Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier, classified in the terrier group, is well known for its friendly personality, relatively rare availability and their appearance in the Christopher Guest comedy film, “Best in Show.” The Norwich Terrier, which was initially bred in England, was specifically bred small in order to hunt down rodents and other types of small vermin.

A brief history of the Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier was originally developed in England as a small working terrier, which was used in several different capacities, including hunting down rats and other types of vermin, assisting in fox hunts, as well as living as family companions. Some historians believe that the Norwich Terrier is a decedent of the Irish Terrier; while others believe the breed was originally developed from a now existent breed called the Trumpington Terrier.

The breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1932. Until cropping ears became illegal in England, the Norwich Terrier was often shown with cropped ears; this generated intense controversy over whether or not dogs with drop-ears should be allowed in dog shows, or the show ring, as some breeders believed that terriers with drop ears had significant differences from terriers with upright, or “pricked” ears. However, in 1964 the Kennel Club classified drop-eared Norwich Terriers as a separate breed, now called the Norfolk Terrier.

Characteristics

The Norwich Terrier is considered to be one of the smallest of the terrier breeds. Adult Norwich Terriers typically measure about 9 to 10 inches in height at the shoulders and weigh between 11 and 12 lbs. Both males and females are typically of the same stature. The breed, which has a double coat, comes in mostly solid colors of black, red, tan, and wheat.

Personality wise, the Norwich Terrier is considered to be an assertive–but not necessarily aggressive–and energetic breed. They are considered to be companion dogs that should not be kept outside, like some larger breeds, and are usually eager to please their owners while maintaining their own independence. If they are socialized with children and pets at an early age, they can make excellent companions in a home with children and other pets–however, caution is required when it comes to household pets such as rats, mice, hamsters or other rodents, as the Norwich Terrier may instinctively consider them prey.

Although they are small, Norwich Terriers are active dogs who need at least one hour of daily exercise, such as a walk, run, or heavy play session. The breed is also unique because of its sensitivity to boredom; Norwich Terriers may get easily bored by routine exercise, such as a walk down the same stretch of road every day.

Did you know? Trivia

• It is difficult to breed Norwich Terriers. Because of this, they are considered to be a relatively rare breed. Most Norwich Terriers are born using Caesarean sections, and the average litter size for the breed is just two puppies—on average, only 750 Norwich Terriers are born each year.

Leonberger

The Leonberger, classified in the working group, is well known for its exceptional size, its royal connections, and its use in water-based lifesaving services. The Leonberger was believed, according to legend, to be bred as a dog which would mimic the appearance of a lion.

A brief history of the Leonberger

Breeding historians believe that the Leonberger was developed by a man named Heinrich Essig, a dog breeder who lived in the town of Leonberg, Germany. Essig claimed to have first developed the Leonberger breed by breeding a Landseer Newfoundland dog with a Barry–a forerunner of the St. Bernard; he also claimed to further develop the Leonberger by introducing a Pyrenean Mountain Dog into the mix. According to legend, Essig wanted to create a breed which would resemble the lion, which was the coat of arms of the town of Leonberg at the time. The breed was commonly used both as a working dog and a dog of royalty in the 19th century. Napoleon II, Empress Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary, Emperor Napoleon III and Otto Von Bismarck all owned Leonbergers. Like many dogs common to Europe, the Leonberger was nearly driven to extinction during World War I and World War II. Only five members of the breed were left in Europe following World War I. The breed was rescued until World War II, when many of their owners and breeders either fled or were killed in the fighting. The breed was used during the war to pull ammunition carts, often resulting in their deaths. It is believed that less than a dozen Leonbergers survived Europe in World War II.

Characteristics

The Leonberger is a very large dog. Males of the breed are typically 28 to 32 inches in height at the shoulders, while females of the breed are typically 25 to 30 inches in height at the shoulders. They weight anywhere from 110 to 170 lbs.; male Leonbergers typically weigh more than females. The breed is muscular and well balanced due to their being bred for working purposes. They have a double coat, which typically comes in black, red, tan and yellow, which is water-resistant. Their coats shed frequently and they require weekly brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat in a healthy shape.

