General Appearance and Description

The Lhasa Apso is well known as a guard dog. While this might be surprising if you have only known Lhasas as house dogs, but these dogs actually have a long history as guard dogs in Tibet.

In fact, for more than 2,000 years, Lhasa Apsos were bred only in Tibet to guard the temples and monasteries of the holy men and nobles. They are considered sacred animals; it was believed that when the dog’s owner died, his soul entered the body of the Lhasa Apso.

Lhasa Apso dogs were first brought England in the 1920s and they were immediately popular due to their sweet faces, long coats and easy dispositions.

The Lhasa Apso has a long, heavy coat that parts in the middle of his back and falls straight to the ground. Because the coat is heavy and high maintenance, many owners choose to keep it trimmed, but show dogs must have their coat, long, straight and to the floor.

Lhasa Apso puppies will have a coat that’s usually a different color than the adult dog’s coat. It might be white as a puppy, but develop into a multitude of colors such as brown, black and white. It’s quite common for the coat to change colors as the dog grows.

These dogs have deep-set eyes (that are sometimes hard to see under all that fur) and they have a dark beard and mustache.

The Lhasa Apso name is often misspelled. Some of the misspellings include Lhasa Apsa, Lhasha Apso, Llaso Apso and Lasa Apso.

Basic Temperament

The Lhasa Apso is a friendly, assertive dog with an intelligent and frisky personality. They make excellent pets for most households and are highly devoted dogs. They can be obedient and are very affectionate.

Lhasas are also stubborn and have a mind of their own. Training them can be a challenge, but they are intelligent and eager to learn as well.

Because they were used as watch dogs for thousands of years, the Lhasa Apso has an amazing ear and as a result, Lhasa Apsos make excellent watch dogs. They are relatively small dogs, so people might not initially take your dog seriously as a watch dog, but they do the job well.

It’s important that you establish yourself as the leader of the pack with this dog. They have strong leadership tendencies and if not taught well, will think of themselves as the pack leader. This can create a host of problems for you when training your dog or simply living with him.

Care Required

These little dogs have a good amount of hair. If you choose to keep it long, falling from the sides to the floor, you will only have to brush him regularly (at least once a day). No trimming is necessary.

Lhasa Apso breeders will tell you that the best way to keep his fur is short, and it’s easier to care for. Even with shorter fur, however, your Lhasa Apso will require a regular brushing and bathing.

Check his feet often for matting and items that can get stuck in the feet. The eyes should also be checked on a regular basis; because they are deep set and dark, they can get dirty or crusty and you won’t necessarily see it.

Exercise Requirements

If you see a Lhasa Apso for sale or Lhasa Apso puppies for sale and you think he might be a lazy lap dog, just keep walking. In fact, these dogs are active and enjoy (if not require) a daily walk.

They are very good indoors if they get a regular walk, so it’s essential that they get good activity outside the home so they can behave inside it.

Training

Thanks to their high intelligence level, Lhasa Apsos understand the training they are given, and take to it well. That’s if you meet certain requirements.

The Lhasa Apso dog requires that you are firm and establish yourself as the leader. He’s a strong-willed dog and will respond well to firm guidance, but if you don’t provide that guidance, he’ll take charge.

These dogs are notoriously hard to housetrain.

Height and Weight

Male and female Lhasa Apso dogs will grow to be about 10 to 11 inches tall. Both male and female will weigh around 13 to 15 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Lhasa Apsos suffer a multitude of health problems. These include skin problems, kidney problems and ulcers (which can bleed). They can be prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems as well.

While they might suffer a number of health problems, the Lhasa Apso can live a long and happy life. Most dogs will live to be at least 15 years old.

Suitability

The Lhasa Apso does excellent in an apartment arrangement. They are very active indoors, but will do fine with proper training and good, regular, outdoor activity.

These dogs are excellent with children and other pets and provide solid companionship for senior citizens. As noted, they are good watch dogs.

Further Information

Further information about the Lhasa Apso can be found here.

General Appearance and Description

The Basset Hound’s name gives a clue to the dog’s physical disposition. The name Basset Hound comes from the French. “Bas” means low, and the Basset Hound sits low to the ground, sometimes even sporting a belly that skims the ground. Sometimes people choose Basset Hound names that fit somehow with the distinctive look of this breed.

The origin of the Basset Hound isn’t completely known, but some believe that it’s a very old dog, and was mentioned even by Shakespeare. But in 1863, Basset Hounds were first presented at a Paris dog show, and they were immediately popular, both for hunting and as companion dogs.

