Dog Breeds

Photos from the 2011 Westminster Dog Show by Robert Clark put to the music of "Who Let The Dogs Out" by Baha Men.

CNN: Snooki hairdo, new breeds at dog show

Showdog's a dead ringer for Snooki. Plus the barking photographer. CNN's Jeanne Moos covers Westminster.

AKC Dog Breeds - How They Help Establish the Family Line

If you are looking for a new dog, wanting to know more about the one you have, or perhaps decide if you should breed your animal, you can find out if he is recognized as one of many AKC breeds. Since 1884, the American Kennel Club has registered purebred dog pedigrees. They also promote and sanction many events, including the annual Westminster Show. It is probably the purebred kennel club Americans are most familiar with.

Finding out if your pet is one of the recognized AKC breeds can be easy. If your dog's parents are both registered as the same breed, then your pet can be recognized as a purebred. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean the animal may be completely 100% healthy as the Club doesn't have health standards for breeding. Other clubs require medical examinations, while the American Kennel Club simply requires that both parents are registered as purebred. That seems to deter some people from registering their breeds with the popula.

Is it important that your dog be a recognized AKC dog breed? Along with the Westminster Dog Show, there are many benefits one can carry with being an American Kennel Club member. You can follow the dog's genealogy, compete in various sanctioned shows, and register with other breeding clubs to learn more about your pet. Many promotions check to see if your dog is a purebred dog and do check with the AKC. And a lot of the smaller kennel clubs in your area may recognize the American Kennel Club standards as to how they determine breeding and registration.

AKC dog breeds are important, as they also help establish a distinct family line that will determine how pure one's dog is. This can help when you are trying to learn about your dog's history, or when you are looking to breed your dog. Finding the proper mate for your dog when it comes to breeding can be important if you are looking to breed a purebred dog. Checking with the Kennel Club to see if both dogs are purebred dogs can be the difference in the value of the dog's litter and whether they can be recognized with the American Kennel Club, or other AKC sanction kennel clubs, as well.

Sherry Harris is the author of a wide range of dog topics including, but not limited to: puppy training, dog grooming, pet travel, pet insurance, dog training, pet food, house training, dog breeds and dog allergies. For hundreds more free dog articles visit http://www.DogStyleNetwork.com Hope you enjoyed the article topic AKC Dog Breeds. We are online 24/7, so come visit us at your convenience!

West Highland Terriers - Dog Breeds

West Highland Terriers or "Westies" originated in the West Highlands of Scotland. These terriers were originally bred to go after small game. It is said that their breeding came about after another terrier was mistakenly shot Another breeder had a few white pups in the litter and bred those exclusively to become the West Highland White terriers of today. A Westie is very friendly and has a jaunt about his step. This breed is very hardy and needs a walk every day for exercise. Westies have a better temperament than most terriers and will not snap as much. They are recognized by the AKC and other top breeding programs as a legitimate breed.

Westies are fun loving, and fun to be with. They need a small yard to be happy. They are also good companions to be with, and all the love that you could ask for. However, the life can go right out of them if you mistreat these precious dogs. They are good companions for those that have families and well behaved children. They are a bit high strung, but are well worth it to have as friends and companions. The heart of a warrior lies within their chests.

For hunting of small game, these terriers really cannot be beat. These hunters keep at it until they have found their prey. Their determination is one of their inborn traits as a small game hunter. They are fantastic to work with and a joy on the hunting field. These terriers have a natural ability to hunt and also to play. Their good nature is what truly endears them to dog lovers. For Westie owners, they really would not have it any other way. These dogs are also champions on the field of competition and have the AKC stamp of approval. You can see a representative at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. You can also see these at any AKC competition.

These adorable Westies have won Best of Show, Best of Breed, and even won several AKC events. Breeders have entered these dogs into all sorts of shows. They have won major competitions in any show that they have been entered into. They are champions of field, of breed and lovable companions to any and all who take them into their homes. If you want a loyal dog breed this is the only one to have.

