15 years

Miniature Pinscher

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Description

The Miniature Pinscher also known as the Min-Pin is a well-balanced, sturdy, compact, short-coupled, smooth-coated dog who is proud, vigorous and alert. Miniature Pinscher is a fun loving extroverted dog who is great in the show ring and makes a clever companion. Vibrant, vivacious and perky, Miniature Pinscher is always on the go. He does well as a house dog who is at his best being the family watchdog.

Size of Male: Height: 10-12.5 inches Weight: 8-10 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10-12.5 inches Weight: 8-10 pounds

Temperament

The Miniature Pinscher is a hardy little fellow that is very demanding and headstrong. Miniature Pinscher is proud, overly courageous and likes to bark. Miniature Pinscher is loyal to his owner, spirited and alert, with high energy. Intelligent, lively and brave, it is a big dog in a little dog’s body. The Miniature Pinscher is moderately protective. Some can be very aggressive with other dogs, but they are generally good with other pets and children provided the children do not pester. They are rather suspicious towards strangers, but their behavior depends entirely upon how they were brought up as young pups. Don’t spoil this breed too much or the dog may become a tyrant. The Miniature Pinscher can learn extremely well and wants very much to do so. It is certainly beneficial for its socialization to take the dog to puppy courses where it can meet other dogs and people. You will be amazed at how fast the Miniature Pinscher understands and obeys you. Pay particular attention when housebreaking this little Pinscher, since a little puddle from such a small dog can easily be overlooked; the dog may get the idea that you are happy to accept it fulfilling its natural needs indoors. The Miniature Pinscher is often called “King of The Toys.” Beware, this little dog will chew small objects and may choke on them. Do not overfeed this breed.

Living Conditions

The Miniature Pinscher is good for apartment life. Miniature Pinscher is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. The Miniature Pinscher should be protected from the cold. It is important to bring them out for daily exercise to ensure they get enough exercise and to make sure they are healthy. It is also important to ensure they get enough exercise when they are young.

Upkeep

The Miniature Pinscher needs lots of activity. Because of the Miniature Pinscher’s small size, its exercise needs can be met indoors or out; regardless, it needs several play sessions every day. Miniature Pinscher enjoys a romp outdoors in a safe area, but it hates the cold. This is not a breed to live outdoors. Its coat is virtually carefree, requiring only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: Legg – Perthes disease, patellar luxation

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Mastiff

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Description

The Mastiff is a large, massive, symmetrical dog with a well-knit frame. Mastiff gives the impression of grandeur and dignity. Mastiff has been developed into a guardian and few intruders would venture onto a property guarded by a Mastiff yet he is a highly adored family dog with a gentle side. He tends to keep close to home and is disinclined to roam.

Size of Male: Height: 30 inches Weight: 175-190 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 27.5 inches Weight: 175-190 pounds

Temperament

Originally valued for their abilities as a fierce guard and fighting dog, today’s Mastiff is a gentle giant. Mastiff is a self-confident, watchful, and patient dog who is gentle-natured towards his family. Mastiff is intelligent and dignified. It rarely barks, but it is in its nature to defend its territory and family. Calm, steady and docile, this dog is normally excellent with children, (not recommend for toddlers though, because of their great size). Good natured, but very large and heavy. Mastiffs respond well to gentle, patient training. This breed loves to please and needs lots of companionship. The Mastiff’s dominance varies widely depending on the lineage. They can be aloof with strangers or fairly friendly. Do not hit a Mastiff or you are asking for it! A born guard dog, brave and loyal. When strangers visit, it is likely to refuse to let them in unless they are accepted by its handler. The Mastiff generally holds intruders at bay rather than attacking. Protection training is unnecessary for this naturally protective breed. It is very possessive of home, family and car. It may be combative with other dogs if not very well socialized as a puppy, so extra effort should be given to socialize a Mastiff puppy. If properly socialized it will get along well with other dogs. The Mastiff tends to drool, wheeze and snore loudly. They can be somewhat difficult to train.