Bassett Hounds (as they are sometimes misspelled) have a penchant for hunting and therefore have a great sense of smell, but he’s a bit slow to be truly helpful.

The Basset Hound’s distinctive look includes loose skin and deep falls in the folds of his head. He has long ears that hang low and he’s known for his sad eyes that belie the friendly personality within. The Bassett Hound (another common misspelling) has big paws and moves deliberately and somewhat slowly, but not usually clumsily.

These dogs are usually white with either sand or chestnut-colored markings.

Basic Temperament

While they might look sad, Basset Hound puppies and dogs are peaceful, happy, gentle and devoted companions. They are naturally good dogs, who behave with the best of them and take to training easily.

Basset Hound breeders will tell you that if you don’t take the lead and indicate your position of leadership over the dog, he will sometimes be stubborn and willful. It’s best to be firm but gentle with the Basset and he will reward you with that gentle temperament.

Care Required

The Basset Hound is easy to care for. His short, smooth coat is easy to keep clean and requires a shampoo only when necessary. Because the ears hang low, it’s best to wipe under them each week. Be sure to also trim toenails regularly.

Although he’s hardly a hairy beast, the Basset Hound does shed a good deal, so be prepared to either keep him off the furniture, or to vacuum often.

Exercise Requirements

Any Basset Hound information you receive should include a healthy warning about the propensity of the Basset to gain weight. Therefore, a long walk each day is not only encouraged but made almost mandatory. This will help him keep the weight off, but also keep his mind active, which he requires.

When you walk the Basset Hound, be sure to discourage him from jumping and causing undue stress to his front legs, which can’t handle that strain.

Training

If you see Basset Hounds for sale, particularly if they are puppies, you should know that these dogs are notoriously hard to housebreak. If you give him positive reinforcement and patient guidance, he’ll come around, however.

Otherwise the Basset Hound is relatively easy to train, but he does follow his nose, which has been compared to that of the Bloodhound. Sometimes his nose can get him into trouble, as he might prefer following his nose to following you in your commands and teaching, especially during training.

Height and Weight

Male Basset Hound dogs will grow to be between 12 and 15 inches in height, while females will be between 11 and 14 inches tall. Male dogs can weigh between 50 and 65 pounds, while females can weigh between 45 and 60 pounds.

Health and Longevity

If you get a female Basset Hound, keep in mind that these dogs generally have large litters. The average is eight puppies, while some can have 15 or more Basset Hound puppies in one litter.

Because they gain weight easily and the extra weight can cause problems for the dog’s spine and legs, be careful not to overfeed the Basset. Some Basset Hounds will suffer lameness or paralysis because of their very short legs and heavy body. Keeping the weight off, then, becomes a true issue of health.

Most Basset Hounds will do better being fed two to three small meals a day rather than one large meal. If they eat too much, they can be prone to bloat.

Most Basset Hounds will live to be between 10 and 12 years old.

Suitability

Basset Hounds can easily handle most living arrangements. They are fairly inactive in the house and rarely get into trouble, and do fine in apartment arrangements. Given some outside time, however, they will run for hours (and this is an excellent way to keep that weight off).

Basset Hounds make excellent hunting dogs, and are excellent with children. They are tolerant, so they handle most living situations with ease and grace.

More Information

Further information about the Basset Hound can be found here.

General appearance and Description

The Cairn Terrier has been around since the 1500s, but was first introduced publicly in 1909. His popularity soared in the 1930s (after a Cairn Terrier named “Toto” starred in the movie “Wizard of Oz”) and this dog has been popular ever since.

The Cairn Terrier (often misspelled as Carin Terrier) is part of the original Scottish Terrier group and is probably somehow a part of the West Highland White, Sky, and Scottish terrier breeds as well.

Cairn Terriers are named after piles of small rocks and stones that were used to line Scottish farms and graves because the dogs were expected to take the job of removing small animals from their homes in the rocks. Now he’s primarily a companion dog.

This sweet-faced dog looks a bit like a miniature fox with his bushy head and shaggy coat. He might be black, sand, grey, red or brindle and his coat color as an adult might be vastly different from what it was as a puppy.

Basic Temperament

The Cairn Terrier dog is a spirited and hardy soul in a small body. He’s busy, restless, mischievous and quite happy most of the time. Most Cairn Terrier breeders believe that the females generally are more independent than males but that males are generally more affectionate and loving.