For more information on West Highland Terriers or Dog Breeds take a look at this Dog Training website.

Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group

The Toy Group includes most of the very small and miniature lap dogs and apartment-sized companion dog breeds. Toy dogs play a critical role in the lives of people that live alone and their presence can have beneficial effects on the health of the sick, the elderly and the housebound. Toys are popular companion dogs for people living in cities and adapt well to apartment life. Many Toys distrust strangers and make great watchdogs and don't need a lot of exercise beyond what they get running around and playing indoors. Toys make great traveling companions and are readily accepted just about everywhere. Toy dog breeds are always difficult to housebreak but usually adapt well to apartment life.

If your Toy isn't completely house trained after 3 months then you should seek professional help. Toddlers and small children are too rough for toy dogs that may bite in self-defense. The top 10 most popular Toy breeds in the US according to the American Kennel Club 2005 registrations are discussed below and their registration rank is included in brackets. The inclusion of the Toy Poodle as #2 is incorrect as its rank is a composite total of all 3 Poodle varieties - Toy, Miniature and Standard. It probably belongs somewhere in the top ten but not in the #2 position.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie (#3) almost overtook the Golden Retriever as the second most popular dog in the US in 2005. This rugged toy dog is very popular because it has all the admirable attributes of larger dogs but in miniature. The typical Yorkie plays hard and has limitless energy. With persistence a Yorkie can be obedience trained. Some are bright and learn quickly, while others are more obstinate and opinionated. Yorkies get along well with other pets but they can be very possessive of their food and toys. The Yorkshire makes a better pet for older and calmer children. The Yorkshire will bark at strangers, often in a high pitched voice. Early socialization is required so that the dog doesn't become too shrill and to ensure barking is controlled.

Poodle (Toy)

All the wonderful things that you can say about a Standard Poodle don't all apply to the Toy or Miniature versions. Toy Poodles (#8) are less than 11 inches at shoulder height but the same American Kennel Club standards apply across all sizes. Toys are generally more sensitive than the Standard and are also more active, louder and less confident. Early socialization and training to curb excessive barking and leg lifting is required. Even though these dogs are very small, they still enjoy lots of playtime and long walks. Toy Poodles will do fine with older considerate children.

Shih Tzu

The exotic looking Shih Tzu (#9) is one of the sturdiest and most robust of the toy dog breeds. Shih Tzus are intelligent, playful, affectionate, friendly, self confident and outgoing. Shih Tzus make great apartment dogs and companion dogs for the elderly. These charming and personable dogs are devoted to their owners and their families. They make great traveling companions and rarely show any aggressive behavior toward strangers or strange animals. The breed gets along extremely well with older, considerate children.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua (#11) is the smallest of the toy dog breeds. Chihuahuas are intelligent, charming and loving dogs who are devoted to their owners. This breed needs close contact with its family and make great companions. Chihuahuas can have delusions of grandeur and self-confidence and will challenge much larger dogs. Chihuahuas are good with older children if raised with them. Chihuahuas are intelligent and can be trained fairly easily. Some Chihuahuas can be overly insecure and are prone to excessive barking and early socialization and training while a puppy is recommended.

Pug

The Pug (#12) is a sturdy small dog that is one of the most popular and largest of the toy dog breeds. This charming, adorable and playful small dog will make you laugh. The Pug is an even tempered, easygoing, pleasant and friendly companion. This sturdy, small dog breed gets along well with children and with other pets although toddlers and small children should be supervised carefully to ensure they don't injure the dog. The Pug doesn't need much training but enjoys the process and is fairly easy to train.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians (#14) or "Poms" are one of the smallest toy dog breeds. The Pom is lively, spirited and animated. This breed is a keen-eyed extrovert who is very inquisitive and must check out all activities going on around him. The Pom is a proud and confident, even cocky, toy dog that requires early and thorough socialization with strangers to minimize its tendency to bark. This toy breed is intelligent, eager to learn and takes readily to positive and gentle training methods.