Living Conditions

The Mastiff will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Mastiff is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. Do ensure you bring your mastiff out for daily walks and socialization especially when they are young to prevent accidents from happening when they are grown up as they can be really fierce. Exercising is also very important to allow your dog to be healthy.

Upkeep

The adult Mastiff needs daily moderate exercise, consisting of either a good walk or game. Mastiff do not enjoy hot weather. Mastiff can live outdoors in temperate or cool weather, but it does not do well in warm weather; in fact, even though it may be physically able to live outside, it is a breed that should live inside with its family so that it will be inclined to fulfill its role of devoted guardian. However, mastiff tends to drool. Coat care is minimal, with brushing to remove dead hair and combing every now and then.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion

Minor concerns: ectropion, persistent pupillary membranes, vaginal hyperplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

Life expectancy: 8 – 12 years

Maltese

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Description

The Maltese is a member of the bichon family and is one of the oldest European breeds. Maltese has a beautiful mantel of long, silky, white hair, this is his crowning glory. Maltese is gentle-mannered and affectionate, yet playful and full of animation. Despite their size, they possess the vigor needed for an excellent companion. The Maltese is intelligent and easy to train but is very strong-willed. They enjoy being groomed, petted and fondled.

Size of Male: Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 4-7 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 4-7 pounds

Temperament

The Maltese is spirited, lively and playful. Maltese are gentle, loving, trusting and devoted to their owner. Maltese is highly intelligent. Maltese are good at learning tricks if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Bold and quick to sound the alarm in case of suspicious noises. It is a classical companion dog; graceful and lovable. They do well with other animals. Maltese love to play outdoors but have a tendency for jumping in puddles. A bath must follow, however, afterwards. These dogs can be snappish with inconsiderate children and may be difficult to housebreak. Sometimes they are picky eaters. Include small biscuits and dry dog food in this breed’s regular diet to help the teeth stay strong and healthy. Do not over-pamper or overprotect these little dogs, for some become unstable, and some may become jealous of visitors.

Living Conditions

The Maltese is a good dog for apartment life. Maltese are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. However, do make sure they are exercising enough and have plenty of socialization opportunities when they are still young.

Upkeep

The exercise requirements of the Maltese are easily met with indoor games, a romp in the yard or a short walk on leash. Despite its coat, the Maltese is not an outdoor dog. The coat of Maltese needs combing every one or two days; show coats may be “wrapped” for protection. The white coat may be difficult to keep clean in some areas. Pets may be clipped for easier care, but then the essential trait of the breed would be lost.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, open fontanel, hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, distichiasis, entropion

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

 

Löwchen

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Description

The Löwchen or Little Lion Dog is a member of the Bichon group. Löwchen have long, silky coat trimmed in the traditional “lion clip”. A spunky, high spirited dog Löwchen is also happy to just curl up in your lap. Originally used in France as a watch dog, he is gaining international popularity. Not considered a rare breed, they are still uncommon.

Size of Male: Height: 12-14 inches Weight: 8-18 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 12-14 inches Weight: 8-18 pounds

Temperament

The Löwchen is a cheerful, lively, affectionate dog. Sociable and intelligent, Löwchen is eager to learn. Löwchen is fearless, but gentle and sensitive. Löwchen usually learn quickly and present little difficulty in their training. Playful, they are good with children and usually will do okay with other dogs as well as non-canine pets. Its lion-cut coat makes it look fragile and rather undignified, although this is definitely not the case. The Löwchen is a robust and tough dog which can be strong-willed and arrogant. Males, in particular, are quite willing to challenge other large household dogs for leadership. If necessary, they will defend its house with intense barking. They are not hyperactive, but some may bark or dig a lot.

Living Conditions

The Löwchen are good for apartment life. Löwchen are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. As with most small dogs, the löwchen also can meet its exercise needs by running around in the apartment. But do make sure they are well exercised and socialized so you have a healthy dog, mentally and physically.