These dogs are still attached to their original breeding purposes and will dig for vermin wherever they are. Many Cairn Terrier owners will avoid leaving the dog alone in a landscaped yard because the yard might suffer the consequences. They also enjoy chasing things (birds, bugs, squirrels, cats) and shouldn’t left off lead in an open area, because they might run long and hard.

Cairn Terrier puppies and dogs need firm leadership. They are adorable but challenging dogs that will take on many unfavorable characteristics if you don’t set yourself up as the alpha dog and the leader of the house.

The Cairn Terriers are compulsively loyal, so if you are part of a Cairn Terrier rescue or simple adoption, you will truly have a friend for life.

Care Required

Although the Cairn Terrier has a shaggy look about him, that coat does require some maintenance. Without regular brushing, his coat will become matted and ugly. It’s best to brush your Cairn Terrier several times a week (nightly is best) and give him a bath once a month. His eyes and ears should receive a simple trim with blunt-nosed scissors regularly.

Exercise Requirements

This is an active breed, so make sure that your Cairn Terrier gets a good deal of exercise, particularly if he lives in an apartment.

Your Cairn Terrier needs a daily walk, regardless of his living situation, so make sure he gets that; while play is important and takes care of some of his exercise needs, nothing takes the place of a walk, even a short one. You can deal with a lot of potential behavioral challenges by simply ensuring your dog gets that daily walk.

Training

If you are the type that enjoys teaching your dog tricks and you see Cairn Terrier puppies for sale, snap one up. These dogs are easy to train and particularly enjoy doing tricks.

Although they do need firm leadership, always use a firm but gentle voice and training manner. They are sensitive and might wither under too much harsh guidance.

Height and Weight

Male dogs will grow to be about 10 to 13 inches tall, while the females will be between 9 and 12 inches tall. Male dogs will weight between 14 and 18 pounds, while the female will weigh 13 to 17 pounds.

Health and Longevity

This is a small breed, but he enjoys eating. Be careful of overfeeding your Cairn Terrier because he will gain weight easily. Limit treats in particular, because he can easily overdo these. They are adorable when begging though, so be firm.

Watch his coat and skin, because if your Cairn Terrier gets fleas, he might develop an allergy.

The Cairn Terriers usually live to be about 12 to 15 years old.

Suitability

The Cairn Terrier is an excellent family dog, because he’s affectionate and loyal. He’s particularly good with children, so this is a good dog for homes that include children. He’s also a good choice for people with allergies, as he sheds little, but is not hypoallergenic.

If you want a dog that’s good at tracking and hunting, the Cairn Terrier is a good choice. These dogs are also great at agility, competitive obedience and - as we mentioned earlier - doing tricks.

More Information

Further information about the Cairn Terrier  can be found here.

General Appearance and Description

Yorkies are popular with people who enjoy being able to take their dogs with them everywhere.

It’s believed that the Yorkshire Terrier was originally a much bigger animal than the tiny dog that’s so popular today. Likely there was some selective breeding that went on and the dog gradually become smaller over the years. The first Yorkie who looked like the dog we know today was introduced at a dog show in 1870.

The Yorkie has a long, fine silky coat that is very straight and falls straight down from the spine on each side. Yorkie puppies are usually tan and black, while adult dogs are mostly steel blue on the tail and body and tan everywhere else.

Most owners who are not showing their Yorkies will keep the hair long and shaggy, but if the dog is shown, his hair will be clipped shorter and given more structure.

The hair on the top of the head gets very long, so most owners will pull it back into a distinctive ponytail on the top of the head, while others will clip the top hairs so they stay out of the dog’s face.

Yorkshire Terrier breeders will tell you there’s no true Teacup Yorkshire Terrier. All Yorkshire Terriers are small and the teacup is not an official designation at all.

Basic Temperament

Yorkie dogs are entertaining for many reasons but one favorite character trait of many owners is the dog’s obliviousness to his size. He thinks he’s a bigger dog and will enjoy any adventure that a larger dog might enjoy.

Always energetic, the Yorkie is brave, extremely loyal to his owner and clever. He’s intelligent and a willing companion on any adventure.

Because he’s somewhat dismissive of his tiny size, the Yorkie will be willing to take on any challenge, and sees himself as a watchdog. He generally does a fine job of it, but his size ensures that he’s not a terribly good match for whatever walks through the front door.

Like most small dogs, the Yorkie needs clear leadership. You must lead the Yorkie with a firm but gentle hand.