Maltese

The Maltese is one of the most intelligent and most gentle of all the toy dog breeds. This lively and agile little toy dog loves to play games. This toy breed is cheerful, loving, playful, smart and has lots of personality. Maltese should have early socialization while they are puppies to give them more confidence and overcome their distrust of strangers and minimize their tendency to bark. Maltese enjoy obedience training and some will do well in competitive obedience and agility competitions. This toy breed does fine with older and considerate children.

Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin is the most active and lively of all the toy dog breeds. Miniature Pinschers are full of energy, alert, loyal, intelligent and very courageous for their size. Min Pins think they are much larger than their toy size and can be aggressive towards other dogs. These toy dogs can be stubborn and need lots of early socialization and obedience training while puppies. The breed does fine with older considerate children and household pets. Outdoors, this toy breed should be on a leash or in a securely fenced yard as they can disappear quickly.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (#31) is a graceful and happy toy spaniel that is larger than its close relative, the English Toy Spaniel. The Cavalier is a gentle, even-tempered, happy and playful small dog. Cavaliers make excellent family dogs who even like to play with small children (always under supervision of course). The Cavalier finds all humans delightful and loves to cuddle in their laps and snuggle in their beds. However, these comfort-loving Spaniels love to run in the yard and chase chipmunks, squirrels, and birds. Cavaliers are easy to train but require early socialization as puppies to overcome their natural timidity.

Papillon

The Papillon (#35) is one of the oldest European toy dog breeds and the French word for butterfly was used to describe this lively toy breed with the erect butterfly ears. The Papillon is a friendly, affectionate and intelligent dog that is much more robust than it appears. The Pap is definitely not a lap dog and is high spirited, active and loves to play outside and go for walks. This breed is very smart and can be trained to be a good agility and obedience dog for competitions. If the Pap is socialized early and trained properly, and not pampered and spoiled, it becomes a confident and outgoing companion who gets along well with older children and pets.

About the Author - Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: http://www.dog-breed-facts.com He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog health, dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his free report on Dog Training.

French Bulldog - Dog Breeds

Group: Non-sporting

Weight: 28 lbs

Height: 11-13 inches

Overview

There is a great deal of speculation about the origin of the French Bulldog, and the most common believe is that they originated from the miniature bulldog that was brought to France by workers from Nottingham at the time of the industrial revolution. During the 1860s, the export of miniature bulldogs became so popular, that they almost died out in England. Many believe that they were then crossed with the Terrier Boule, which resulted in the French Bulldog. During 1896, the French Bulldog made its first appearance in the United States at the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York.

Temperament

The French Bulldog is an enjoyable and easygoing companion dog. They love to play and are also very affectionate. This is a sweet natured breed that is very amusing. They have amusing personalities and like to joke around. The French Bulldog is inquisitive and watchful, and will get along fairly well with strangers and other strangers. Some males may be dog aggressive, but in general they get along well with other dogs. This breed wants companionship and will not do well without it.

Care

The French Bulldog is an average shedding dog that will not require a lot of grooming. This breed can be brushed with a rubber brush to remove and loose and dead hair. Seeing that these dogs have a flat muzzle, the French Bulldog is inclined to drool - therefore their mouths should be cleaned often. The French Bulldog should only be bathed when it is really required.

Training

French Bulldogs can be obstinate, and not easy to train. It is important for the trainer to be patient and dominant in training sessions. This breed struggles to adhere to given tasks, and is also easily distracted. Puppy classes are recommended for this breed, and it is also a good way to socialise. Although this is a well-built little breed, they will not respond positively toward rough training methods. This dog will do best with a patient trainer, and will go a long way when the correct training methods are used.