Upkeep

The Löwchen can receive ample exercise with a short walk or active game every day. Löwchen enjoy mental challenges. Löwchen is not a breed that should live outside, although it appreciates access to a yard during the day. Its coat needs brushing or combing about every other day. Clipping to maintain the traditional lion trim must be done every month or two. Many pet owners prefer to keep their dogs in a puppy clip.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: patellar luxation

Life expectancy: 13 – 15 years

Lhasa Apso

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Description

The Lhasa Apso has the characteristics of keen watchfulness, and is very hardy. Lhasa Apso are easily trained and responsive to kindness. The beautiful dark eyes of Lhasa Apso are appealing as they wait for some mark of appreciation for his efforts. The Lhasa Apso is happy, usually long lived, adaptable and good in families with children.

Size of Male: Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 13-17 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 13-17 pounds

Temperament

Lhasa Apso is a hardy dog with a friendly, assertive, manner. Intelligent and lively, Lhasa Apso makes a good pet, but it is naturally suspicious of strangers. Lhasa Apso are spirited and devoted. These little dogs are affectionate with their masters, but they will not tolerate rough or badly behaved children. Some are willful and some are very obedient to their masters. This breed responds to motivational training. They should have a dominant owner. They are good watchdogs with a loud, persistent bark, which gives the impression to intruders of a much larger dog. The breed can be noisy and may be too nervous around children and strangers. They are inclined to fight if they are not the only dog in the house. They have a fine sense of hearing. These little dogs travel well. Lhasa Apso bitches make good mothers. They dislike being alone and can be snappish if surprised or peeved.

Living Conditions

Lhasa Apso are good for apartment living. Lhasa Apso are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. As with other small dogs, the exercise in the apartment is usually enough when they play some games and run around, however, do ensure they are properly socialized and exercised to keep them healthy

Upkeep

The Lhasa Apso is an active dog, but its relatively small size makes it possible to meet its energy needs either with short walks or vigorous play sessions in the yard, or even home. Lhasa Apso makes a fine apartment dog. Lhasa Apso is not suited for outdoor living. The long coat needs brushing and combing every other day.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, entropion, distichiasis, progressive retinal atrophy, renal cortical hypoplasia

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Lakeland Terrier

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Description

Lakeland Terrier is a small, workman like dog of square, sturdy build who resembles the wire fox terrier. Lakeland Terrier generally likes everyone they meet and can distinguish friends from strangers. An enthusiastic breed Lakeland Terrier enjoys playing with adults or children and has a way of getting his own way making him an entertaining pet.

Size of Male: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 15-17 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 13-14.5 inches Weight: 15-17 pounds

Temperament

The Lakeland Terrier is a peppy, cheerful, loving and affectionate dog. Lakeland Terrier are similar to the Welsh Terrier in many ways, but is a bit feistier, willful and more determined. Lakeland Terrier is alert, confident and Courageous. This breed loves children. The Lakeland Terrier needs firm training. They like to dig and may be a barker. This breed tends to guard their toys and food. The Lakeland Terriers may be difficult to housebreak, but tend to learn quite easily otherwise. Make sure that the training is full of variety and offers the dog a challenge. You will find the dog quickly learns what you want from him. The Lakeland Terrier gets along well with other dogs, which is unusual for Terriers. They can be unsure around strangers, but this does not usually become extreme. Socialize them when they are still young with cats and other animals so they do not chase them when they are older.

Living Conditions

Lakeland Terrier are good for apartment life. Lakeland Terrier are very active indoors and will do all right without a yard. Also do ensure that your terrier will get enough exercise if it is to live in an apartment as similar with other dogs, the Lakeland terrier needs to be exercised daily and socialized when young.

Upkeep

Lakeland Terrier is an active breed that needs daily entertainment or it will make it for itself. A moderate walk on leash or a hardy game in the yard can usually satisfy Lakeland Terrier’s needs, but it also enjoys the chance to explore off leash in a safe area. Lakeland Terrier enjoys spending the day in a secure yard, but it should optimally sleep in the house. Its wire coat needs combing one or two times weekly, plus scissoring and shaping (clipping for pets and stripping for show dogs) four times yearly.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: lens luxation, distichiasis

Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years

Labrador Retriever

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Description

The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, very active dog. Labrador Retriever are wide over the loins and strong and muscular hindquarters. Labrador Retriever is easy to train and is good with children and other dogs. The Labrador Retriever is good natured, loyal and hardworking. He should never be aggressive. He makes a good gundog and domestic pet.