If you establish that you are the leader of the pack, the Yorkie will submit to that, but if you don’t, he will exhibit troubling behavior problems like jealousy, aggression, barking, snapping and separation anxiety.

Care Required

All that fur means that some grooming is essential. The Yorkie’s coat needs to be combed or brushed at least weekly. If you keep the long hair on the top of the head tied back, you should replace the elastic or ribbon weekly.

The Yorkie develops plaque easily on the teeth, so they should be cleaned regularly.

Good for allergy sufferers, the Yorkie sheds little.

Exercise Requirements

While he might not be able to walk too far, the Yorkie likes s a daily walk, as well as regular play (but you should never substitute play for the daily walk). If you don’t give your dog a daily walk, he will be more likely to display behavior problems.

If you notice that your dog is running around the house in a bit of a crazy fashion, that’s a sign that he needs more of a walk than he’s getting.

When you do take him out, be cautious of the conditions outside. Yorkshire Terriers are very sensitive to cold and prefer warm areas, as in warm climates, or simply being indoors on a cold day.

Training

The Yorkie is easy to train, but he can be stubborn, so be sure to establish yourself as the pack leader and give him clear boundaries when you’re training him. That will pay dividends when you try to train him.

Some Yorkie dogs can be hard to housetrain.

Height and Weight

The Yorkie will be about 6 to 7 inches tall and will weigh right around 7 pounds.

Health and Longevity

While most Yorkies live long lives, they do run the risk of some health problems.

Most Yorkies suffer poor digestion and the owner should avoid giving too many special treats. Yorkshire Terriers should also be given dry food only, because they run the risk of serious tooth decay and dry food keeps their teeth strong and sharp.

Yorkie dogs can also run the risk of bronchitis; fragile bones can easily lead to fractures.

Most Yorkies will live to be 12 to 15 years old.

Suitability

If you have an apartment, the Yorkie is an excellent choice. They enjoy being indoors and will find their activity inside happily.

Because the Yorkie considers himself a companion pet, he enjoys senior citizens and others who will be happy to take him on adventures. If possible, he should not be placed in a house with young children who might be a little too rough with him.

Yorkies can make surprisingly adequate watchdogs.

More Information

Further information about the Yorkshire Terrier can be found here.

General Appearance and Description

The West Highland Terrier is a descendant of the Cairn Terrier. The story goes that in the mid-19th Century, a Scotch breeder once ended up with a litter that included white puppies. Those puppies were selected to create the West Highland Terrier, often called the West Highland White Terrier. Though it might be obvious from that name, he is a white dog.

While the Westie was initially bred to help control rat, fox, otter and other similar populations, Westies are actually excellent companion pets.

The sweet Westie is a dog that is much hardier than his small size might suggest. He usually has a coat that’s about two inches long and is partnered with a soft, dense undercoat. The ears are almost always pointed and erect, and this gives him an alert look that is accurate - this dog is usually ready for any activity.

Though it might be obvious from his name, the West Highland White Terrier is a white dog.

Basic Temperament

If you want a dog that’s easy to train and is happy to get along with everyone he meets, the Westie dog is for you. He’s friendly to strangers, gets along well with children, enjoys travel and is spunky. This is not a lethargic dog, but one that has energy to spare.

In fact, spunky is the best way to define this dog. He’s almost the definition of a small dog. He enjoys barking, digging and being with people. He’s happy to sit on your lap, or chase a ball. He’s happy to meet new people and is a loyal companion to his people.

While he enjoys being with other pets, he will chase a cat for entertainment.

While the Westie is friendly and fairly easy going, he can display symptoms of what’s commonly called “small dog syndrome.” This develops in smaller dogs that have owners who have not established themselves as the pack leader and don’t give proper direction to the dog. These dogs will attempt to right the wrong, and become the pack leader themselves. This is easily corrected by establishing yourself as the pack leader when Westie puppies are still young.

Care Required

West Highland Terriers are fairly easy to care for, as their straight, short hair sheds little and requires just a regular brushing with a stiff brush. Bathing is not necessary if you brush him often, as that will help to keep the coat clean.

The Westie does require a regular trim around the eyes and ears with small scissors. You should take your Westie to the groomer about four times a year for a trim and the fur should be stripped twice a year.

Exercise Requirements

These dogs might be little, but they do have high activity requirements. They need a daily walk, which will take care of their most urgent activity needs. While they enjoy playing, they must get the walk to take care of their activity needs.