Health problems

A few known health issues of the French Bulldog include an elongated soft palate, premature disc degeneration, difficult whelping and allergies. Some common health problems in these dogs are also eye problems and respiratory difficulties. In some French Bulldogs their nostrils can be widened for better breathing.

Visit the following links for more info on the French Bulldog or a full list of Dog Breeds.

Delightful Toy and Miniature Breeds of Dogs That Will Bring Your Family Great Pleasure

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Like many of us, you may wonder what miniature and toy dog breeds are available to bring home to be your family pet. There may be more than you're aware of! Most the miniature and toy breeds are merely small counterparts of the same, but larger, breeds.

You may find it interesting to learn that dog breeds considered miniature or toys are actually both modern and ancient. They often are descended from breeds of dogs that have been around for literally centuries, so, in a sense, they are ancient, however some of them have come from purposefully breeding two or more breeds or inbreeding producing the miniature and toy dog breeds we have today, such as the Miniature Pinscher.

Another example would be the Italian Greyhound, which appears to be a small version of the Greyhound as it has the same talents as its larger breed.

You will want to choose carefully from the large selection of miniature and toy breeds of dogs, considering the pros and cons of each to be sure you get a dog that will suit your family and the lifestyle you lead. Something specific to consider about a toy breed of dog is that their extremely small size makes it quite difficult for a vet to treat them, since they don't have any extra weight and can dehydrate quite easily. Toy breeds also can have a predisposition to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

Here are some breeds of small dogs that people have found to make the best pets:

Chihuahua
The world's smallest breed of dog is the Chihuahua (6" to 11"). A Chihuahua has rather prominent, bulging eyes and ears that are erect, but soft. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Chihuahuas can get aggressive when provoked, but are typically very devoted and loving.

Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a German breed that comes in the small size of 11 inches and with a weight of less than 5 pounds. They have a bit of a mischievous streak and sport a mustached muzzle with a coat that is rather rough. They are generally very playful but can be somewhat obstinate occasionally.

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
This is a toy breed from Britain well known for its playful personality. Yorkies have soft, downy coats and are typically about 9 inches tall and weigh around 5 or 6 pounds. They get along well with people, are quite intelligent, and tend to be rather bold. They are black with patches of tan.

Shi Tzu
This is a Chinese breed and is also known as the 'Chrysanthemum Dog'. It is characterized by a long billowing coat and high intelligence. Normally its height can go up to 11". Shi Tzu's are highly affectionate, sporty and courageous.

Other small breeds of dogs that are enjoyed by many are: Pug, Pomeranian, Pekingese, Papillion, Maltese Dog, Lhasa Apso, Havanese, French Bulldog, and Toy Poodle.

These are by no means all the dogs that are available in toy and miniature varieties, but indeed many have enjoyed welcoming them into their families and delighted them in the years following their adoptions. If you're a lover of small breeds of dogs, you will surely find one that will give you immense pleasure among all the varieties that are available to you.

My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at http://www.online4pets.com/ to discover more information about miniature and toy dog breeds.

5 Of the Best Dog Breeds For Seniors - Part 2

Image : http://www.flickr.com

In the first article I wrote on this topic I listed 5 dog breeds that are recommended for seniors to own. They are: Boston terrier, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Maltese, and Pekingese. I also listed some of the benefits of dog ownership that included: companionship, a sense of safety and security, reducing stress, and getting more exercise while playing with or walking your dog.

Following is a list of 5 more of the best dog breeds for seniors:

1. Pembroke Welsh corgi - This breed is intelligent, loyal, and loving. It does not require a large living space and responds well to training. This dog needs daily exercise and routine brushing.

Height: 10 to 12 inches / Weight: 25 to 30 pounds

2. Pug - The Pug makes a good indoor pet. It is loving, affectionate, and gets along well with other pets and people. It requires little grooming.