Size of Male: Height: 22.5-24.5 inches Weight: 65-80 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21.5-23.5 inches Weight: 55-70 pounds

Temperament

The Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, Labrador Retrievers love to play, especially in water – for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Some may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They can become destructive if left too much to their own devices. Train Labradors early not to pull on the leash, as they have very strong necks. Show lines are generally heavier and easier going than field lines. Field lines tend to be very energetic and high strung. Often the best pets are from combination show/field stock. This breed is very popular. If you are planning to show, buy only from a reputable breeder. Labs are a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever. Some of their talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, carting, agility, and competitive obedience.

Living Conditions

The Labrador Retriever will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Labrador Retrievers are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. As with many other dogs, exercise is very important and do make sure they are well socialized.

Upkeep

Labrador Retrievers are active and sociable dogs. Labrador Retrievers need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with their Labrador Retrievers. The Lab coat sheds water easily. It needs weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Although Labs can live outdoors in temperate climates, they are much happier indoors with their family.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, retinal dysplasia/skeletal dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: cataract, Osteochondritis dissecans, progressive retinal atrophy, pyotraumatic dermatitis

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years

Kuvasz

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Description

The Kuvasz Hungarian kuvasz is a working dog of larger size, sturdily built, well balanced, neither lanky nor cobby. Kuvasz is white in color with no markings. Kuvasz impresses the eye with his strength and activity. A one-family dog he is extremely loyal, obedient, active and strong but is wary of strangers.

Size of Male: Height: 28-30 inches Weight: 100-115 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 26-28 inches Weight: 70-90 pounds

Temperament

The Kuvasz is an intelligent and curious dog. Kuvasz are bold, determined, brave and fearless. Kuvasz are also easy to housebreak. This livestock guardian is very territorial with strong protective instincts. It makes an excellent guard dog. It is an outstanding herder and defender of the flock against wolves. This is not a breed for everyone. His large size and strong protective instincts demand extra owner care and responsibility. He will fiercely defend his people and territory. The Kuvasz is devoted to his family, forming a strong bond with them, though the Kuvasz is a very independent breed and may even be stand-offish with his owners. If the dog is going to live with children, it is best, if possible, to select a Kuvasz pup from Kuvasz parents who love children. The Kuvasz is usually gentle and patient with his own family’s children, but may not be trustworthy with others. To prevent accidental injury, do not leave this dog unsupervised with small children and their friends. Individuals vary in sociability, but for the most part, the Kuvasz is quite reserved with and even suspicious of strangers. This breed must be extensively socialized early in life to combat his extremely protective personality. He should be trained firmly by an experienced, dominant person, and should be taught to accept the family’s welcome guests. The Kuvasz is not an easy breed to obedience train, as he was bred to work independently of men. He is willful, but also quite sensitive to criticism. Do not treat this dog harshly. Young dogs may test authority frequently. All family members should be taught how to handle the dog. It is highly advisable to accustom the puppy to handling strangers, both for your veterinarian’s sake and if you wish to show the dog. Choose a puppy carefully – after seeing both parents, if possible. Some lines of Kuvasz are much more easy-going than others. Though puppies can easily accept other animals, adult Kuvasz are quite combative and may resent intrusions of a new canine or other animal into the household, but they can also be very gentle with other pets and livestock. Be sure to supervise and teach your Kuvasz that the newcomers are part of the family. Do not leave the new dog alone with an adult Kuvasz until you are absolutely certain they will not fight. Male to male aggression is common. If you wish your Kuvasz to be a livestock guardian, special training is necessary. Consult an expert to learn how to train your dog. From the age of 6-7 weeks, the puppy should spend most of his time with the animals he will later be called upon to guard, so he can form a strong bond with them. The biggest key to training a Kuvasz is to understand the nature of the breed as an independent guardian. It is very important not to use harsh training methods. As an example, a police dog trainer would be exactly the wrong kind of trainer to use. A police dog type of temperament is not what the Kuvasz is. They make terrible police dogs because they are too independent. They judge, not you, what force is necessary in any situation, based on what they believe. That comes out of instinct, and then what they are “taught.” They are really remarkable judges of how forceful to be in a situation. You need to “teach” Kuvasz, you don’t “train” them. This does not mean physically forceful; you must understand that “impression” is what creates dominance. The same Kuvasz who will drive off a wolf, bear, etc., without hesitation, will stand by in the field, helping a ewe with a lambs delivery and making sure the lamb can find its mother. That is their nature.