While they have high activity needs, West Highland Terrier Puppies and dogs will do fine in smaller houses and homes without yards.

Training

The Westie is an eager to please dog that will take well to training. In fact, due to his high activity level, basic obedience training is not just desirable, but necessary.

Height and Weight

The male West Highland White Terrier will be about 10 to 12 inches tall, and the female will be about 9 to 11 inches tall. The male will weigh 15 to 22 pounds, while the female will weigh 13 to 16 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Most Westies are healthy dogs and live long, healthy lives. They can suffer from some basic problems, however, including chronic skin conditions, hip problems, liver disease, and hernias.

Most Westies will live to be 15 years old or older.

Suitability

Westies are well suited to both city and country living. They can live in small spaces or larger spaces, and can do well in homes with yards and homes without yards.

These dogs are great with children and, because they pride themselves on being supreme companion dogs, they are also great with senior citizens. No matter the household arrangement, they will make themselves an undeniable part of the household life.

Finally, while the Westie is a small dog, he makes a good watchdog.

More Information

Further information about the West Highland Terrier can be found here.

General Appearance and Description

It’s believed that the Miniature Schnauzer is a result of a cross between the Standard Schnauzer and the Affenpinscher, with perhaps a Poodle included in the mix somewhere. He is likely of German descent, because “schnauze” is German for muzzle.

Mini Schnauzers are intelligent and sweet dogs that are loyal and dependable companions.

Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs that have both a bushy beard and mustache. Their eyebrows are also prominent. In fact, Schnauzers are often groomed so that their beard and mustache are accentuated.

The coat is long and silky with a slight curl to it. Schnauzers are most commonly salt and pepper colored, but they can also be black, all white, or black and silver with a soft colored undercoat.

Basic Temperament

The Schnauzer is a perky and happy playmate. He’s smart, energetic and obedient. If you think of your pets as like children, the Schnauzer is a good fit for you. He’s much like a child, because he’s playful, alert and happy and always in the game.

If you enjoy traveling, obedience training and bringing a dog into the home that will truly be a companion, the Schnauzer again fits the role.

While he’s a good companion and enjoyable dog to have around, the Schnauzer has one major behavioral challenge. That is his desire to be a big dog. He can be very aggressive toward other dogs and will even challenge bigger dogs to a fight. If you, the owner, don’t establish yourself as the pack leader, your dog can develop these aggressive tendencies. Socialize him well as a puppy, too, and you likely won’t see any of these troubling characteristics.

Mini Schnauzers can bark often and loudly, but the bark is nothing like a small dog bark and that’s high pitched and yappy sounding. Instead, the Schnauzer has a bark that belies his size. His is low and more intimidating. This can help him when he’s asked to be a watchdog, a role he will happily step into.

Care Required

The Schnauzer’s wiry coat is easy to care for, but it must be combed daily with a wire brush, or the coat will become matted fairly quickly. If your schnauzer does get knots, you can simply clip them out.

As far as grooming, the Schnauzer should be clipped evenly all over. Leave this job for the experts, though you can give him touch ups as needed.

Many people acquire Miniature Schnauzer puppies because they have allergies. This dog isn’t considered hypoallergenic, but sheds very little and is considered an excellent choice for people with allergies.

Exercise Requirements

If you live in an apartment, the Miniature Schnauzer will enjoy living in a small space, but he does like to play indoors and will need plenty of toys to keep him happy, busy and out of trouble. He will do fine without a yard in which to run.

But you must give your energetic Schnauzer a good walk on a daily basis. He will enjoy walking quickly as if you have a mission and will also enjoy any time you can give him off leash to play.

Training

If you buy a Miniature Schnauzer, be prepared to socialize him often, to train him well and to be patient with him. While he’s highly intelligent and takes to training well, he also has a strong will and will require some patience on your part. When trained, however, he can be a joy.

The Schnauzers are usually not difficult to housetrain.

Height and Weight

The adult Miniature Schnauzer will be about 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 15 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Like many small dogs, the Miniature Schnauzer is generally a healthy dog. Some Schnauzers will have some problems, however, ranging from liver disease and kidney stones to skin disorders. They are also at risk of developing von Willebrand’s disease, a common blood disorder in dogs. Some will have eye problems.

More common for your Miniature Schnauzer is the risk of weight gain. Be careful how much you feed him, because even with his high activity level, he can gain weight easily.

Most Schnauzers can live to be 15 years old.