Height: 10 to 14 inches / Weight: 14 to 18 pounds

3. Schnauzer - Standard or miniature make good pets. They are affectionate, protective and crave human companionship. The Schnauzer can adapt easily to small city apartments. It needs daily exercise and regular grooming.

Height: 12 to 14 inches / Weight: 10 to 15 pounds

4. Toy poodle - This breed loves the company of people enjoys being pampered. It is very intelligent and is easily trained. The Toy poodle is cheerful and is usually good with other pets. It needs daily mental and physical exercise.

Height: Up to 10 inches / Weight: 6 to 9 pounds

5. Yorkshire terrier - The Yorkshire terrier travels well due to its small size and temperament. It needs daily interaction with people. This breed requires limited exercise but does need regular grooming.

Height: 6 to 7 inches / Weight: around 7 pounds

To learn more about different dog breeds and how to train, groom, and exercise your dog go to: petsonly.biz

Dog Breeds and How To Pick The Right One

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Dog Breeds:

A lot of factors come into play when it comes to choosing the right dog breed for you or your family. Some dogs require a lot of attention and exercise while some do not. Your lifestyle plays a major role in how the dog will interact with you so it is vital to choose a breed that compliments you and your family.

Spaniels

If your lifestyle consists of hunting, taking walks and outdoor activities then you have quite a few dog breeds to choose from. Brittany spaniels have many qualities that will compliment this type of lifestyle. They love to hunt and play fetch on a regular basis. They do require daily brushing as their hair may become matted if their coats are not brushed. This breed loves to be with people and is typically good with children if they are introduced to them at an early age. This is a large breed weighing an average of 30-40 pounds.

Golden Retriever and Labs

Another breed that is good for an outdoor lifestyle are the golden retriever and Labs. They too are family dogs and require your attention as they are people pleasers by nature. Their coat is long and requires brushing on a regular basis as well. Not only do they love to hunt but they like to bring you the prize as well. Golden retrievers and labs are also a large breed weighing an average of 55 - 75 pounds. Tragically, many black labs, even 100% purebred, are euthanized each year. It is because they are dark and big and even though one of the friendliest dogs, many people are afraid of them.

Terriers

Yorkshire terriers are a small breed weighing an average of 7 pounds. They are loyal lap dogs who love to be with their owners. This breed requires little exercise as they are more suited for short walks and apartment living. They do require daily brushing, cleansing of the eyes and ears, and dental care in order to remain healthy.

Doberman Pinschers

If you are looking for a dog that is protective, loyal, are the only owner, and do not live in a cold climate then the Doberman Pinscher is the dog for you. This breed requires minimal brushing and bathing. Oral hygiene on the other hand is of the utmost importance. If there is more than one family member in a household the Doberman may bond with one family member more so than every one else.

Do Research

There are a lot of dog breeds to choose from so it is vital that you do your research to find one that compliments your lifestyle. Some dogs do not do well in environments where they are left alone while others manage just fine. Do your research before becoming a dog owner and you will be happy with the result.

Dan is offering free reports on dog training. To get first report, go to:
http://www.dogtrainingeasy.com

Terrier Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dog In This Group

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The Terrier Group includes those small but lively terrier breeds that were developed (mainly in Great Britain) to hunt small burrowing animals such as badgers, foxes, otters, rabbits and rats. The terrier often had to follow the prey underground and therefore, except for the Bull and Airedale Terriers, most terriers are small and stocky with short legs. These are feisty and energetic dogs that have little tolerance for other animals including other dogs. Of course these small dog breeds have been domesticated and make good pets but they are still fairly active and require firm handling. Many breeds like the Airedale, Bull, Fox and the Parson (Jack) Russell Terriers do best with experienced owners. The top 10 most popular terrier breeds in the US according to the American Kennel Club 2005 registrations are discussed below and their registration rank is included in brackets. It is interesting to note that the top six most popular terriers are all low-shedding dog breeds that are said to be hypoallergenic when properly groomed.