Personality wise, the Leonberger is considered today to be a family dog first and a working dog second. A well trained and properly socialized Leonberger will be confident but submissive to family members, friendly towards children and gentle to infants, insensitive to strangers and generally playful, kind and loyal. Because of their large size and strength, proper training is essential for this breed. They can make excellent pets in homes with children, but it is important for homeowners to recognize that without proper training, the mere size and strength of the Leonberger can pose a potential hazard to children. They require daily exercise to keep their energy and health in check.

Did you know? Trivia

• Leonbergers have webbed feet and are very strong swimmers; they are often used during water rescue operations.

Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin, classified as a toy breed, is well known for its distinct royal heritage–the Japanese Chin is considered to be “the dog” of Japanese royalty and it has a long history of being owned and kept as royal pets in Japan.

A brief history of the Japanese Chin

The exact origin of the Japanese Chin is unknown. However, it is believed that the Japanese Chin actually originated from China, possibly as a sole breed which eventually branched out into the Chinese Pekingese breed and the Japanese Chin. Early Japanese records indicate that the early Japanese Chin may have started out as companion dogs of Buddhist Monks who eventually gifted dogs to traveling dignitaries–who, in turn, gifted the majestic looking pets to Japanese royalty. It is known that once the Japanese Chin assumed its place as the dog of royalty, peasants were not allowed to own the dogs and they become a prized privilege. The Japanese Chin remained an isolated breed until the mid-19th century, with the isolationist policy of Japan was ended and trade between Japan and the Western world began again. Commodore Matthew Perry took several pairs of Japanese Chins with him when returning from Japan, however, only one pair of the dogs–given to his daughter, Caroline Perry Belmont, survived. As trade with Japan and the West continued, Japanese Chins began to find their way out of Japan into North America, England, and even China.

Characteristics

The Japanese Chin is a small toy breed, with most adult dogs reaching only eight to 11 inches in height. Healthy adult Japanese Chins typically weigh between 7 and 15 lbs., with the males of the breed typically weighing more than the females. The breed typically comes in combinations of black and white and red and white, although coat variations in cream, tan and mahogany can also occur. Their most distinctive features are their large, wide set eyes, their even facial markings, and their long, smooth coat.

Personality wise, the Japanese Chin is considered to be an intelligent, independent dog that is sometimes referred to as “cat-like.” The Japanese Chin is a companion dog who, when socialized at an early age, can be excellent pets for families–although they, like many dogs in the toy category, do not enjoy rough handling that is common with children.

Although the Japanese Chin has a long and silky coat, it is relatively low-maintenance and owners typically only need to brush or comb their coat twice a week. The breed is prone to breathing and heart problems due to its flattened face, and it is recommend that any types of temperature extremes–such as living in an extremely hot or extremely cold environment–should be avoided.

Did you know? Trivia

• In Japan, the breed is divided into two categories–”Inu,” considered to be ‘common’ dogs, and “Chin,” which are considered to be royalty because of their heritage.
• There are visual records of breeds which highly resemble the Japanese Chin found in ancient Chinese temples and pottery.
• The breed was known to the Western world as the Japanese Spaniel until 1977.

Dalmatian

The Dalmatian, classified in the non-sporting group of dogs, is well known for its unique white and black, and sometimes brown, spotted coat. The Dalmatian is also known for its association with fire houses and fire rescue services

A brief history of the Dalmatian

It is believed that the Dalmatian was first bred and developed in the country of Croatia. Visual records of the Dalmatian date back at least to 1792. Although the breed was first developed in Croatia, most of its further breeding and development took place in England, where it was shown during the mid-19th century and widely used as a companion and show dog. Historically, Dalmatians have been used for a number of different purposes. It is believed that they were used as guard dogs, or “dogs of war,” in England and Croatia. They were also used as hunting dogs in the 19th century, as well as circus dogs due to their high intelligence and unique appearance. In the 19th and early 20th century, Dalmatians were often used as firehouse carriage dogs–they would be trained to clear a path for the firehouse carriage horses to reach the scene of fires. Today, they are still known as firehouse mascots, although they are not always used as firehouse rescue dogs.