Suitability

Schnauzers are ideal for many different households. They love children and do well with seniors. They are also excellent dogs to have on the farm as they are experts at killing mice and at hunting, tracking, performing tricks and acting as guard dogs.

More Information

Further information about the Miniature Schnauzer can be found here.

General Appearance and Description

The American Cocker Spaniel was originally developed through breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker is smaller than the English version, and the English Cocker often has a finer and shorter coat of hair.

The Cocker Spaniel has long ears, and a medium-length coat that’s shiny and feathered looking.

On black Cocker Spaniels, the nose will always be black, but on other colored Spaniels, the nose can be brown.  You might get a Cocker Spaniel that’s buff-colored, or black. The coat is usually one color, but some can be a primary color with another color accent (such as white with black and tan accents).

Most Cocker Spaniel breeders will suggest that you get your Cocker Spaniel’s tail docked, but if you aren’t showing him, you might not need to do that.

Basic Temperament

The Cocker Spaniel enjoys work, but it’s just as happy being a pet in your house. This is an easy-going dog that will happily go with the flow and complain little.

In general the American Cocker Spaniel is cheerful, sensitive, respectful and pleasant to be around. These dogs are gentle and can be prone to shyness, and will eschew new relationships with people and other dogs if not socialized properly. It’s best to socialize Cocker Spaniel puppies early and often so they don’t develop that shy side.

Unlike some dogs that will challenge your authority and attempt to establish themselves as the “top dog,” Cocker Spaniel dogs are happy to accept you as the leader, and they seem to inherently understand that you are the boss and they are inferior to you.

Care Required

If you keep your Cocker Spaniel dog’s coat long, be prepared to brush it daily and shampoo it frequently. To keep it shiny and beautiful looking, it does require some care. Even if you keep his coat shorter, you’ll still have to brush him regularly and get it trimmed regularly. You can be a bit more lax, however.

Cocker Spaniel dogs don’t shed too terribly much, though they can leave a trail behind if their coat is left long. The hairs can come out easily, so be careful when brushing that you don’t pull out the long hairs.

Exercise Requirements
You might not think by looking at this sweet-faced and regal dog that he’s a bit of a wild man, but he is. That is, the Cocker Spaniel dog needs a good amount of activity on a regular basis. If he doesn’t get it, he might challenge your home environment.

Be sure to give your Cocker Spaniel regular walks that are long and sometimes challenging. When walking him, avoid going through areas that contain thickets or anything that could damage your Cocker’s coat.

While the American Cocker Spaniel does best in a home environment with a large yard, he can live in an apartment if he’s exercised regularly and well. He’s active indoors, so plenty of area to play and plenty of toys to play with are both essential.

Training

Because the Cocker Spaniel innately knows who is boss (you), he’s relatively easy to train. Some Cocker Spaniels can be difficult to housebreak, however, so some patience is required during that process.

Height and Weight

The male Cocker Spaniel will grow to be about 15 ½ inches tall, while the female will be about 14 ½ inches tall. Both male and female will weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Cocker Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of health problems. If you do add one to your home, it’s important that you consider the many challenges that Cocker Spaniels can face with regard to their health.

Some of the most common health problems that your Cocker Spaniel might deal with include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions. They also suffer knee problems and hip dysplasia, along with liver disease and cardiomyopathy. Some have allergies, ear infections, and a very serious condition called immune mediated hemolytic anemia.

If your Cocker Spaniel stays healthy, or is lucky enough to deal well with whatever health conditions he might suffer, he can live to be about 12 to 15 years old.

Suitability

The Cocker Spaniel loves children and does well in a house with children and other pets. They also make good watchdogs, enjoy agility and will work to do well in trials, and they make excellent hunting dogs.

More Information

Further information about the Cocker Spaniel can be found here.

General Appearance and Description

Papillon dogs are lively, sweet creatures that take training well and enjoy being part of a family. The Papillon is one of the oldest dog breeds in history. Their history goes back at least 700 years, according to the experts. The frescoes of the 13th through 15th centuries often depict Papillon puppies and dogs.

Papillon breeders and experts know much about how the breed has grown and changed through the ages thanks to the depictions of the Papillon in the frescoes and in Renaissance paintings. Over many years, the dog’s ears became erect and somewhat fringed, which led to the dog being referred to as a butterfly dog (Papillon means “butterfly” in French).

The Papillon dog has a long tail that’s plumed and that curls over the back. It will have long fur and often the coat is lustrous and shiny. Most purebred Papillon dogs will have a white coat with patches of other colors.