1. Miniature Schnauzer

Minis (#10) are lively, pleasant and playful with expressive personalities. These loyal and devoted small dogs want to be totally involved in all family activities and love to go for walks. Most Minis are good with children but are a little too small to be a toddler's pet. They will generally get along fine with other family pets although they are terriers and can be feisty toward other dogs. Early socialization and obedience training will help with controlling excessive barking and a reluctance to walk on leash. This breed can be taught fairly easily and can even excel at advanced obedience competitions.

2. West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White (#32) is cheerful, bold, assertive, courageous, inquisitive and has a great deal of personality. This small white dog needs to get involved in everything that is happening in the home. The Westie is easier to handle and friendlier than many other terriers but still needs his daily walks and play sessions. Westies will try and dominate dogs of the same sex but otherwise get along better with other dogs and cats than most terriers. The Westie still has its hunting prey drive and shouldn't be let off leash except in a fenced enclosed area. The Westie is very possessive of its toys and food and doesn't like to be handled by young children.

3. Scottish Terrier

The Scottie (#40) is a small dog breed with a jaunty and distinctive appearance. The Scottie is brave, alert, proud, confident, loyal and dignified. While friendly and playful as puppies, the mature Scottish Terrier can be stubborn at times. Therefore it is important to start socializing and obedience training http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/articles/training-your-puppy.html> the Scottie while it is a puppy and continue through adolescence. Scotties love to play, so make sure you add play and rewards to your training. The Scottish Terrier does best with older children.

4. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier (#41) is one of the smallest of the working terrier dog breeds. These terriers are bold, spirited and inquisitive but are also somewhat independent-minded. The Cairn is intelligent, affectionate and eager to please its master. This breed is easily trained and likes to do tricks although they may be the tricks that he - not you - wants to do. Cairns do well with older children and love to play games. These Terriers demand lots of attention but will provide you with hours of entertainment in return.

5. Airedale Terrier

The medium-sized Airedale Terrier (#52) is larger than most Terriers and has an even temperament and sweet disposition, although some Airedales can get into fights with other dogs. This terrier is dignified, patient, loyal and intelligent and makes a great companion dog that loves to play with children. The Airedale should be supervised with young children as it may be too boisterous for them. Airedales can be trained to a high level as anything from a guard dog or watchdog to a seeing-eye dog. Airedale puppies are playful and exuberant and obedience training should be started early and re-enforced through adulthood by a knowledgeable owner.

6. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Wheaten Terrier (#59) is cheerful, active, busy, playful and affectionate. The Wheaten is independent and self confident but also fairly intelligent and eager to learn. Wheaten puppies should be socialized early with children, other dogs and strangers. The breed is fairly easy to train if you can get their attention. Wheatens get along fine with older children but can be too playful and assertive with young children. Wheatens are much more sociable than most terriers but will still need obedience training to control their active and assertive nature.

7. Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier (#62) or 'Bullie' is a lively and powerful dog. Bull Terriers are fearless, assertive, comical and mischievous. This large breed is loyal, affectionate and loving and can make a good family pet. Bullies are probably too exuberant for small children but will do fine with considerate older children. Bull Terriers need lots of attention and may not be the best choice for the city unless they are involved in lots of family activities. These dogs can be quite strong willed and are difficult to train. The breed needs early socialization when they are puppies and on-going obedience training. Male Bullies, especially those which haven't been neutered, can be extremely aggressive with other male dogs and even other pets.

8. American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire (#63) is usually calm and friendly with an air of self confidence; this powerful medium-sized breed is active, playful, affectionate and relatively easy to train. The Am Staff loves playing with older children but is too boisterous for young children. However this dog is fearless and is not to be trusted around cats or other dogs. The Am Staff has powerful jaws and will destroy any toys you give it to chew. This breed needs early socialization to other dogs and strangers and on-going obedience training. The Am Staff is the largest of the three breeds generally referred to as Pit Bulls. The other two are the American Pit Bull Terrier which is not registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which is registered with the AKC. In the past, these breeds were all bred to be fighting dogs. Now that this activity is illegal, these pit bull breeds have an undeserved reputation for fighting. This is a dog for an experienced owner and prospective buyers should also check their local area bylaws and also their household insurance to see if there is any restriction on this breed of dog.