Characteristics

The Dalmatian is considered to be a medium sized dog, with most members of this bread reaching from about 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. A weight of a healthy adult Dalmatian is usually around 35 to 70 pounds, although males of the breed are usually larger and heavier than females. Dalmatians are muscular dogs with high energy, endurance and physical stamina. They are, of course, most well known for their unique appearance. Dalmatians have white or cream white colored coats with black or brown markings, referred to as “spots.”

Personality wise, Dalmatians do make good family pets but they are considered to be a high-energy breed and require daily exercise to keep their bodies healthy and to release some of their pent up energy. Dalmatians are not recommended in homes with very small children because of their high energy and physical strength–they may unintentionally injure children when at play, for example. The breed does require regular grooming despite their short and dense coat. Dalmatians are known for shedding and because their coat hairs are so short and stiff, they tend to “weave” into the carpet, making removal difficult.

Dalmatians are known to have a predisposition to certain health problems. Deafness is considered to be a common problem with Dalmatians–it is estimated that up to 30% of Dalmatians are born deaf.

Did you know? Trivia

• Dalmatian puppies are born pure white without spots.
• Early Dalmatian breeds did not recognize deafness in the animals and believed their behavior—such as being unresponsive to commands—was due to unintelligence in the breed.
• The popularity of Dalmatians increased considerably in 1961 and 1996 with the release of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians; however, this caused an increase in abandoned Dalmatians as inexperienced owners and breeders could not handle the high-energy of the dog.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua, classified in the toy group, is well-known for its small size and its association with Mexican culture. The Chihuahua breed comes in a variety of sizes and is considered to be the smallest breed of dog; some Chihuahuas may be as small as six inches at the shoulders.

A brief history of the Chihuahua

The exact history of the Chihuahua breed is something of a mystery. There are many different theories, myths and legends which surround the true origin of this Mexican-based breed. Some archeological research has discovered evidence that Chihuahuas originated in Mexico, which is a commonly accepted theory. The most common theory about their origin is that the breed is descended from the Teichichi, which was a companion dog highly favored by the ancient Mexican Toltec civilization. It is believed that written and artistic records of Chihuahuas date at least as far back as the 12th century, although historians disagree on whether or not these records–which are often in the form of paintings on clay pots and tiles–are depicting Chihuahuas or the Teichichi breed. Some evidence suggests that Chihuahuas were bred in Mexico as early as 100 A.D.; a dog toy found in Veracruz, Mexico, for example, depicts a dog which is physically identical to the modern Chihuahua.

Characteristics

The Chihuahua typically grows to be about 6 to 10 inches in height at the shoulder, although some Chihuahua dogs may grow as big as 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Most dogs of this breed weight between three and six pounds, although this weight is more typical in show dogs rather than in house companions. Although breeders often label their Chihuahuas as “teacup,” “miniature,” or “standard,” these are not officially recognized terms and are usually used as marketing gimmicks to make the dog more desirable.

Chihuahua dogs may have long or short hair and come in a wide range of different colors, including solid colors, marked colors, and mixed colors. The most well-known color, made popular by the famous “Taco Bell Chihuahua,” is a nearly solid tan or beige color. Other colors include red, cream white, brown, snow white, and black.

Personality wise, Chihuahuas are well known for their potentially poor temperaments. Because this breed is prone to aggression and overprotective tendencies, it is important for owners to know how to train and socialize Chihuahuas to reduce these tendencies. The breed tends to become very attached to one or two people, which can make them difficult to manage in homes with multiple family members or children. They are not suitable for homes with small children or with children who are not calm or patient, as they can become easily spooked which may lead to defensive aggression.