Living Conditions

The Kuvasz is not recommended for apartment life. Kuvaszok are fairly active indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Do not leave Kuvasz alone in the backyard for long stretches of time, as they may become destructive. Vigorous exercise should help with this. Kuvasz should never be left outside all tied up, for this could lead to viciousness. It will do best in a large enclosed yard. It especially enjoys cold weather and can live outdoors in temperate to cold climates as long as it has a doghouse and fresh water, but will do best if allowed access to both the house and yard. The Kuvasz’s thick coat makes him very uncomfortable in warm weather or humid conditions; they should always have plenty of shade and fresh water.

Upkeep

The Kuvasz needs daily exercise and enjoys a long walk or good run in a safe area. Kuvasz especially enjoys cold weather and can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates. Kuvasz does best when allowed access to both house and yard. Its coat needs brushing one or two times weekly, more often during heavy shedding periods. Also the

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, Osteochondritis dissecans

Minor concerns: none

Life expectancy: 9 – 12 years

Komondor

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Description

The Komondor also known as Hungarian sheepdog are big, muscular dogs with plenty of bone and substance, covered with an unusually, heavy, white corded coat which resembles and old-fashioned string mop. Komondor puppies are white and fluffy and tend to form cords at about 3 to 4 months of age. Komondor is very strong and agile for his size. A hardy, healthy dog he can tolerate changing temperatures. Keeping the coat of a Komondor is a challenge and should not be taken lightly. Cords continue to grow and must be maintained by dividing new hair growth every two to three months from the skin out to the existing cords. If not trimmed regularly the coat will reach the ground by the time he is 6 years old. Another consideration is that coat is always picking up debris from outside like dirt, leaves, twigs, small living creatures and this needs to be removed.

Size of Male: Height: 27.5-31.5 inches Weight: 110-130 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 25.5-29.5 inches Weight: 85-110 pounds

Temperament

The Komondor is serious, confident, alert and commanding. Komondor can be very reserved with strangers and is very territorial and highly protective of his family, house, car, and livestock. Implacable against wolves and bears that would attack the flock with which Komondor is entrusted. In a few minutes the Komondor can get the better of even the strongest enemy. It can be fiercely protective and even aggressive, especially with strange dogs, but also with people. This breed must be thoroughly socialized with people and other dogs at an early age. They need complete and firm obedience training by an experienced owner, as he can be very willful. Smart, but easily bored, loyal to and respectful of his master, but fierce against threats to his charges. Komondors can be good family dogs if they are socialized as a young puppy, trained thoroughly, and raised with children from the start, but they are not recommended for most families.

Living Conditions

Komondor does best in a clean country environment where they can receive extensive daily exercise, but it will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They do well in most climates, for the Komondor lives for many months outdoors in all kinds of weather. As with many dogs, exercise is of huge importance to the komondor and they can be good apartment dogs if sufficiently exercised and socoalised

Upkeep

The Komondor needs daily exercise in the form of long walks or short romps. Swimming is not a good idea because of the time it takes to dry the coat of Komondor. It may also be difficult to keep the coat of Komondor clean in some areas. This breed does not like warm weather. It can live outdoors in temperate to cool weather. The Komondor is nonshedding but not carefree. Its cords must be regularly separated or they will look like flat mats, and its coat tends to hold dirt; bathing is time-consuming and drying takes as much as a day. Care of the coat in nonshow dogs is far less extensive. Pets can be clipped but then lose part of the breed’s unique appeal. Note that it may take a dog up to 2 years of age before cords form.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion

Minor concerns: otitis externa, acute moist dermatitis

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years