Basic Temperament

Papillons are smart, friendly dogs that, while small, are tough. They love to be outside and love to walk and be active, but they are also gentle, affectionate and enjoy sitting next to you as you watch the evening news.

The Papillon can be highly active and playful, amusing those around him with his lively and charming character, but he can also be dignified, gentle and steady, when needed.

The Papillon isn’t a yappy small dog, but will take on some characteristics of “small dog syndrome” if the dog owner isn’t careful.

“Small dog syndrome” develops when the dog is allowed to believe he owns the house in which he lives. It’s a condition of small dogs because people often coddle small dogs and ask little of them in terms of obedience.

The condition can be exhibited through behavior problems like separation anxiety, snapping, biting, being very high-strung or timid, and barking obsessively.

Care Required

The Papillon puppy is relatively easy to care for. If the owner establishes good habits when the dog is young, caring for him will be a breeze as he gets older.

First, that long coat does require some care. It must be combed and brushed each day. Combing and brushing it will keep it silky and shiny.

Fortunately for Papillon owner, the dog is otherwise easy to care for. He should only be bathed or shampooed when necessary. The nails should be clipped often and the teeth should be cleaned regularly. Papillon dogs tend to have teeth that collect tarter easily.

The Papillon doesn’t shed much and, while his coat is long and silky, it doesn’t tangle or matt often.

Exercise Requirements

The Papillon needs a walk on a daily basis.

If you are concerned about your Papillon behaving badly, consider that the motivation you need to give him that regular, daily walk. Papillon dogs that are walked daily are much less likely to have behavior problems.

While the Papillon can be housed in an apartment or area without a yard, he does do better in an area that offers him an area to romp off leash, such as a fenced yard. If you don’t have a yard, he will enjoy the socialization that the dog park affords him.

Training

The Papillon is not difficult to train, though some of this breed will have trouble being housetrained. Otherwise, the Papillon is a highly trainable dog.

This breed particularly enjoys being asked to be a watchdog, or performing in agility trials. He will also generally do well in competitive obedience. The Papillon can learn tricks easily and will enjoy performing them.

Height and Weight

Both the male and female Papillon will be about 8 to 11 inches tall. The male will weigh between 8 and 10 pounds and the female between 7 and 9 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Most Papillon dogs are healthy dogs that might only suffer from kneecap problems in the hind legs. If the dog must have surgery, some Papillons have a hard time with anesthesia.

The lifespan for an average Papillon can exceed 16 years.

Suitability

The Papillon is best for a household that’s run from a house rather than apartment.

Papillons are typically not a good choice for a household with very small children, or older children who want to be able to “roughhouse” with a dog, because of their small size. This breed also tends to have pretty high self-esteem; a Papillon will protect itself if it feels threatened or mistreated.

This is partly due to the activity level, but mostly due to the fact that these dogs have a strong urge to protect and they will bark quite a bit if they hear a lot of noises. This can be a challenge in an apartment.

The Papillon makes an excellent watchdog (for the aforementioned protection urg

More Information

Further information about the Papillon can be found here.e) and also does well in competitions ranging from agility to obedience.

General Appearance and Description

These spirited dogs are not called “King” for nothing. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendly, eager to please and always a crowd pleaser, thanks to its sweet and elegant looks.

The Cavalier Spaniel usually has dark and expressive eyes that are large. They don’t dominate the face, but always get attention. They have a wavy silky coat that’s usually black and tan.

Basic Temperament

The King Charles Cavalier is outgoing and affectionate. He will always want to please you and is intelligent enough to know what you need from him.

The Cavalier King Charles is descended from hunting dogs, so he loves to run around in the great outdoors. It’s important, then, that the Cavalier Spaniel is kept on a leash and in a fenced background. Their desire to hunt and explore can often cause harm.

Like all small dogs, this dog needs to know who the boss is. Make sure you establish yourself as the pack leader so he doesn’t think he needs to take that role for himself.

Care Required

This dog has a good amount of fur to manage, so brush him often and bathe or shampoo him as needed. The hair on the ears, which is long, can tangle and mat, so the ears should be brushed often. Even the hair between the pads on the feet should be attended to.

Not an ideal dog for those with allergies, this dog sheds at an average rate.

Exercise Requirements

Give your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a regular walk, and give him plenty of playtime. The Cavalier Spaniel dogs do well in apartments and home environments that don’t give them much of an outdoor area as long as they get that regular walk.

Take care in extreme conditions, as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be sensitive to heat and cold.