9. Parson Russell Terrier

The small-sized Jack Russell Terrier (#72) is known as the Parson Russell Terrier in the U.S. The Parson (Jack) Russell is the most energetic, fearless and athletic of all the terrier dog breeds. The Parson Russell demands full participation in the family activities with lots of physical and mental challenges. If the Jack Russell gets too little exercise and companionship, then this cheerful little dog will get bored and become destructive. The Parson Russell can be very aggressive towards strange dogs and even other family dogs. The Parson (Jack) Russell needs a lot of early socialization while a puppy and adolescent to curb aggressive behavior. These strong-willed Terriers need lots of early and on-going obedience training to ensure the owner and not the dog is in charge. The Parson Russell gets along well with older children - especially those that will play ball or Frisbee with him.

10. White Fox Terrier

The small-sized Wire Fox Terriers (#76) are one of the liveliest and most energetic of all the terrier breeds. The two varieties, the Wire haired and the Smooth, differ only in coat type. These Terriers are very intelligent, curious, cheerful and love their families. The breed has so much energy that it will play and chase a ball or Frisbee for hours on end. Fox Terriers make great playmates for older children but still retain their hunting instincts and shouldn't be left alone with small pets. These Terriers should be kept on their leashes when being walked. The breed has a stubborn streak and socialization and training should be started when they are puppies and continued into adulthood.

About the Author - Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: http://www.dog-breed-facts.com He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog health, dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his free report on Dog Training.

Finnish Spitz - Dog Breeds

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Group: Non-sporting

Weight: 25 lbs

Height: 18 inches

Overview

The Finnish Spitz was originally brought from the area of the Volga River Area to Central Russia about 2000 years ago. This breed is the national dog of Finland; and the Finnish Spitz is referred to in quite a few Finnish patriotic songs. These dogs are now extensively acknowledged throughout the Scandinavian countries. The Finnish Spitz is fine at hunting birds, and they also make good family pets.

Temperament

You will find this breed to be lively and sociable, energetic and enthusiastic, devoted and courageous - but at the same time careful. The Finnish Spitz is tolerant of children and other animals in the household. They have a good hunting instinct, so they may chase after smaller animals. This breed is very intelligent and likes to be a part of the family. On the other hand, this breed is not ideal for all families - especially in households with lots of tension or loud bickering.

Care

The Finnish Spitz has a coat that cleans itself seeing that these dogs are viewed as arctic dogs. This breed does not need a lot of overall maintenance, but if dead hair can be removed with a brush or a comb. The coats of the Finnish Spitz don't have a typical doggy odour. The Finnish Spitz sheds heavily on a seasonal basis. The coats of these dogs are very rich, and they can remain shiny and thick all year round if these dogs are maintained throughout the year.

Training

The Finnish Spitz is a very smart, self-assured and intelligent breed. They will learn new skills very quickly and are easy to train when the right training methods are used. This breed can however be stubborn when overly anxious or full of fear. It is imperative to work with the Finnish Spitz in a calm manner whenever possible. These dogs are willful and brave, and will perform at a high level once they are comfy and have admiration for their owners. The Finnish Spitz has time and again been used in competitions as show dogs seeing that they have so many good qualities and virtues. This is an impressive hunting breed, and they can also be trained to be racers and rescuers from an early age onwards.

Health problems
The Finnish Spitz is a relatively healthy, and has one of the lowest occurrences for health issues. There are however a few conditions that potential owners should be aware of and these include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and deafness.

Visit the following links for more info on the Finnish Spitz or a full list of Dog Breeds.