Did you know? Trivia

• Chihuahuas are prone to epilepsy and other related seizure disorders.
• Chihuahuas are born with an incomplete skull which has a soft spot that typically fills in when they are six months old.
• Chihuahua’s frequently tremble when they are cold, excited or stressed.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, classified in the herding group, is well known for its short stature combined witha long body, its color coats, and their herding skills. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is actually part of two different dog breeds which are referred to as Welsh Corgis. The other “Corgi” breed is the Pembrooke Welsh Corgi.

A brief history of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Although the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has been around for at least several hundred years as herding dogs, they were not officially recognized until they were first shown at the Kennel Club in Britain. The first Corgi Club was founded in 1925, although local rumors say that the Club preferred the Pembrooke Corgi Breed, and a separate club for Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeders was founded a year later in 1926. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembrooke Welsh Corgi were both officially recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1928. It was not until 1934, however, that the two breeds were officially classified as separate.

Characteristics

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is known for its low stature, long body, and long tail. They are typically about 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh anywhere from 30 to 38 lbs., although female Cardigan Welsh Corgis will typically weigh loss–from about 25 lbs. to 34 lbs. in a healthy, regular adult dog. The breed is also known for its colorful coats, which come in a variety of different colors and patterns. The standard colors, accepted by most dog breeders, are red, sable, black, tan, brindle, and blue merle. Most members of the breed have white on their neck, chest, center of their head, and the tip of their tail.

Personality wise, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is known to be affectionate and devoted to their owners. They are known to be wary of strangers, especially those who are entering their home territory, and may bark or growl until they can be assured that the stranger is not a threat to their home. They can make excellent house pets. However, they are known to be wary of other animals, especially other dogs, and should be socialized at a young age to get along with other animals. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is sometimes referred to as a “one-man dog,” and they may reserve their attention and affection for a short list of people whom they trust.

Did you know? Trivia

It is believed that Cardigan Welsh Corgis have existed in Wales for several hundred to several thousand years.

An old folktale about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembrooke Corgi involves Queen Victoria. The folktale relates that the queen was traveling down a country rod when her carriage came across a tree branch which had fallen in the way. When the queen wondered aloud about how she might get across the branch, a fairy appeared and brought the two Corgi breed with her. The two Corgi dogs moved the tree branch out of the way, and thereafter the queen, and all queens of England after her, prized Corgis as her companions.

The word “Corgi” roughly translates to “dwarf dog” in Welsh.

Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier, classified in the Terrier group, is well known for its egg-shaped head and powerful strength. Although the Bull Terrier is not exceptionally large, it is often ranked as one of the strongest dog breeds due to its high lean muscle tissue to weight ratio.

 A brief history of the Bull Terrier

Bull and Terrier breeds were first developed during the 19th century. These breeds were initially developed for vermin and pest control in addition for use in fighting sports, such as bull fighting and bear fighting. Breeders began to crossbreed bulldogs with terriers, eventually creating the Bull Terrier breed line. This type of breeding was done for strength, rather than appearance; some breeders believe that the mid-19th century breeding trends caused the odd, egg-shaped head of the Bull Terrier. However, Bull Terriers continued to be bred with other breeds, such as the Borzoi, Dalmatian and Collie, during the late 19th century and early 20th century in an effort to increase their agility, strength and to soften their appearance.

Characteristics

The most obvious aesthetic characteristic of the Bull Terrier is its egg shaped head, deep under jaw, and its small, triangular eyes. The breed typically has broad shoulders and a muscular physique, often earning them the nickname “gladiator dog.” Although most people associate Bull Terriers with pure white coats, they come in a range of different colors, including brown, black, tan, and red. Bull terriers may also have white, black, brown or red markings on their stomach, faces and paws.

The temperament of the Bull Terrier is often the subject for debate. Because of their breeding history and their rather stark appearance, they are often associated with aggressiveness and fighting. However, work done by various breed societies has shown that the Bull Terrier is no more or less aggressive towards people than any other dog. They are known to have a strong predatory instinct, however, and it is recommended that Bull Terriers are not placed in homes which have cats or other dogs unless the owners are willing to ensure that the Bull Terrier has constant supervision when in the same space as other animals. Two female Bull Terriers, or a male and a female Bull Terrier, generally have a better chance of living together without aggressiveness or fighting.