Training

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and desire to please. They are intuitive, so they will understand what you want and will be able to perform as you wish through the use of this intuitive nature.

These dogs are capable of learning complicated obedience tricks and do well in competitive obedience competitions.

Height and Weight

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be about 12 to 13 inches tall in adulthood and should weigh somewhere between 10 and 18 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Cavalier Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of health issues. Some of these problems include kneecaps that dislocate, ear infections, hearing trouble, and back problems. They also often suffer from hereditary eye diseases.

Unfortunately, many dogs will also carry a hereditary tendency toward heart problems, which can be fatal. For this reason, many canine experts suggest choosing a dog whose medical history can be checked going back several generations.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also gain weight easily so their diet should be carefully watched.

Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will live from 9 to 14 years.

Suitability

These dogs are excellent hunting dogs and are often introduced into homes with this intention. King Charles Cavalier dogs don’t necessarily enjoy being in a home with children. Most experts suggest that this dog be placed in a home with only older children.

The Cavalier Spaniel does get along well with other dogs and other non-canine pets, however.

Further Information

Further information about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be found here.

General Appearance and Description

The pug is often called the cutest of all dogs, and it’s likely due to his characteristic stocky and compact body and his punched in face. He has a square body that is framed by a sleek, soft coat and accented by a forehead that looks to be in a perpetual state of worry.

Most pugs are apricot, fawn, black or silver colored. They will all have a black muzzle and prominent eyes. The eyes are nearly always dark and thoughtful. Pugs have short tails that are usually tightly curled.

Basic Temperament

Pug owners often refer to them as bigger dogs than their size allows. This is due to their very large personality. Pugs are playful and charm nearly everyone they come in contact with. That’s likely as much a process affected by their sweet looks as their sweet personality. They are affectionate and loving and intensely loyal. Pugs are quite smart as well.

But pug dog breeders will tell you that these dogs are willful and hard to handle, especially if the humans let them believe they are smarter and stronger than the humans.

If you don’t establish yourself as the leader of the pack, the pug will, and he might exhibit some troubling behaviors like guarding furniture or other things in the house. While they are not aggressive dogs, pugs can be firm about their need to guard, simply because nobody else has stepped into the role of leader.

Care required

While they might take a bit of work in the behavior department, pugs are easy to care for. They need a good brushing every now and then and a shampoo only when absolutely necessary.

Because black pug puppies and other pugs are very short haired, it’s important to dry them off after a bath quickly and wrap them in a towel to prevent chills.

The creases on the face which give the pug their distinctive look require some care. They must be cleaned regularly with a cotton ball.

While they are very short haired, pugs do shed heavily a few times a year.

Exercise Requirements

Pugs should be taken on regular walks, but these aren’t dogs that require a lot of physical stimulation. Most of them, in fact, can’t handle too much of that at all. They are very sensitive to climate, so taking them out in cold or hot weather is not advised.

Because they don’t require intense physical activity, pugs are a good choice for people who live in apartments or small spaces. Regardless of their living arrangements, because of their sensitivity to heat and cold, they should be kept mostly indoors.

Training

Pugs aren’t the most trainable of dogs, but they can be trained and will enjoy having some structure.

Because they are highly intelligent and somewhat clever, pugs do become tired quickly of training methods, so be sharp and mix things up when you are training these dogs.

Height and Weight

Most male pugs will be about 12 to 14 inches tall and 13 to 20 pounds. Female pugs will be a bit smaller, with a height around 10 to 12 inches and will weigh about 13 to 18 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Pug dogs generally have a good number of health problems.

Your pug is prone to colds and, as we discussed earlier, will be stressed by extremes in weather, from cold to hot.

The short muzzle on the pug causes breathing problems and they are prone to wheezing and other chronic breathing issues.

Pugs are prone to obesity, so watching their diet is essential. Some are prone to laziness, too, so it’s best to force your pug to walk and get some exercise.

Finally, any pug owner can speak to the pug’s penchant for snoring. They snore loudly and often, and many a pug owner has lost some sleep in the night until they learn how to deal with the snoring.

In general, pugs are hearty dogs, and can live to be about 12 to 15 years old on average.

Suitability

Pugs get along well with other dogs and in general with other pets in the house. They love children and enjoy meeting new people. Their addition to the household is usually a good one.

Pugs also make excellent pets for senior citizens, who enjoy their laid back and friendly nature and their ability to make good lap pets.

Further Information

Further information about the Pug can be found here.