Bull Terriers can make excellent companion animals. They are known to be energetic, friendly and people-seeking when they are properly socialized. Socializing and training with Bull Terriers is crucial due to their strength and the potential for aggressive territorial behavior or other negative behavior which could come as the result of lackluster training.

Did you know? Trivia

Bull Terriers often do not bark unless there is a very good reason—for this reason homeowners often use them as guard dogs.

About 20% of pure white Bull Terriers are deaf.

Modern white Bull Terriers often have a colored marking on their head, which is the result of breeding with Staffordshires in the early 20th century.

Their coats require very little grooming because they are short, glossy and do not get matted easily.

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound, classified in the hound group, is well known for its incredibly strong sense of smell and its distinct instinct for tracking. The Bloodhound is used by police departments, investigators and other types of law enforcement around the world because of their ability to discern and track human odors.

A brief history of the Bloodhound

The origin of the Bloodhound, like other hound breeds, can be found in the history of “Saint Hubert’s hounds.” These hounds were first bred around 1000 AD by monks who were living at a monastery in Belgium. These monks regularly sent pairs of hounds to monarchs and other nobles around Europe, such as Charles IX and Henry IV. The first reference to a Bloodhound appears in the mid-14th century, although the contemporary writing which references the Bloodhound suggests that they were already a well-established breed at this point in time. During the Medieval era, the Bloodhound was often used as a limer; a limer was a dog which was used to find the target of the hunt before the target was hunted by other pack hounds, referred to as raches. References to the Bloodhound both as a tracking dog used during the hunt and during investigators can be found from the 14th century through the modern day.

Characteristics

Typical Bloodhounds can weigh anywhere from 80 to 110 lbs., although some members of the breed have been recorded to weigh as much as 160 lbs. Most members of the breed measure about 23 to 27 inches at the shoulders. They come in a number of different colors. The most common coat colors are black, tan or light brown, and red. Although some Bloodhounds have solid color coats, many of them have a base coat color which is characterized with other markings; for example, a tan coat with black markings on the stomach and face.

Personality wise, the bloodhound is known for being affectionate, friendly and loyal. However, they can be domineering and it is recommended that owners know how to “take charge” in their own household to avoid allowing the Bloodhound to develop bad habits. They are known to be excellent family dogs; however, they should be supervised around small children. It is important for Bloodhounds to receive adequate exercise–they should not be kept in apartments or small homes unless the owner is able to give them the exercise and activity that they need to keep their bodies healthy and their instincts for tracking satiated.

Did you know? Trivia

• The abilities of a Bloodhound to scent and track human odors is so respected and recognized that testimony regarding a Bloodhound’s scent tracking trail will be allowed as evidence in most courts of law.
• Historians disagree on the true meaning of the name “Bloodhound” for this breed. Some believe it refers to the fact that they often use blood as a tracking odor, while others believe it refers to the fact that they were considered aristocratic dogs—hence, pure blooded or blue blooded.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise, classified as a non sporting dog, is a small breed well known for its soft white coat and cheerful temperament. The Bichon Frise is popular among pet owners due to its beautiful appearance and its generally friendly and sociable behavior. The Bichon Frise is similar in appearance to the Maltese breed, although the Bichon Frise is typically larger.

A brief history of the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise breed is descended from the Water Spaniel and the Standard Poodle. The word “bichon,” in fact, comes from the Middle French word “bichon,” meaning a small long-haired dog; some historians believe that the word ‘bichon’ came about as a shortening of the longer word barbichon, which means small poodle. The breed originated in the Mediterranean area. They were initially used as companions on ships for sailors, and because of their cheerful disposition they were frequently used in trading and bartering. The breed found its way to Spain, Italy and France through these trades, where they typically became popular lapdogs for the upper class. The breed was especially popular at the court of Henry III and Napoleon III, although they lost popularity among these upper classes in the late 19^th century due to their association as being a “street dog.”

Characteristics

The Bichon Frise will typically weigh anywhere between 10 and 20 lbs. Their typical height at the shoulder is about 9 to 12 inches, although some members of the breed have been known to grow to slightly larger sizes. The breed is well known for its white, curly coat; other coat colors include solid apricot or peach and solid grey. Some Bichon Frise have apricot or cream coloring near their eyes, paws or face as well.

The breed is well known for its cheerful and merry disposition. The American Kennel Club, in fact, includes a temperament which is “gentle … sensitive, playful and affectionate” as part of their official breed standard. The Bichon Frise loves to receive attention and will often spend most of its time with human or dog companions, as they love affection and attention showered upon them. Most Bichon Frise does well with people, children and other animals; however, they can become territorial if they are not trained properly, although this is a problem common to smaller breeds.

A Bichon Frise requires regular grooming to remove loose hair and dander from their coat. It is recommended that a Bichon Frise be groomed once every month in addition to regular, daily brushing of their coat.

Did you know? Trivia

• A common misconception about Bichon Frise is that they do not shed—this is not true, although (like many dogs with curly coats) they do not shed as often as some breeds.
• The Bichon Frise breed is prone to liver shunts
• Bichon Frise roughly translates to “curly lap dog” in French.
• The average Bichon Frise will live for about 12 to 13 years, excluding cases where they develop other health problems.
• Bichon Frise was often used by traveling circuses in the late 19^th and early 20^th century due to their high energy levels and friendly dispositions.

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is small to medium sized dog, classified as a hound, which was initially bred for the purpose of using its scent abilities to assist hunters who were searching for rabbits. The Basset Hound is well known for its short stature combined with its long body, as well as its long, droopy ears and its ability to use scent to track.

A brief history of the Basset Hound

It is believed that the Basset Hound was first derived from the Saint Hubert’s Hound, which was bred in the 6th century for the purpose of hunting. The first mention of a “Basset Hound” first appears in a French hunting record written in 1585; historians believe that the Basset first emerged as a mutation among litters of Norman Staghounds, which were actually a descendent of the Saint Hubert hound. In the mid to late 19th century, the Basset Hound became noticeably popular due to its increased popularity among aristocratic hunters, such as Napoleon III, who had statues of his Basset Hounds cast for his rooms at the palace of Versailles.

Characteristics

The Basset Hound was originally bred to hunt. However, they are not merely hunting dogs. They are known to be excellent companions who are friendly both to their owners, other pets, and especially children. They are very loyal and attached to their owners and anyone whom they consider to be family, such as children who are also living in the household. They are social dogs who require attention and affection in addition to regular exercise and grooming. Their hunting tendencies tend to appear when they are getting their daily exercise–leashes are an essential part of walking a Basset Hound, as they may take off after prey at a moment’s notice.

Basset Hounds are prone to several types of infections, including ear infections, eye infections, and yeast infections in the folds near their mouths. It is important for owners to make regular inspections of their eyes, mouths and ears to ensure that they are cleaned and free from infections. Also, because of their short legs and hips, Basset Hounds—especially young puppies or elderly dogs—should not be allowed to jump down from heights. This can lead to serious injuries and potentially the need for euthanasia; an injury sustained by a Basset Hound puppy could potentially affect them for the rest of their life.

Did you know? Trivia

• The Basset Hound’s low hanging ears are very prone to infection and ear mites; they must be cleaned on a daily basis. There have been cases of Basset Hounds dying from ear infections caused by food and dirt particles building up in their ears, which were not properly cleaned by their owners.
• The reason for the Basset Hound’s short height is a genetic condition called Osteochondrodysplasia, which is considered to be a type of dwarfism in dogs.
• Exercise is essential to the health of a Basset Hound; obesity or excess fat can lead to serious complications in these active dogs.